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WWBIC: Kathryn Dunn Named New Vice President of Programs and Operations

WWBIC is pleased to announce the return of Kathryn Dunn to WWBIC as Vice President of Programs & Operations.

Dunn began her career in the Milwaukee community serving as Vice President of WWBIC from 1993-1997. Kathryn was part of the dream team that began WWBIC over 38 years ago alongside President, Wendy K. Baumann. Kathryn’s work within the Milwaukee community as well as the State of Wisconsin has been instrumental to women’s economic empowerment movement as well as community based programming to serve the underserved.

Kathryn is leaving one of WWBIC’s long standing partners, the Greater Milwaukee Foundation (GMF) after 13 years of providing leadership and partnership in developing several key programs and initiatives. Kathryn’s work is reflected in the current GMF strategic plan, and the “Milwaukee for All” vision. She served as a key partner in the development of ThriveOn King Community HUB and supported the Greater Together Campaign.

Kathryn’s work has deepened strategic partnerships within the broader Milwaukee region. Most recently, her work on ThriveOn Community HUB, a historic partnership between Greater Milwaukee Foundation, The Medical College of Wisconsin and Royal Capital ensured the community’s vision and voice was reflected.

Ms. Dunn has partnered across teams at the Foundation throughout her time on projects such as creation of the Centennial Plan and Gifts to the Community, Match Day, On the Table, Impact Investing and the early work of the Foundation’s role in addressing racial inequities. After WWBIC and prior to her work with the GMF, Kathryn served as Community Investment Officer for the Helen Bader Foundation.

In her role as Vice President of Programs and Operations, Kathryn will complement the work and talent of WWBIC’s continuing Vice Presidents – Jon Gaines, Vice President of Business Services and Finance; and Christina Knudsen, Vice President of Development and Communication.

Baumann, Dunn, Gaines & Knudsen will work as a team to lead a staff of over 50 employees and continue forward with the WWBIC strategic plan under the supervision of WWBIC’s Board of Directors. Since 1987, WWBIC has served 72,709 individuals and loaned $107 million to small business owners. Their technical and capital support has created or retained 18,027 jobs with 9,009 businesses started, strengthened, or expanded.

Coming this fall, WWBIC is eagerly anticipating the opening of their 6th regional office in the state thanks to funding from the Small Business Administration’s Office of Women’s Business Ownership. The new North Central office will be based in Hayward and operated in partnership with Native Tribal support and offices on the campus of Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University.

Dunn will start in her new role with WWBIC on August 5th. Please join us in welcoming Kathryn back to WWBIC! WWBIC looks forward to continuing its mission of “Putting Dreams to Work” through 2024 and beyond.

Do you want to be WiscNet’s next Chief Technology Officer?

We are seeking a collaborative and innovative Chief Technology Officer to lead our team of highly skilled network engineers and technicians. This role is responsible for daily operations and the planning and execution of long-term strategic technologies. The ideal candidate will have a strong mission-oriented mindset, excellent leadership skills, a deep understanding of advanced networking technologies, and a dedication to service.

If you are passionate about leveraging technology to serve educational and community institutions, and you thrive by working with others to solve problems, explore new ideas, and keep innovating, we encourage you to apply for this exciting leadership opportunity at WiscNet.

Apply now

Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership

Develop and implement high-level strategies for managing and expanding WiscNet’s network infrastructure

Oversee the research, evaluation, and implementation of emerging technologies, making definitive recommendations on their integration into WiscNet’s operations and infrastructure.

Collaborate with partner research and education entities in-state, regionally and nationally on strategies and shared services

Ensure successful deployment and ongoing operation of these advanced technologies to enhance service offerings and operational efficiency with a member-centric approach.

Collaborate with executive management to align technological resources with strategic goals

Focus on building and maintaining positive and supportive relationships with WiscNet members, Board of Directors, staff, community, and beyond

Platform Team Management

Provide direction and structure to a group of highly advanced technical staff responsible for WiscNet’s network and infrastructure platform

Foster a positive and productive team environment, with intentional efforts to support not just the work, but the people doing it

Leverage the team’s abilities to innovate and create value for our membership

Encourage professional growth and development within the team

Operational Oversight

Oversee daily operations of network and related services with a member-centric approach

Manage technology budgets and project timelines efficiently

Provide daily oversight and escalation for the 24/7/365 Network Operations Center (NOC)

Oversee service-provider class technologies for optical and packet networking, data center infrastructure, next-generation firewalls, and network management systems

Oversee integration of cloud services, peering, and caching providers

Oversee the development and management of strategic partnerships with service providers to ensure cost-effective and diverse connectivity options for members

Oversee the administration of WiscNet’s headquarters enterprise applications and technology needs

Innovation and Advancement

Drive technology advancement and innovations, including the creation of new technical services and solutions, that benefit our member organizations

Work with other WiscNet leaders to deliver ongoing value to the membership

Be intentional in embracing and moving through challenges, and fostering organizational growth

Member Relations and Value Proposition

Manage the budget for the Member Platform team

Ability to navigate the complexities of making technological decisions and providing high-quality services while being mindful of members’ budget constraints

Work closely with other teams to develop strategies that reflect both the quality of our services and the varying needs of our membership

Clearly articulate the value proposition of our services

Qualifications

Proven leadership experience in a technology-focused role, preferably in a non-profit or research and education-related environment

Deep understanding of advanced networking technologies and infrastructure

Strong written and oral communication skills

Ability to balance technical expertise with strategic thinking, including a willingness to stay open-minded and adapt, pursue unconventional ideas, and think creatively and cooperatively

Experience managing and motivating high-performing technical teams

Commitment to working collectively toward organizational goals, cross-collaborating internally and externally

Track record of successful project management and budget oversight

Familiarity with cloud services

Conceptual understanding of Internet transit, peering and caching technologies

Strong financial acumen and ability to make strategic technology investments that balance innovation with cost-effectiveness

Commitment to a service-oriented mission and non-profit values

Commitment to work onsite at WiscNet World Headquarters in Madison, Wisconsin

Education and Experience

Total of 10 years of education and practical experience:

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Network Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field and/or;

5+ years of progressive experience in IT and network management roles

Compensation

Salary starting at $140,000/year based on qualifications.

Benefits

Excellent health insurance

Group Life insurance

Long-term disability

Flexible Spending Plan employer contribution

401K employer contribution

Paid vacation, personal time, holidays, and sick leave

Work-from-home flexibility

Apply now

WPS named ‘Best Place to Work’ by Disability Equality Index®

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
DeAnne Boegli
Corporate Communications
608-977-7343
deanne.boegli@wpsic.com

WPS named ‘Best Place to Work’ by Disability Equality Index^®

MADISON, Wis.—July 16, 2024—WPS Health Solutions has achieved a top score on the Disability Equality Index^®, the world’s most comprehensive benchmarking tool for Fortune 1000 scope companies to measure disability workplace inclusion inside their organization. A top score means an organization received a score of 80, 90, or 100 on a 100-point scale. This year, WPS received a score of 100!

“While a score of 100 does not convey perfection, it means are we implementing many of the forward-thinking disability inclusion practices suggested through the index,” WPS Head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Faatima Khan said. “That said, this is the result of years of collaborative work and is a big step forward in WPS’ DEI journey.”

Earlier this year, WPS submitted the Disability Equality Index benchmarking survey, which was launched in 2015 by Disability:IN and the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD). This tool has become the gold standard for assessing corporate disability inclusion efforts. This year, 542 corporations, including 71 Fortune 100 and 220 Fortune 500 companies, participated. 

Scoring 80 or higher on this rigorous assessment earns the designation of “Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion.” WPS’ top score reflects a comprehensive approach to inclusion, encompassing everything from recruitment and retention to accommodations and community engagement.

About WPS Health Solutions^®

Wisconsin Physicians Service Insurance Corporation (WPS Health Solutions), founded in 1946, is a nationally regarded benefits administrator for a variety of U.S. government programs and a leading not-for-profit health insurer in Wisconsin. WPS Health Solutions serves active-duty and retired military personnel, seniors, individuals, and families in Wisconsin, across the U.S., and around the world. WPS Health Solutions, headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin, has more than 2,600 employees. For more information, please visit wpshealthsolutions.com.

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Fenrici Brands: Back-to-School Backpack Drive

Fenrici Brands is proud to continue our annual tradition of partnering with incredible nonprofits like the Goodman Community Center, Wisconsin Youth Company, United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County, and United Way of Dane County to support local students through their back-to-school backpack drive. As a mission-driven company, we are committed to building quality products that inspire resilience while giving back to our community.

This year, we’re excited to maximize your impact with a special “Donate One, We’ll Donate One” matching promotion. For every backpack donated by a community member, Fenrici Brands will contribute an additional backpack to a student in need through the partnership organization. Together, we can ensure more students have what they need to start the school year with confidence.

Learn more about how these partnerships are empowering the next generation of learners:
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At Fenrici Brands, we believe every child should have the chance to shine. Join us in making a difference by visiting one of the pages above to donate a backpack today. Your kindness will directly help students in our local community as they get ready for school. Together, we can make a big impact on their lives. Let’s do this!

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