Boardman Clark Welcomes New Attorneys Virginia Bartelt, Lindsey Cobbe, and Ashleigh Hacker

Boardman Clark is proud to announce the addition of three attorneys to the firm: Virginia Bartelt, Lindsey Cobbe, and Ashleigh Hacker. Each brings distinguished practices and years of experience to Boardman Clark.

Virginia Bartelt practices primarily in the areas of trust and estates, real estate, and business. Her clients include a wide variety of individuals, families, real estate investors, and business owners. Regardless of the type of work she’s doing, her goal is to provide her clients with practical solutions and to help them find peace of mind.

Lindsey Cobbe and Ashleigh Hacker are members of the firm’s Family Law Practice Group. Lindsey focuses her practice on divorce litigation and mediation, child custody and physical placement matters, and financial issues, including child support, maintenance, and property division. She also drafts marital property agreements (pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements) and cohabitation agreements. Ashleigh represents clients through all aspects of divorce litigation, and in child custody, child support, and maintenance cases. She has extensive experience working with business valuations, complex financial assets, intra-state jurisdictional issues, and Hague Convention matters, and also represents clients in appellate cases.

“Virginia, Lindsey, and Ashleigh are outstanding attorneys with excellent reputations in their fields,” says Marta Meyers, chair of Boardman Clark’s Family Law Practice Group. “We know our firm and our clients will benefit immensely from their insight and leadership.”

M3 Promotes Erik Vandermause to Chief Information Officer

M3 Promotes Erik Vandermause to Chief Information Officer

MADISON, WI – M3 is proud to announce the promotion of Erik Vandermause to Chief Information Officer and member of the firm’s executive operating committee, effective January 9, 2026. In this role, Vandermause leads M3’s digital strategy, driving transformation and advancing the firm’s next generation of growth and effectiveness.

Vandermause joined M3 in 2023 as Vice President of Applied Intelligence, where he led the firm’s data, analytics, digital, and CRM initiatives. His leadership in combining advanced technology with human insight has helped M3 deliver new levels of value for clients, employees, and partners.

Prior to joining M3, Vandermause served as a Managing Director at Accenture, helping insurance clients realize value from innovation in the front office. He also held several leadership positions at CUNA Mutual Group, including Director of Insurance Product Management and Vice President of Digital, Contact Centers, and Data.

“Erik’s wealth of experience in digital transformation and data-driven strategy has already made a significant impact on M3,” said Mike Moore, Chief Operating Officer and partner at M3. “As CIO, his vision and leadership will continue to strengthen our position as a forward-thinking organization focused on delivering exceptional and specialized outcomes for our clients.”

Vandermause earned his master’s degree in industrial engineering from the University of Wisconsin –Madison and his bachelor’s degree in business administration from St. Norbert College.

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About M3

M3 Insurance is a top private and independent insurance broker and risk management firm in the nation. Recognized as a leader in the products it represents and the industries it serves, M3’s people act as an extension of each client’s team, providing world-class resources to help manage risk, secure insurance solutions, and deliver comprehensive employee benefits. With a strong commitment to community, M3 works to build better places to live and work. For more information on M3 visit M3ins.com.

Stories of Campus and Culture Celebrates Black History, Storytelling, and UW–Madison Alumni Community

MADISON, Wis. — The Wisconsin Alumni Association’s Black Affinity Group will host Legacy & Libations: Stories of Campus and Culture on Sunday, February 1, 2026, from 3:00–5:00 p.m. at the Urban League Black Business Hub in Madison. The free event invites alumni and community members to gather for an afternoon celebrating Black legacy, cultural storytelling, and connection within the UW–Madison community.

The program will feature a cultural presentation by the SoulFolk Collective, highlighting narratives rooted in Black history and campus experience, along with wine education led by the Milwaukee Wine Academy, spotlighting Black-owned producers and the cultural significance of wine. Guests will also enjoy curated snacks and opportunities for alumni networking and community engagement.

The event is free and open to alumni and the public, with advance registration encouraged.

Event Details:
What: Legacy & Libations: Stories of Campus and Culture
When: Sunday, February 1, 2026 | 3:00–5:00 PM
Where: Urban League Hub, TruStage Entrepreneurship Event Center, 2222 S. Park Street, Madison, WI
Cost: Free with RSVP
Register: https://www.uwalumni.com/events/black-ag-legacy-libation-campus-stories/

Dupaco’s Gift of Innovation awards sessions to fuel nonprofit growth

DUBUQUE, Iowa – Fifteen nonprofits across Iowa, Wisconsin and Illinois will amplify their missions through Dupaco’s Gift of Innovation grant program, in partnership with The Innovation Lab. The program is designed to spark creative solutions and lasting impact.

The Gift of Innovation Grant recipients are:

• Catherine McAuley Center, Cedar Rapids, IA
• Cedar Valley Habitat for Humanity, Cedar Rapids
• Central Iowa Shelter and Services, Des Moines, IA
• CommUnity Crisis Services, Iowa City, IA
• Dubuque Area Labor Management Council, Dubuque, IA
• DVIP & RVAP (Domestic Violence Intervention Program), Iowa City
• Embolden WI, Madison, WI
• Families Forward, Des Moines
• Galena Art & Recreation Center, Galena, IL
• Moms Connect Dubuque, Dubuque
• New Hope Village, Inc., Carroll, IA
• Opening Doors, Dubuque
• Red Basket Project, Dubuque
• Waypoint Services for Women, Children and Families, Cedar Rapids
• Willkie House, Des Moines

This is the second year of this transformative program that fuels nonprofit growth through innovation support. Rather than a traditional monetary award, the grant provides innovation sessions to help nonprofits overcome resource constraints that may limit their potential. Sessions can help organizations work through challenges such as strategic planning, process development, financial sustainability, business model improvements and more.

This year’s program represents $67,000 in innovation support, delivered through tailored sessions that span one day, two days or 1 year. Sessions are conducted by Eric Dregne, Director of The Innovation Lab.

“It’s been exciting to work with the 2025 recipients of the Gift of Innovation program, to work through challenges that were holding them back,” said Eric Dregne, Innovation Lab director. “We cannot wait to get to work with the 2026 recipients to further impact the nonprofit sector and the people and communities they serve.”

“At Dupaco, we believe innovation is a catalyst for positive change. By equipping nonprofits with tools and strategies to think differently, we’re helping them unlock new ways to serve their communities,” said Joe Hearn, President and CEO of Dupaco Credit Union. “And when nonprofits thrive, the ripple effect strengthens families, neighborhoods and entire regions.”

The next Gift of Innovation grant cycle will open in fall 2026. Organizations that are interested in applying can watch www.dupaco.com/ways-we-give for updates.

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ABOUT DUPACO COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION

Dupaco Community Credit Union is a not-for-profit, member-owned financial cooperative headquartered in Dubuque, Iowa. It is dedicated to the financial well-being of its members, and specializes in personalized financial counseling, money advice and education. It offers savings, loans, investments, insurance and wealth management products for individuals and businesses. Dupaco serves residents in 118 counties throughout Iowa, northwest Illinois and southwest Wisconsin. Founded in 1948 by ten Dubuque Packing Company employees, membership has grown to more than 178,000 with assets exceeding $3.5 billion. It has over 600 employees and 23 branch office locations. It is a Forbes Best-in-State Credit Union, Forbes America’s Best Small Employer, and a Des Moines Register Top Workplace. Learn more at www.dupaco.com.

More Than 115 MMSD Students to Be Honored at Annual MLK Youth Recognition Breakfast

MADISON, Wis.—One hundred eighteen Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) students will be recognized for their academic achievements, leadership and service during the 42nd Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Youth Recognition Breakfast, hosted by the Urban League of Greater Madison.

The event will take place Sunday, Jan. 18, at Edgewood High School and will honor nearly 300 middle and high school students from 42 Dane County schools with Outstanding Young Person Awards. MMSD’s honorees include 72 middle school students and 46 high school students.

Award recipients are nominated by their schools based on a combination of strong academic performance, leadership and meaningful contributions to their schools and communities. Notably, two Robert M. La Follette High School seniors will be among the scholarship recipients: Kira Smith will be awarded a Betty Franklin-Hammonds Scholarship, and Rebecca Oruruo will receive a George Anglin Memorial Scholarship. The event will also recognize the newest cohort of MMSD Mann Scholars.

“Our students continue to embody Dr. King’s vision through their dedication to excellence, community engagement and personal integrity,,” said Superintendent Joe Gothard. “Their recognition at this event is not only a celebration of their accomplishments, but also a reminder of the responsibility and opportunity they have to shape a more just and inclusive future.”

Now in its 42nd year, the MLK Youth Recognition Breakfast is one of the longest-running youth recognition events in the region. Nearly 1,000 students, family members, educators and community members are expected to attend.

“This recognition reflects the strength of our students and the educators and families who support them every day,” Gothard said. “We are proud to stand alongside the Urban League of Greater Madison in uplifting young people who lead with purpose and serve their communities.”

MMSD full list of Outstanding Young Person Award recipients is as follows:

• Badger Rock Middle School: Itiel Gonzalez Espinoza, Adam Ocotl Perez, Ejaaz Ra-El, Liam Sandoval, Kylie Schmitt, Rudy Wilson
• Black Hawk Middle School: Ashaad Anderson, Gary Howard III, Sema-J Ivy-Gore, Matthew King, Monaire Lemon, Akilah Williams
• Capital High School: Airam Aleman-Hernandez, Larissa Dobbins, Knox Fettig, Tasha Noel, Avayah Turner
• Cherokee Heights Middle School: Kaddijatou Bah, Tamia English, Phoenixx Jenkins McMurray. Elijah Kennedy Jr., Zyaire Mickelson, Qamille Taylor
• East High School: Kadiatou Diabate, Wilma Hobenu, Ibrahim Danioko, Ramatulah Njie, Zahra Njie, Khadi Sylla, Titus Vang, Isaiah Vielmas, Daree Xiong
• Ezekiel Gillespie Middle School: Enijsia Johnson, Elias-Hanyire Kahite, Liliana Quevedo, Ayanna Smith, Ni’Esha Smith-Whitmore, Jhiana Wisdom
• Velma Hamilton Middle School: Kassandra Ayetey, Isaiah Bonk, Otto Borman, Khalil Jackson, Corielle McClinton, Cadence Yelder
• Robert M. La Follette High School: Zacaria Conklin, Ameillia Grace Cook, Janet Flores Benites, James Harris III, Miesha Henley, E’Yonna Jones, Lillyanne Medenwaldt, Rebecca Oruruo, Miyah Perkins, Kira Smith
• Vel Phillips Memorial High School: Awah Ambahe, Aliyaha Cofer, Kennedi Harden, William Harden, Lavonte Johnson Jr., Talayaja Johnson, Alric Koffison, Heaven McCann, Ronald Smith, London Tafor, Destiny Wallace, Kelvin Washington
• Georgia O’Keeffe Middle School: Imari Dorrough, Marshawn Fizer, Ky’Aire Larrue, John Mack Jr., Nyomee Triggs, Aubrey Turnier
• Ray F. Sennett Middle School: Cecilia Bull, Paisley Cook, Stoni Hawkins, Iliyan Hoskins, Aiden Martin, Nia Nguyuza
• Sherman Middle School: Reinella Foueppe, Aryanna Freeman, Ari’Yahna Handy, Torrance (TJ) Holmes Jr., Alaya McClain-McMillen, Tyjanic Walker
• Spring Harbor Middle School: Vivian Bartlett, Jesus Chacin, Elias Ketchum, Sanjay Remesh, Kazuki Sone, Gopika Vijayaraghavan
• Akira R. Toki Middle School: Destiny Daniel, Lylah Ferris, Fatoumatta Jaiteh, Michael Meier, Aaliyah Mitchell, Ciara Pettaway
• West High School: Randa Amer, Keymontae Brown, Gelen Castellanos Galvis, Sangrielle Harris, Jayla Jones, David Okpara, Adrian Ramirez Cornejo, Melchi Tepepa-Pasaribu, Hezekiah Ward, Ashley Zongo
• Annie Greencrow Whitehorse Middle School: Boubacar Diallo, Michael Hongmanivanh, Ne’Ayla Huffman, Parys Martin, Iyanna Ross, Zenay Ross
• James C. Wright Middle School: Jayce Gray, Jah’Kie Hodges, Kevin Jones Jr., Dmya Long, Peter Mensah, Zeniya Smith

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About the Madison Metropolitan School District

The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) is the second-largest school district in Wisconsin, serving more than 25,000 students across 52 schools. The district’s vision is that every school will be a thriving school that prepares every student to graduate ready for college, career and community. With more than 6,000 teachers and staff, MMSD is committed to ensuring the district’s goals and core values are held at the center of its efforts, so students can learn, belong and thrive. For more information, visit mmsd.org.