Category: Talent
Photo by Richard Hurd
MMSD Names Permanent Leader for Lori Mann Carey Elementary School

MADISON, Wis.—The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) has selected Percy Brown, Jr., as the permanent principal of Lori Mann Carey Elementary School (formerly known as Southside Elementary School), effective July 9.
Brown brings more than two decades of experience as a transformational leader, advocate and educator in Wisconsin and across the country. A nationally recognized speaker and consultant, he has led professional learning, developed equity-centered curriculum and empowered students, families and staff to build inclusive and thriving school communities.
“I look forward to partnering with our dedicated staff, supportive families and outstanding students to build on the school’s proud traditions while pursuing academic excellence and the holistic development of each child,” Brown said. “Together, we will ensure that every student at Lori Mann Carey feels seen, supported and challenged to reach their fullest potential.”
Brown currently serves as CEO of North Star Consulting Services, Inc., and has previously held leadership roles in both K–12 and higher education, including as Director of Equity and Student Achievement at the Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District. He is the author of “Strength Through Generations: A Black American Family’s Fight for Equality Through Faith, Love, and Education,” which chronicles his family’s journey from the Jim Crow South to Madison’s South Side, and calls readers to continue the work of educational justice.
The selection marks the culmination of a comprehensive, community-informed hiring process, led by MMSD’s Human Resources Department and School-Based Leadership Team, that included stakeholder surveys and the convening of a diverse panel of staff, families and community members to evaluate candidates.
“Listening to and incorporating stakeholder feedback was a critical part of this process,” said Dr. Anu Ebbe, associate superintendent of the La Follette attendance area. “The voices of families, staff and community members helped us identify the leader who could carry forward the school’s mission with clarity and care, and we’re confident Mr. Brown is that leader.”
The announcement is an important step forward for the school and coincides with its new name, which honors the late educator and activist who spent a lifetime working to improve outcomes for students across the city, becoming official.
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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.
Photo by Richard Hurd
MMSD Welcomes Tyson Jackson as New Director of Family, Youth and Community Engagement

MADISON, Wis.—The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) has named Tyson Jackson as its new Director of Family, Youth and Community Engagement (FYCE). Jackson brings more than a decade of experience in equity-driven leadership, youth mentorship and community empowerment to this critical role.
Throughout his career, Jackson has demonstrated a commitment to cultivating environments where students and families are seen, heard and valued. His leadership style, rooted in cultural responsiveness, collaboration and authentic engagement, aligns closely with MMSD’s values and strategic vision.
“Tyson Jackson is exactly the leader we need to deepen our connection with families, youth and community partners,” said Dr. TJ McCray, MMSD’s deputy superintendent. “He understands that real progress happens when we engage authentically with those most impacted by our work. His passion for equity, and his ability to lead with both head and heart, will be instrumental in helping every student thrive.”
As Director of FYCE, Jackson will lead MMSD’s efforts to engage families as essential partners in student success, with a particular focus on historically marginalized communities. His responsibilities include:
- Overseeing the implementation of MMSD’s family engagement strategy.
- Leading programs like the Family Leadership Academies and “Read Your Heart Out.”
- Supporting youth leadership development and community-based equity initiatives.
- Strengthening district-wide coordination and capacity around family engagement practices.
“Tyson brings both vision and action,” Dr. McCray added . “He has a proven track record of listening deeply, building trust and inspiring confidence in those around him. We’re excited to see how his leadership will help us advance our commitment to fairness and inclusive excellence.”
Jackson holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Carthage College. Outside of his professional work, he leads a local youth sports league and contributes to several community advisory boards. His combination of grassroots experience and strategic leadership makes him a powerful advocate for students and families.
To learn more about FYCE and its programs, please visit the Department’s page on the MMSD website.
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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.
Photo by Richard Hurd
Kyle George joins Lake Ridge Bank as Vice President and Relationship Manager

July 7, 2025 (MADISON, Wis.) – Kyle George has joined the Lake Ridge Bank Wealth Management team as a Vice President and Relationship Manager. He will serve clients throughout South Central Wisconsin, working out of the bank’s Bridge Road location in Monona and Atwood Avenue location in Madison.
Kyle has been in banking for 14 years, advancing through various roles from personal banking to lending to financial planning and wealth management. With degrees in economics and philosophy from Augustana College, Kyle went on to become a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® and is currently working on the Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP) credential. For the last decade, his primary focus has been on businesses, nonprofits, endowments, and high-net-worth individuals with complex estate planning needs.
“I really enjoy looking at a complicated financial puzzle and to provide clarity and direction in the context of [their] goals and aspirations,” he explains. “It’s such an honor and privilege to have the opportunity to craft a plan that gives a sense of stability while also moving families, organizations, and causes toward fulfilling their ultimate goals.”
Kyle has also expressed an affinity for civic and community engagement, with a strong commitment to support local economic development and wellbeing for his neighbors. He has served as an election official for the City of Madison for the last five years, as well as serving on the Boards of the Clean Lakes Alliance, the REAP Food Group, and the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art.
“I have seen a lot of examples of Lake Ridge Bank reinvesting in our community, and it just felt like a natural fit for my own priorities and values,” he says. “It’s important to me to find ways to nourish my local neighborhood culturally and financially.”
For more information about how Lake Ridge Bank can help you organize and advise your complex financial planning needs, contact Kyle George at KGeorge@lakeridge.bank or call (608) 826-3530.
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Lake Ridge Bank’s mission is to “build prosperous communities, one relationship at a time.” For more than 100 years, this has meant getting to know each of our clients to offer personalized services to meet their specific financial goals. Lake Ridge Bank offers a full line of financial products and services. We focus on offering products and services to make your banking easy. Our business banking and mortgage lenders are trusted leaders in their field with the expertise to provide the right loan at the best rate possible for our clients. As a community bank, we are dedicated to reinvesting in, and making our communities great places to live, work and raise a family. Visit lakeridge.bank to learn more about how we can help you.
Investment Products: Are Not FDIC Insured | Are Not Bank Guaranteed | May Lose Value
Lake Ridge Bank. Go Far. Go Together!
For additional information, please contact Mark Schellpfeffer at mschellpfeffer@lakeridge.bank.
Photo by Richard Hurd
Middleton Chamber of Commerce Searching for Next Executive Director


Photo by Richard Hurd
Lake Ridge Bank announces changes to Board of Directors
Welcomes Tiffany Scheller, bids farewell to Krantz and Gannon

June 27, 2025 (MADISON, Wis.) – Lake Ridge Bank and its holding company, Lake Ridge Bancorp Inc., welcome Tiffany Scheller to the Board of Directors for each organization, effective May 29. Her appointment efficiently rounds out the expertise and leadership on the Boards after the retirement of two long-time Directors, Ron Krantz and Tom Gannon.
Scheller is Vice President of Finance at Findorff, one of the leading construction companies in the Midwest as they build more than $800 million in projects annually. She graduated Summa Cum Laude with a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Georgia State University and has completed additional programs at Leadership Buckhead and The Leader’s Lyceum, both aimed at developing executive leadership skills and vision. She brings more than 25 years of trusted leadership experience in finance and accounting, along with extensive knowledge regarding real estate and construction.
“We are excited to add Tiffany to our team of experts on the Board of Directors guiding our bank into the future,” says Lake Ridge Bank CEO Jim Tubbs. “This is a time of great opportunity in the financial marketplace for Lake Ridge Bank, and I’m confident that Tiffany’s leadership experience and reputation for improving processes, creating efficiencies, and effectively communicating and explaining complex financial topics will make her a valuable contributor to our bank’s success.”
Scheller joins the Boards as two long-standing Directors announce their retirement from service.
Ron Krantz was a founding Board member of Middleton Community Bank before it was acquired by Monona Bank and eventually became part of Lake Ridge Bank. As owner of meat wholesaler UW Provisions, Inc., Krantz has been actively involved in the Middleton business community and the Dane County region for more than 50 years, dedicating his service to growing a vibrant place for families to enjoy.
Tom Gannon has helped guide the direction of the bank for nearly 35 years, first as part of Monona Bank’s Board of Directors and continuing as a Director for Lake Ridge Bancorp Inc. Gannon is the owner and President of Gannon Construction Company, as well as owner of Gannon Company—Realtor, both headquartered in McFarland. As a graduate of the University of Wisconsin with degrees in civil engineering and construction administration, he brought a valuable mix of technical expertise and entrepreneurship to Board discussions.
“We have been fortunate to benefit from decades of exceptional leadership by both Ron Krantz and Tom Gannon,” Tubbs shares. “We especially appreciate their continuity of service throughout the merger and their legacy knowledge of both institutions to ensure the ongoing success of Lake Ridge Bank. We can’t thank them enough for their visionary mentorship over the years.”
For more information about Lake Ridge Bank and its Board of Directors, visit lakeridge.bank/about-us.
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Lake Ridge Bank’s mission is to “build prosperous communities, one relationship at a time.” For more than 100 years, this has meant getting to know each of our clients to offer personalized services to meet their specific financial goals. Lake Ridge Bank offers a full line of financial products and services. We focus on offering products and services to make your banking easy. Our business banking and mortgage lenders are trusted leaders in their field with the expertise to provide the right loan at the best rate possible for our clients. As a community bank, we are dedicated to reinvesting in, and making our communities great places to live, work and raise a family. Visit lakeridge.bank to learn more about how we can help you.
Member FDIC | Equal Housing Lender
Lake Ridge Bank. Go Far. Go Together!