Berndt CPA LLC Announces Partner Promotions

Madison, WI 11/01/2023 – Berndt CPA LLC, a leading provider of financial and advisory services, is pleased to announce the promotion of key members of its leadership team. These promotions reflect the company’s commitment to recognizing and fostering talent within the organization, positioning it for continued growth and success.

• Bruce D. Berndt CPA, CGMA, who has been an integral part of the company’s success, has been promoted to the position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO). In his new role, Bruce will provide strategic leadership and guide the company’s long-term vision.

• Alicia Greer CPA, a dedicated professional with a proven record, has been promoted to the position of Chief Operating Officer (COO). Alicia will be responsible for overseeing the operations of the company and ensuring its efficient functioning.

• Jordon Olson PAFM, known for her dedication and administrative acumen, has been promoted to the position of Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). In her new role, Jordon will oversee the daily administrative operations within the organization. This includes strategic planning, assisting in firm goal & policy implementation.

• Jeff Olsen CPA, MBA, with a strong background in tax and innovation, has been promoted to the position of Chief Tax Officer (CTO). Jeff will continue to work to align tax with business goals, drive strategic value, increase transparency, and improve the efficiency of tax operations.

With the support of partners Jay Mouille, CPA and Stephan Mesdjian, CPA, EA we are thrilled to announce these promotions within our leadership team. Each of these individuals has demonstrated exceptional dedication and expertise, and we are confident that they will play a pivotal role in our continued growth and success.

About Berndt CPA: Berndt CPA has been a trusted name in financial services for 13 years. The firm offers a wide range of accounting, tax, and consulting services to businesses across Wisconsin and the U.S. With a focus on delivering personalized solutions, Berndt CPA has earned a reputation for excellence in client service. For more information, visit www.berndtcpa.com.

New Positions Filled in Advancement & Communications at UW–Madison Division of the Arts

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, November 1, 2023

Contact: info@arts.wisc.edu

Link to Article:  https://artsdivision.wisc.edu/2023/11/01/new-staff-frame-puleo-moyer/ 
Download Images: https://uwmadison.box.com/s/0k2fhbl82jmztumosq2j1p5x51zv6661 

New Positions Filled in Advancement & Communications at UW–Madison Division of the Arts

Two brand new positions on the UW–Madison Division of the Arts leadership team have been hired—Samara Frame is the Advancement Manager and Fran Puleo Moyer is the Director of Communications. As part of the leadership team, both Samara and Fran will work on strategic visioning and implementation.

“We are thrilled to welcome both Fran and Samara to the Division of the Arts leadership team,” says Kate Hewson, Division of the Arts Associate Director. She continues, “We look forward to how they will shape the future of our organization with the new skills, experience, and energy they bring. They will be integral to fulfilling our mission to advocate for, connect, and elevate the arts at UW–Madison.”

The Advancement Manager will manage and execute the Arts Division’s advancement strategy, overseeing development and fundraising in support of strategic goals. They will work to increase the impact of the Arts Division’s programs and of all the arts at UW–Madison. The Advancement Manager serves on the Leadership Team, working closely on strategic visioning and implementation. They will also serve key roles in the Arts Division’s creative research funding programs.

Samara Frame (she/her) is thrilled to join the team at UW–Division of the Arts, bringing a background of development and engagement to the work. She comes to the arts through the world of theater, where she’s served both on stage and as an arts administrator for more than two decades. She most recently worked as Director of Audience Engagement for Forward Theater Company, where she grew authentic relationships with audiences, led fundraising events, developed partnerships, and created a robust accessibility plan. She’s also worked for United Way of Dane County and Madison Reading Project. Samara launched Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Dane County, served on Dane County Cultural Affairs Commission’s grant review panel and Verona’s Library Board. She has led youth empowerment programs and worked in advocacy for violence prevention and education. She currently serves on the Executive and Development Committees of Will Geer’s Theatricum Botanicum, is a member of AFP Madison, OPEN, LGBT Chamber of Commerce, and is an active volunteer in the community. She holds a degree in Theater from Northwestern University and a certificate in fundraising from UCLA.

The Director of Communications leads the Integrated Marketing and Communications team (IMC), overseeing the budget, and ensuring a cohesive voice and brand identity for all Arts Division communications. They will increase engagement in the arts by internal and external audiences, catalyze the arts to advance campus goals and priorities, and build a national profile for the arts at UW–Madison. The Director of Communications develops and implements a strategic communications plan for the Arts Division and also participates in creation of content. This position also works closely with the office of the Vice Chancellor for Strategic Communications on setting and attaining key arts communication goals and aligning with campus branding and communications.

Fran Puleo Moyer (she/her) comes to the Division of the Arts from her role as Associate Director of Outreach at UW–Madison, overseeing the development and promotion of UW Connects programming, including Badger Talks and Bucky’s Classroom, for University Relations. She has 20+ years of experience in communications, marketing, program development, event management, fund development and community and public relations. Formerly the Community Relations Manager at Monona Terrace Community & Convention Center, she served as a spokesperson for the facility, managed events, and developed robust partnerships within the Madison business community. In addition, she has held previous roles with orchestras around the Midwest, including the Chicago Symphony, Lake Forest Symphony, and the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra, and served as an Outreach Program Manager in the arts at UW–Stevens Point. Fran is a professional flutist, having played largely with quartets and quintets around Chicago and Madison, taught flute lessons for many years, and has a Bachelor of Music Performance degree from the University of Illinois and an MBA in marketing from DePaul University.

Please join us in welcoming the Division’s newest hires to our community! Get in touch with Samara at samara.frame@wisc.edu. Connect with Fran at fran.puleo@wisc.edu.

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About the UW–Madison Division of the Arts:
The Division of the Arts advocates for, connects and elevates the arts at UW–Madison. Our vision, The Arts for Everyone, Everywhere, is one by which the arts at UW-Madison are: integral to research, teaching, learning and outreach; accessible to all at UW–Madison; and impactful both locally and globally.

Ken Thompson, CEO of Capitol Bank named to Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago Board

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Tracy Brooks
Marketing Director
Capitol Bank
710 N. High Point Road
Madison, Wisconsin 53717
(608) 836-1616

Ken Thompson, CEO of Capitol Bank named to Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago Board

Madison, WI (October 2023): Justin Hart, President of Capitol Bank, is pleased to announce that Capitol Bank CEO and Chairman, Ken Thompson, has been elected to the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago (FHLBank Chicago) Board of Directors.

The FHLBank Chicago provides reliable liquidity to member banks and other financial institutions in Illinois and Wisconsin. They offer products, solutions, and services to help members achieve asset liability management goals.

“Ken’s professional career has positioned him to be a strong asset to the FHLBank Chicago Board and we are delighted at the news of his appointment,” said Justin Hart.

In addition to his continued responsibilities at Capitol Bank, Ken will serve his 4-year term as director starting January 1, 2024.

“I am deeply honored to have been elected to this role which represents Wisconsin’s member organizations and look forward to serving among such highly esteemed and dedicated individuals,” stated Ken Thompson.

About Capitol Bank: Capitol Bank, locally owned and operated since 1995, is committed to serving the communities in which we live, work and do business. We are proud of the partnerships we have established with organizations, businesses and individuals in the Dane County area. Our philosophy of community support is demonstrated at the corporate level, as well as in the time and energy our employees devote to our community each year. Capitol Bank is a Member FDIC and an Equal Housing Lender.

Findorff Announces Three New Shareholders

J.H. Findorff & Son Inc. (Findorff) is pleased to announce the recent selection of three Company Shareholders. Chad Eschler, Kyle Olson, and Tony Sullivan will join the twelve members of Findorff’s current ownership team, which includes Matt Breunig, John Feller, Brian Hornung, Bob Hougard, Luke Hutchins, Jim Martin, Jason Mattila, Christin Mlsna, Ben Pechan, Eric Plautz, Jeff Tubbs, and Jim Yehle.

“Our new shareholders represent excellence in their perspective fields and an unwavering commitment to Findorff’s success,” said Jim Yehle, President and CEO. “We are proud of their accomplishments and contributions to continue to move Findorff forward.”

Chad Eschler has held a variety of roles within his 17 years at Findorff from Yard Superintendent to Special Projects Manager to his current role as Vice President of Business Development. Chad leads the Business Development team aligning with Findorff’s growth strategy to cultivate relationships with businesses, local leaders, and potential clients. He is a member of NAIOP (Commercial Real Estate Development Association), and BioForward, and sits on the Board of the Wisconsin Chapter of the Construction Owners Association of America (COAA). Beyond the construction realm, Chad is known for his commitment to community involvement, philanthropy, and mentorship. Chad is an In Business magazine 40 Under 40 alumnus.

Kyle Olson started his career with Findorff as a laborer 18 years ago and has since held roles as a Project Engineer, Project Manager, Superintendent, and now as Director of Field Operations. Kyle leads a robust team of Superintendents, Supervisors, and construction trade professionals across the country. He provides guidance, training, and support to field staff, and serves as a bridge to promote collaboration between the field and office teams. Kyle serves on the Board of Directors for Operation Fresh Start, and volunteers for WayForward Resources’ (formerly known as Middleton Outreach Ministry) “Canstruction” Program, and Project Home’s Hammer with a Heart. He is a 2023 recipient of In Business magazine’s 40 Under 40 award.

‍Tony Sullivan has over 19 years of experience in the construction industry. He joined Findorff in 2014 as a Project Manager and was promoted to Director of Project Management – Healthcare in 2020. Tony leads Findorff’s Healthcare industry with a focus on project management, provides project support and strategy, and serves as a client resource to help the team continue to deliver exceptional service. His portfolio includes notable projects such as SSM Health South Madison Campus, Carle Foundation Hospital, Upland Hills Health, and countless UW Health projects. Tony serves on the Board of Directors for the Meriter Foundation and the American Heart Association – Wisconsin. He is a member of the American Society for Healthcare Engineering (ASHE) and the Wisconsin Healthcare Engineering Association (WHEA).

Madison College President Jack E. Daniels III to Retire

In his eleventh year of stewardship, Madison College President Jack E. Daniels, III has announced he will retire in June of 2024. The announcement was made at a meeting of the Madison College District Board on October 4.

In an email to Madison College faculty and staff, Daniels reflected on some of the transformative work that they have collectively accomplished:

We’ve established Madison College as an engine of innovation, a driver of economic impact, and a collaborator in far-reaching community and educational partnerships. We’ve significantly changed the physical landscape of our facilities and reshaped the perception of a high-quality, community college experience.

Daniels came to Madison College in 2013 from Los Angeles Southwest College and quickly became a leader in the community as well as at the college. He has served area non-profits, the business community, and worked with multiple organizations all while cementing Madison College’s role as a catalyst for economic and workforce development.

“It’s been a privilege to serve this community and this institution,” said Daniels. “Madison College stands head and shoulders above most and is exceptional in what it does and provides. And our faculty and staff understand, fully, our role in the community, and how we can best serve and have meaningful and lasting impact that changes lives.”

Among his many noteworthy accomplishments are the vision for and creation of Madison College’s Goodman South Campus and the dedicated coalition of area leaders he assembled to execute that vision of intentionally serving and supporting the south Madison community. His leadership was also instrumental in instituting the college’s shared governance model and philosophy for participatory decision-making practices. He worked with college leadership to expand program and apprenticeship offerings, craft new curricula to meet the needs of a changing workforce and institute numerous new transfer agreements with four-year colleges and universities.

Daniels helped guide the college’s extraordinary response to the Covid-19 pandemic, which included continuing to provide high-quality, accessible educational opportunities while prioritizing the health and safety of students and employees and ensuring access to necessary services and aid. His tenure also coincided with challenging and tumultuous societal moments during which the school remained steadfast to its unwavering commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Under his leadership, the number of students of color served by Madison College increased from 22% to 35% over the past decade. Similarly, the number of employees of color has also grown. Since 2015, full-time staff of color has grown 44% and full-time managers of color has grown 45%. Additionally, Black full-time faculty has grown 20% and Latino full-time faculty has grown 15%.

“Dr. Daniels’ leadership and vision leaves Madison College in a strong position for the future and uniquely suited to meet the opportunities ahead,” said Donald Dantzler, Madison College District Board of Trustees Chair. “Both the college and community have benefited from his guidance, voice and steady hand, and we are indebted.”

Madison College will be launching a national search for Daniels’ replacement in the coming weeks.

For all media inquiries, please contact Mel Charbonneau, Madison College’s Director of Communications at 906.361.7263 or mcharbonneau@madisoncollege.edu.