Amy Squitieri Named Mead & Hunt COO/President

Amy Squitieri has been selected as Mead & Hunt’s next Chief Operations Officer (COO)/President. In this role, Amy will help lead the firm toward its strategic goals and vision, helping Mead & Hunt become a future-ready firm today.

Amy has been with Mead & Hunt for 30 years and has held many roles throughout the company. Upon joining the firm, Amy established a dedicated Cultural Resource Management (CRM) practice that fit seamlessly within the firm’s legacy of infrastructure design work. Since then, the practice has grown significantly in size and services. Most recently, Amy has served as the Environment and Infrastructure Group Leader since 2007, greatly expanding the company’s water practice and leading multidisciplinary staff to deliver engineering and technical services to clients nationwide. Amy’s business operations, client relationships, and people development skills have helped the business grow significantly both organically and through mergers and acquisitions. Her proven ability to take calculated risks necessary to enter new markets and geographies have shown her to be an ideal champion for Mead & Hunt’s strategic pursuit of growth. This skillset will be invaluable as the firm continues to grow into new markets and geographies.

In addition to her leadership roles in the company, Amy has been actively involved in numerous initiatives and projects that move both Mead & Hunt and the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry forward.  Amy has spearheaded Mead & Hunt’s Foresight + Innovation + Technology (FIT) initiative, which helps to navigate potentially disruptive changes in the AEC industry through advancing technology, innovation, and market growth. She sponsored Project Confluence, an employee-driven program dedicated to learning new approaches for equitable infrastructure that supports our position as an industry leader in innovation and ESG. In addition, she serves on the board of Engineering Change Lab-USA, a non-profit organization dedicated to unlocking the full potential of engineering for the benefit of society.

Amy has a clear vision for how to lead Mead & Hunt into the future. She says, “As we move forward, culture will be front and center. This means talking to people, understanding perspectives, listening, taking feedback, and aligning everyone around a common vision. This will allow us to continue to attract the best talent and provide exceptional solutions to clients as our markets evolve.”

Andy Platz, Mead & Hunt CEO and Board Chair echoes this sentiment, stating, “I have worked with Amy for the past 30 years and seen her leadership skills in action as she has led us through multiple acquisitions and strategic growth initiatives. I am excited to work with Amy as COO/President, and I have no doubt that great things are in store for our firm, industry, clients, and the communities we serve.”

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Additional quotes or background information

• Amy Squitieri, Mead & Hunt COO/President, Amy.squitieri@meadhunt.com, 608-443-0400

• Andy Platz, Mead & Hunt CEO and Board Chair, andy.platz@meadhunt.com, 608-443-0600

General media inquiries and photo requests:

• Meghan Stiklestad, Marketing Director, meghan.stiklestad@meadhunt.com, 608-443-0378

WPS hires new Vice President of Execution, Service Delivery

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
DeAnne Boegli
Vice President of Communications
608-512-5754
deanne.boegli@wpsic.com

WPS hires new Vice President of Execution, Service Delivery
WPS Health Insurance^® division adds a new role

MADISON, Wis.—July 10, 2023—The WPS Health Insurance division has a new Vice President of Execution and Service Delivery. Nicole Oishi brings with her more than 30 years of health care experience, with more than 15 years in executive leadership roles.

“I am incredibly excited and honored to join WPS and become part of the team,” Oishi said.

Oishi was the Chief Operating and Experience Officer at Asserta Health in Salt Lake City, Utah, prior to joining WPS. There, she was responsible for increasing revenue, creating and deploying products, strategic planning, and more. Prior to that, she held leadership positions at other large health care companies such as Matrix Medical Network in Scottsdale, Arizona; Collective Medical in Salt Lake City; and Cambia Health Solutions/The Regence Group in Portland, Oregon, where she was the General Manager for self-funded group health plans and Vice President of Clinical Services across all lines of business.

With a broad health care background, Oishi, who began her career as a nurse, is skilled in using innovative technology platforms and tools to solve challenges. She knows all about the development and growth of health insurance products, including self-funded/ASO, fully insured, and individual health plans as well as Medicare and Medicaid. She also has experience in customer success, service delivery, operations, moving culture forward, closing sales, driving growth, and advancing customer relationships and strategic partnerships.

“I am thrilled for Nicole to join the Health Insurance division leadership team,” John Stephens, Chief Commercial Officer, said. “Nicole has a fantastic track record and will be a big asset for WPS on our path to building a thriving business.”

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, Wis., has more than 2,700 employees. Within the enterprise, there are three divisions: WPS Government Health Administrators, WPS Military and Veterans Health, and WPS Health Insurance. For more information, please visit wpshealthsolutions.com.

About WPS Health Insurance^®

As one of the largest health benefits providers in the state, Wisconsin Physicians Service Insurance Corporation (WPS Health Insurance) offers a variety of services and coverage with Preferred Provider Organization health plans for individuals and groups, third-party administrator services, and Medicare supplement insurance plans. Headquartered in Madison, Wis., and with employees throughout the state, WPS Health Insurance is deeply committed to Wisconsin and its residents. Visit wpshealth.com for more information.

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Jerie Olson promoted to Vice President, Operations at National Guardian Life Insurance Company

Jerie Olson has been promoted to Vice President, Operations at National Guardian Life Insurance Company (NGL). Olson started at NGL in 1999 and throughout her tenure at the company has worked with a variety of areas supporting our partners and policyholders.

“During my 24 years at NGL I’ve had the opportunity to work closely with and get to know team members across all departments while a member of the Legal/Compliance team. I have always had a close connection and deep appreciation for the Operations team since I work with them daily on issues that impact our customers. They are a wonderful group of people who are collaborative and dedicated to serving our policyholders and helping each other. I look forward to guiding them as they strive to achieve their goals and continuing to support the excellent work, they do each and every day,” said Olson.

In her new role as Vice President, Operations, Olson joins NGL’s Senior Leadership Team as she leads the operations area and end-to-end processes to align with corporate strategies and provide exceptional customer service. Additionally, she will draw on her background in legal and compliance as she manages the operational and workforce risks to ensure NGL processes adhere to industry, regulatory and workplace compliance standards.

“We are excited to have Jerie step into this position at NGL. With over two decades of experience at NGL she is knowledgeable of regulatory requirements, and our processes, as well as is understanding and compassionate when working with policyholders on their needs. I look forward to working with her on enhancing our customer support areas as we grow in the Preneed and AssetGuard spaces and implement a new administration system,” said Kim Shaul, Interim President and CEO at NGL.

Prior to joining NGL, Olson worked in Government Relations for Great Lakes Health Plan in Michigan.

Olson earned her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. She lives in DeForest, Wis. with her husband of 27 years and their two dogs. Olson is an avid pickleballer and enjoys spending time on the water kayaking, as well as visiting her daughter in Colorado. Olson also gives back to her community through volunteering and supporting local organizations. She has organized employee fundraising events benefiting United Way of Dane County and is an active member of the Women’s Initiative Network, one of NGL’s Employee Resource Groups.

About NGL

Established in 1909 National Guardian Life Insurance Company (NGL) is an insurance company headquartered in Madison, Wis. Licensed to do business in 49 states and the District of Columbia, NGL markets preneed and individual life and annuities, as well as group markets products. Information about NGL can be found at www.nglic.com; Facebook: Facebook.com/NGLIC and LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-guardian-life-insurance-company.

National Guardian Life Insurance Company is not affiliated with The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America a/k/a The Guardian or Guardian Life.

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Wisconsin Union: Madison-Based Clubs Teaming Up to Host Swing Dance Night at the Terrace, a Free Dance, Dance Instruction and Music Event on July 30

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 7, 2023

Contact Information:
Shauna Breneman, Communications Director
Email: sbreneman@wisc.edu
Phone: (608) 262-8862

READ RELEASE ONLINE: union.wisc.edu/about/news/swing-dance-night

MADISON-BASED CLUBS TEAMING UP TO HOST SWING DANCE NIGHT AT THE TERRACE, A FREE DANCE, DANCE INSTRUCTION AND MUSIC EVENT, ON JULY 30

MADISON – A new free event, called Swing Dance Night on the Terrace, will come to the Memorial Union Terrace on July 30 from 7-10 p.m. and feature swing music by All That Jazz Little Big Band and swing dance instruction hosted by the Wisconsin Union Directorate (WUD) Music Committee, the Hoofer Sailing Club and the Madison Swing Social Dance Club.

Set to take place at the 40,000-square-foot outdoor dining and entertainment destination the Memorial Union Terrace, the event will feature large group demonstrations and lessons by instructors from 7-10 p.m. and live music by All That Jazz Little Big Band from 7:30-10 p.m. No dance experience is necessary, and guests can arrive at any time throughout the event to take part.

The outdoor event has capacity for thousands of guests. Seating and participation are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

While attending, guests can also enjoy on-site dining options that support thousands of free and low-cost events held at Memorial Union and Union South as well as student leadership opportunities. On-site dining options are anticipated to include pub food at der Rathskeller; house-made BBQ fare from the BBQ Stand; pizza and pasta from Strada; desserts from the Daily Scoop; pizza and appetizers from Lakeview Lounge; and more.

In the case of inclement weather, the clubs anticipate moving the event to the music and dining area der Rathskeller in Memorial Union, which is located alongside the Memorial Union Terrace.

“Guests can enjoy this event in multiple ways, from learning swing dance skills from instructors to just listening to a great live swing music performance,” Hoofer Sailing Club Commodore Catherine Gross said. “Swing Dance Night on the Terrace brings together live music, dance and the outdoors for a fun night for people of many ages and all dance skill levels.”

The WUD Music Committee hosts free concerts throughout the year at Union South and Memorial Union. Those interested in attending future Committee-hosted events can learn more about the team’s lineup at union.wisc.edu/music. Those interested in learning about other ways to enjoy the outdoors, including sailing lessons through the Hoofer Sailing Club, can visit hoofers.org. The Hoofer Sailing Club is open to all 18 and over, including those with no UW–Madison affiliation. The Madison Swing Social Dance Club provides other events throughout the year and offers ways for members to improve their dance skills or to step into the world of dance. UW–Madison students can learn more about joining the Madison Swing Social Dance Club at madisonswing.weebly.com.

More information about Swing Dance Night on the Terrace is available at union.wisc.edu/swingdance.

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About the Hoofer Sailing Club

The Hoofer Sailing Club promotes sailing at UW–Madison by providing recreational and competitive sailing instruction and equipment. Since 1939, the Club has operated under the Wisconsin Union to provide affordable, accessible sailing programs to the campus and community. Learn more about the Club: hoofersailing.org.

About the Wisconsin Union Directorate Music Committee

For decades, the student-led Wisconsin Union Directorate Music Committee has booked, promoted and run live, usually free concerts almost every week of the year at Wisconsin Union-run locations, such as the dining and entertainment destinations der Rathskeller in Memorial Union, the Memorial Union Terrace, and the Sett at Union South. UW–Madison students can join as members or apply for leadership roles. Learn more at union.wisc.edu/music.

About the Madison Swing Social Dance Club

The UW–Madison registered student organization, the Madison Swing Social Dance Club, provides its hundreds of members with ways to socialize and learn new swing dance skills. The organization has multiple instructors to facilitate affordable social dances and workshops and strives to ensure a fun and safe environment. The club is open to UW–Madison students of all skill and experience levels. More information is available at madisonswing.weebly.com.

Fenrici Brands Supports Local Back-to-School Events: 50% Discount for Local Organizations

Fenrici Brands, a Madison-based kids’ backpack company, is offering a 50% discount to local non-profits, businesses, and schools for their back-to-school events. This initiative supports the community and provides affordable, high-quality backpack options for students. To take advantage of this offer, interested organizations and schools can reach out to Fenrici Brands at bts@fenricibrands.com and mention the “Back-to-School Discount.” By partnering with Fenrici, the Madison community can ensure all students have a better chance of a successful new school season.