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.

Oak Bank Welcomes Aeron Polodna as Mortgage Loan Specialist

Fitchburg, WI – Oak Bank, a locally owned community bank committed to exceptional client service and community giving, is pleased to announce the addition of Aeron Polodna as its new Mortgage Loan Specialist.

In this key role, Aeron will execute both secondary market and in-house residential loans, contributing to all stages of the lending process. Aeron’s extensive background uniquely positions her to lead processing efforts, deliver excellent client service, and strengthen relationships with internal and external partners.

Aeron brings more than 15 years of experience specializing in consumer and mortgage lending. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse, further grounding her professional expertise with a strong academic foundation.

Aeron shared , “I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue supporting borrowers while working alongside a team that truly values community impact. I look forward to contributing to Oak Bank’s mission and making a positive difference for our clients.”

Living on Madison’s west side with her husband, Patrick, and their Westie mix, Dot, Aeron volunteers as a chef with Lasagna Love, preparing and delivering home-cooked meals to neighbors in need. When she’s not assisting clients or cooking up a batch of lasagna, Aeron enjoys traveling, baking, and catching up on her favorite true-crime podcasts.

Melissa Torres, Vice President – Loan Operations, looks forward to the expertise, energy, and community spirit she brings to the organization noting, “Aeron’s depth of experience and passion for helping others make her an outstanding addition to our team. We are thrilled to welcome her to Oak
Bank.”

About Oak Bank
Oak Bank has been deeply rooted in the Fitchburg community and Madison area for over 25 years, meeting the financial needs of homeowners and businesses by offering top-notch service, quick answers, and creative solutions, all while supporting over 135 local nonprofits each year. Visit oak.bank to learn more.

MMSD Announces Dr. Keona S. Jones as Senior Executive Director of Schools and Learning

MADISON, Wis.—The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) has hired Dr. Keona S. Jones as its new Senior Executive Director of Schools and Learning, bringing nearly three decades of experience as an educator, administrator and statewide leader to the role.

Jones most recently served as the Assistant State Superintendent for the Division for Student and School Success at the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. First appointed in 2019 and reappointed in 2021, she oversaw statewide efforts related to educational accountability, Title I programs, the Wisconsin Urban Leadership Institute and federal Education Stabilization Funds.

Her career includes more than 28 years of service in public, private and higher education settings. Jones has been a special education teacher, assistant principal, principal, early childhood education director, executive director, consultant, district administrator and adjunct lecturer in the School of Education at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. She has also supported doctoral candidates as a dissertation advisor at Alverno College. She was named Administrator of the Year by the Wisconsin Association for Talented and Gifted for her leadership and commitment to student success.

“Dr. Jones brings a deep understanding of instructional excellence, student and staff supports, and the systems that help schools and students thrive,” said Dr. Carlettra Stanford, assistant superintendent of schools and learning. “Her experience positions her well to advance our strategic priorities and strengthen the structures that support our school communities. We are excited to welcome her to MMSD.”

Dr. Jones said she is excited to join the district and to continue her commitment to serving students, families and educators.

“I am honored to join MMSD and to partner with school communities that are deeply invested in student learning,” Jones said. “Throughout my career, I have believed in the power of strong relationships, equitable access and high expectations. I look forward to supporting leaders and teachers as we work together to ensure every student is known, challenged and supported.”

Jones earned her bachelor’s degree in special education from the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater. She holds a master’s degree in educational leadership with curriculum and instruction and a doctoral degree in leadership, learning and service, both from Cardinal Stritch University.

For a complete listing of all available career opportunities with MMSD, please visit the district’s job portal.

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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.

East High School Counselor Honored with Inaugural AVID Global Achievement Award

MADISON, Wis.—Sarah Elmore of the Madison Metropolitan School District’s (MMSD) East High School has been selected as an inaugural recipient of AVID’s Global Achievement Award – Counselor of the Year, a national honor recognizing educators who exemplify AVID’s mission of believing in students and preparing them for college, career and life.

As East High’s AVID counselor, Elmore blends a global perspective with deep care for students. Her background as both a teacher and counselor allows her to support students holistically, helping them build confidence, develop strong academic habits and navigate their paths to graduation and beyond.

“Sarah is an extraordinary advocate for students,” said Patrice Haste, East High School principal. “She believes in their potential, pushes them to challenge themselves and celebrates every step of their growth. Her impact on our school community is tremendous, and we are incredibly proud to see her recognized at the national level.”

At East, Elmore creates supportive structures to help students succeed in rigorous courses and prepare for college and career success.

“Sarah’s work shows exactly why AVID matters,” said Mary Jankovich, MMSD executive director of college, career and community readiness. “She helps students build the skills, confidence and vision they need for life after high school, and she does it with such heart. This award reflects the difference she makes every day.”

AVID, short for Advancement Via Individual Determination, is a college and career readiness system used in school districts across the country. The program provides students with academic support, structured skill-building and a strong network of adult advocates, helping them succeed in advanced coursework and prepare for postsecondary opportunities.

Elmore was honored Dec. 11 during AVID’s Global Achievement Awards ceremony at the AVID National Conference in San Diego. Launched in celebration of AVID’s 45th anniversary, the awards highlight educators who turn high expectations into meaningful outcomes and who consistently help students see what is possible for their futures. Elmore’s recognition places East High and MMSD among the first recipients of AVID’s new Global Achievement Awards, celebrating educators who demonstrate unwavering belief in students and act on that belief in transformative ways.

For more information about AVID in MMSD, please visit the district’s 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.