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

ATC: Dan Henderson joins as director of total rewards and people services

PEWAUKEE, Wis. – Dan Henderson has joined ATC as the director of total rewards and people services. This is a newly created position, which will be responsible for driving strategies forward within ATC’s compensation, benefits and people services programs.

Henderson brings over 20 years of human resources experience and a wealth of expertise on HR strategy and service delivery, total rewards program leadership, and high-performing benefits program execution. Prior to joining ATC, he worked as senior director/head of compensation at Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance.

Bank of Sun Prairie: Jimmy Kauffman to Serve on Wisconsin Bankers Association Board

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 11, 2024

Contact:
Cassandra Krause, Director – Communications, Wisconsin Bankers Association

608-441-1216 | ckrause@wisbank.com

Sun Prairie Banker Jimmy Kauffman to Serve on Wisconsin Bankers Association Board

MADISON – Jimmy Kauffman, president and CEO, Bank of Sun Prairie, will serve a three-year term on the Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA) Board of Directors.

“We are delighted to have Jimmy join the WBA Board of Directors,” said Rose Oswald Poels, WBA president and CEO. “His expertise and commitment will have a positive impact on Wisconsin’s banking industry and the communities we serve.”

Kauffman joined Bank of Sun Prairie in 2014 as president and CEO and in 2019 became chairman of the board of directors. He brings twenty-five years in the banking and financial industry, previously holding several roles with a regional bank. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Upper Iowa University. In addition, he is a graduate of the Graduate School of Banking and the Executive Leadership Program, both at the University of Wisconsin. He graduated with a major in accounting from Commonwealth Business College. Kauffman’s community involvement includes serving as vice chair of the Sun Prairie Housing Committee, a member of the GSB Advisory Committee, a member of the Wisconsin Bankers Association Government Relations Committee, and a member of the Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce 2035 Committee. He received the Sun Prairie Rotary Service Above Self award in 2019 and was named the Sun Prairie Chamber of Commerce Community Business Leader of the Year in 2018.

Serving as officers on the WBA Board are: Chair Alvaro Araque, SVP, director of consumer, private and business banking, Johnson Financial Group, Racine; Chair-Elect Paul Northway, president and CEO, American National Bank – Fox Cities, Appleton; Vice Chair Joe Peikert, president and CEO, Wolf River Community Bank, Hortonville; and Past Chair Donna Hoppenjan, president and CEO, Mound City Bank, Platteville.

Also joining the Board for three-year terms are: Shane Ilstrup, president, Citizens First Bank, Trempealeau; Todd Nagel, president and CEO, IncredibleBank, Wausau; and Tim Schneider, president and CEO, Bank Five Nine, Oconomowoc. 

Those continuing their terms on the Board are: Kelly Heroux, president and CEO, Peshtigo National Bank; Paul Hoffmann, president, Lake Ridge Bank, Middleton; Shay Horton, president and CEO, Cumberland Federal Bank; Ryan Kamphuis, president and CEO, Bristol Morgan Bank, Oakfield; Greg Lundberg, president and CEO, Fortifi Bank, Berlin; Tom Mews, president, First National Community Bank, New Richmond; Anthony Nguyen, Eastern Minnesota/Wisconsin/Chicago regional bank director, SVP, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., Milwaukee; and Bill Sennholz, CEO, Forward Bank, Marshfield.

Photo caption: Jimmy Kauffman (right) receives Board pin from Alvaro Araque (left).

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About the Wisconsin Bankers Association
Founded in 1892, WBA is the state’s largest financial industry trade association, representing nearly 190 commercial banks and savings institutions, their branches, and 30,000 employees. The Association represents banks of all sizes in Wisconsin, and 97 percent of banks in the state are WBA members.