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

As Madison Reading Project Grows, New Leadership Team Formed

July 10, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information:
Rowan Childs, (608) 347-7970, Rowan@MadisonReadingProject.com

As Madison Reading Project Grows, New Leadership Team Formed

MADISON—Madison Reading Project’s board of directors announces a new leadership model designed to continuously shape its future, strengthen its literacy programs’ viability, and increase capacity to inspire more children to read. 

Rowan Childs, founder, and Deirdre Steinmetz, long-time team member, are now Co-Executive Directors of the Madison-based nonprofit. To share responsibility, sustainability, productivity, and building on strengths, Steinmetz will spearhead Programs and Operations, while Childs will focus on Communications and Development. 

Childs’ strong background in communications, her vision for the future, and social entrepreneurship will coincide well with Steinmetz’s extensive experience in education, programming, operations, and staff development.

“As an organization that values collaboration and innovation, our progression to a co-leadership model feels right on many levels,” Childs says. “It’s a strong platform for continued growth.

“Through strategic planning, leadership coaching, listening, and learning, we’ve taken a deeper look into what has been working throughout our immense growth during our 10 years of operations,” Childs adds. “Our team’s differences in style, experiences, strengths, and limitations make us thrive. In addition, we found that our work doesn’t happen without strong relationships, trust, and collaboration; all values we want to be infused into all areas of our work and organization.”

“Our staff and Board of Directors are excited to continue providing impactful services to the community to propel our mission forward,” adds Steinmetz. “This year, we’re celebrating our 10th year of providing free literacy programming for children. The new structure will give us fresh insights for expanding our outreach.”

Additional organizational leadership changes include Natalie Holdahl, Program Director, and Emily Wills, who joined in April as Development Director. Other new roles include Mellisa Hornung, Little Free Library Coordinator, and Haley Borgrud,  Communications and Events Specialist.

Madison Reading Project is a thriving organization with 15 full- and part-time staffers and nearly 250 volunteers. It operates a book center (near an area of the city’s most economically challenged households). It serves nine (9) South Central Wisconsin counties. More than 123,900 books were given to over 100,600 children during 2023. As a facilitating partner with entertainer Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Foundation, more than 11,300 Dane County children receive one free book mailed monthly.  

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CG Schmidt Madison Office Welcomes New Business Development Director

CONTACT INFORMATION
CG Schmidt
Sarah Dunn
(608) 630-3075
sarah.dunn@cgschmidt.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 20, 2024

CG Schmidt Madison Office Welcomes New Business Development Director

[Madison, WI] – CG Schmidt Construction’s Madison office is pleased to welcome Christian Jackson as Director of Business Development.

Christian has both a desire and a talent for building relationships. He earned his BA in Liberal Education from Langston University, and his MBA from the University of Cincinatti. Christian comes to CG Schmidt from his time at a local nonprofit, where he led community outreach and fundraising to serve over 10,000 individuals annually.

In addition to his strong interpersonal skills, CG Schmidt is thrilled to add Christian’s background in technology and innovation to the team. Beginning his career as the OrangeTech Manager at Oklahoma State University, Christian implemented innovative marketing strategies to attract students and enhance their experience. As National Account Manager for The Douglas Stewart Company, the leading distributor and marketer of computer products, Christian focused on expanding the firm’s higher education market. Working for Lenovo as Global Business Development and Product Manager, he drove expansion and provided strategic direction.

“Christian Jackson is genuine, kind, and uniquely prepared to help CG Schmidt continue creating and strengthening relationships to build excellent facilities that improve the lives of others. We are excited for him to be out networking in Madison representing CG Schmidt,” says Sarah Dunn, Senior Vice President.

CG Schmidt, a family-owned company since 1920, is a leader in quality construction management, general construction and design-build services with offices in Madison, Milwaukee, and Phoenix. The company serves the markets of education, healthcare, senior living, multi-family, corporate, industrial, community, and religious facilities. As a fourth-generation firm, CG Schmidt is a respected industry leader. For more information, please visit www.cgschmidt.com.

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Blain’s Farm & Fleet®: Announces upcoming leadership changes

Janesville, WI – Blain’s Farm & Fleet® has announced the promotion of Mark Hasting to Chief Executive Officer and President. Kim Treece will be promoted to Chief Stores Officer. Jane Blain Gilbertson will take on a new role as Executive Chair of the Board and will remain the sole owner of Blain’s Farm & Fleet and Blain Supply, Inc.  

These promotions support the company’s desire to continue to grow as a family-owned organization where customers are treated as neighbors and associates are treated like family. “The most important thing a leader must do is to plan for the organization’s next great leader,” says Jane Blain Gilbertson. “This succession plan was put into place 4 years ago when we hired Mark to join our company as our Chief of Stores. From the beginning, the entire company and our vendor partners could see Mark’s character, values, intelligence and love for this business. He learned our business quickly through his humility and curiosity, and I was especially pleased to observe his strength for developing others!” 

The transition will take place over the next several months and will complete in September. “We will transition over the summer, allowing me to visit every one of our 45 beloved stores and each of our distribution centers,” says Jane Blain Gilbertson. “I want a chance to say thank you to all of the amazing associates that serve our neighbors every day, and my daughters, who both work in our business, will join me for a number of these visits.”

Mark Hasting was originally hired in 2020 as Chief Stores Officer with responsibility for Store and Auto Service Center Operations. In 2022, he was promoted to Chief Commerce & Operating Officer, by which time his responsibilities had grown to include eCommerce Operations, Real Estate, Construction and Facilities, and the Customer Service Center of Excellence. In 2023, he was promoted to President and Chief Commerce & Operating Officer adding both Demand Planning and Supply Chain to his responsibilities while also taking on a greater strategic role in the leadership of the company. In his new role as Chief Executive Officer and President, he will have responsibility for all aspects of Blain’s Farm & Fleet and Blain Supply, Inc. He will continue to have support from the Independent Board with Jane Blain Gilbertson now taking on the role of Executive Chair of the Board. “This is the perfect arrangement,” says Nicole Gilbertson, daughter of Jane Blain Gilbertson and Project Management Specialist at Blain’s. “I’m happy to see my mother take more time for herself to travel and enjoy life, and I’m glad she is going to continue to play an important role on the Board. Mark is a strong leader, and with Mark leading the company and my mother leading the Board, and, of course, the entire family supporting him, we will have excellent balance and synergy.”

Kim Treece, previously Sr. Vice-President of Stores, is being promoted to Chief Stores Officer with responsibility for all Stores and Auto Service Centers, Real Estate, Construction and Facilities and the Customer Service Center of Excellence. “I chose Kim to fill my previous role due to her enthusiasm and positive influence on store associates,” says Mark Hasting. “Kim has a strong background in retail with 33 years in store and merchandising roles at Walgreens, but it is her compassionate leadership that makes her really shine.” 

“We have full confidence in Mark and Kim,” says Sarah Gilbertson, daughter of Jane Blain Gilbertson and Customer Relationship Marketing Specialist at Blain’s. “The core of our family culture is that we treat our associates like family and our customers like neighbors, and Mark and Kim embrace that whole-heartedly.” Nicole Gilbertson adds “My sister and I are committed to keeping Blain’s a high performing family-owned business. These changes provide the leadership we need to continue to grow while keeping family at the center of the organization.”

Under Jane’s leadership, Blain’s has driven huge growth in national Ecommerce business and opened 10 new stores, including 5 in Michigan, for a total of 45 stores. The Blain’s associate family has grown from approximately 3,500 to 5,500 employees. The company’s investment in technology enhancements and distribution capacity has increased significantly as well, with distribution capacity increasing 50% to manage ongoing growth. Jane has been a strong advocate for promoting a customer-centric approach, or as Blain’s calls it “Neighbor-Focused”, which has led to innovations in Drive Thru Pick Up, Same-Day Delivery and the Blain’s app, making shopping even more convenient. “If you are standing still, you will be run over. I am proud of the growth and innovation we have cultivated,” says Jane Blain Gilbertson. “In fact, these leadership changes are part of that plan for growth. 4 years ago, when we hired Mark, it was our desire to have a clear succession strategy as we were planning toward this transition. It is exciting to see it come to fruition.”

Mark Hasting brings impressive experience to this new role with a strong background in retail leadership. He spent over 20 years at Target, where he had many roles including Store Manager, District Team Leader, Group Vice President and Vice President of Store Operations. Mark has also served as Regional Vice President at Starbucks and Chief Operating Officer at Kum & Go. He has a BS in Marketing from Oklahoma State University and an MBA from Oklahoma City University. Mark is married and has three children. “I am humbled and excited to take on this new role. It is my desire to continue the family culture to support the growth of Blain’s Farm & Fleet and our associates,” says Mark Hasting. “Working with Jane these past 4 years has taught me so much about leadership and culture. It is my honor to be a strategic partner to her and her family in continuing to help this amazing organization to thrive.” And Jane Blain Gilbertson seconds that thought: “With Mark in the CEO role, I am confident we will continue to grow and thrive as a family-owned company delivering on our promise of making Blain’s a place where life is more rewarding. Next year, we will celebrate our 70^th anniversary, and I know that we are just getting started.”

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Founded in 1955, Blain’s Farm & Fleet is a retailer with nationwide ecommerce business and 45 store locations throughout Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Michigan. This Modern General Store® offers a wide variety of categories and services and unique experiences such as Toyland®.

• Clothing: Carhartt, Columbia, Under Armour, Ariat, Work N’ Sport, Levi’s, Lee, Kuhl, Wrangler
• Footwear: Skechers, Hey Dude, Keen, Work N’ Sport, CAT, Crocs, Birkenstock, Sorel, Dansko, Carhartt, Timberland, Merrell, Wolverine
• Tools & Hardware: DeWalt, Milwaukee, Stanley, Craftsman, Klein, Stiletto
• Paint & Supplies: Benjamin Moore, Valspar, MinWax, Rustoleum, Graco, Purdy
• Automotive: Weather-Tech, Thule, Pennzoil, Valvoline, Mobil 1, Mystik, Fram, K&N, Sea Foam, Meguiar’s
• Tire & Auto Repair Service: Michelin, Goodyear, Cooper
• Sporting Goods: Realtree, Scent Blocker, Yeti, Coleman, Rapala, Plano, Shimano, Browning, Ugly Stik, St. Croix
• Home & Housewares: KitchenAid, Cuisinart, Keurig, T-Fal, Lodge, Dyson
• Pet Department: Purina, Blue Buffalo, Hill’s Science Diet, Iams, Canidae, Diamond, Taste of the Wild, Eukanuba, Freshpet, Kong
• Agriculture: King Kutter, Nutrena, Agrimaster, Behrens, Guardian, Manna Pro, Ware, Weaver Leather
• Lawn & Garden: Scotts, Miracle-Gro, Estate, Fiskars, Weber, Char-Broil
• Outdoor Power Equipment: Stihl, Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt, Milwaukee, DeWalt, Ariens, Bobcat
• Toyland®: Barbie, Hot Wheels, LEGO, ERTL, Melissa & Doug, Ty Beanie Baby