Gary Kuter Joins Bank of Sun Prairie as SVP, Chief Financial Officer

Decades of Executive Level Banking Experience Positions Bank for Even Greater Success

Sun Prairie, Wis.— Bank of Sun Prairie welcomes Gary Kuter as new senior vice president, chief financial officer. Kuter leads the finance department, contributing his broad range of experience in commercial lending, compliance, risk management, operations, funding, credit analysis, pricing, and retail banking to the broader organization.

Kuter has worked in banking for close to 30 years, most recently as head of compliance and retail banking for Capitol Bank. He currently serves as past chair and member of the Wisconsin Bankers Association Government Relations Committee, as board member for Friends of the Waisman Center and is a member of Rotary International. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater.

“I have known Gary for a long time. He is a seasoned, well-rounded banking executive who has spent his career in community banking. He brings a deep understanding of financial strategy, operations and leadership that will strengthen our growth and long-term stability,” shared Jimmy Kauffman, Bank of Sun Prairie’s president and CEO. “He leads Bank of Sun Prairie’s finance department leveraging his proven track record of success in developing and leading high-performing teams.”

Bank of Sun Prairie is a locally owned, full-service community bank with $724 million in assets and four branches in Sun Prairie and Cottage Grove, Wis. Its mission is to be trusted advisor and community ally lifting people and organizations up, milestone to milestone, through leading-edge financial services and personal support. Member FDIC. Equal Opportunity Lender.

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Oak Bank Welcomes Alexis Schueler as Commercial Loan Specialist

Fitchburg, WI – Oak Bank is pleased to welcome Alexis Schueler as a Commercial Loan Specialist. In this role, Alexis will support the bank’s commercial lending activities by coordinating loan documentation, reviewing collateral, and ensuring regulatory compliance throughout the loan process. Her work will be integral to the loan operations team and reinforcing Oak Bank’s commitment to personalized, high-quality service for business clients.

Alexis brings valuable experience in loan processing, personal banking, and client services. Her background has equipped her with a strong understanding of lending workflows and a client focused mindset, which she now brings to the commercial side of banking. Alexis is excited to build on this foundation and grow her expertise in commercial loan operations.

“I was drawn to Oak Bank because of its reputation for both professional excellence and genuine community engagement,” Alexis shared. “I’m excited to work in a role where I can grow my expertise in commercial lending while contributing to a team that truly values collaboration and integrity.”

Melissa Torres, Vice President – Loan Operations, welcomes Alexis to the team noting, “Alexis’s attention to detail, drive to learn, and client-first mindset make her a perfect fit for our commercial loan team. We’re thrilled to have her on board, and we’re confident she’ll help strengthen the support we provide to our business clients.”

Alexis supports the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. When she’s not at the bank, you might find her boating in the summer, snowboarding in the winter or playing the drums.

Please join us in giving a warm welcome to Alexis Schueler as she begins her journey with Oak Bank!

Oak Bank has been deeply rooted in the Fitchburg community and Madison area for 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 www.oak.bank to learn more.

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Dr. Tracey Scherr Named District’s Next Director of Mental Health and Well-Being

MADISON, Wis.—The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) has named Dr. Tracey Scherr as its new director of mental health and well-being, effective immediately. Scherr previously served as MMSD’s mental health partnerships coordinator and brings more than two decades of experience in school psychology, higher education and community collaboration to the role.

In her new position, Scherr will lead the District’s comprehensive student mental health strategy, overseeing system-wide trauma and depression screening, school-based mental health interventions, professional learning for educators and key partnerships with healthcare providers and universities. She will also coordinate the integration of behavioral and social-emotional supports across departments, with a continued focus on equity and access for historically marginalized student populations.

“Dr. Scherr brings to this important position a deep understanding of school systems and student support, combined with an unwavering commitment to equity,” said Dr. Carlettra Stanford, assistant superintendent of schools and learning. “Her leadership will help ensure that every student in our district has access to mental health supports that are not only effective, but affirming and culturally responsive.”

Before joining MMSD in 2022, Scherr served as assistant coordinator of the school psychology program at the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater, where she spent 18 years preparing the next generation of school psychologists, some of whom now serve within MMSD. She has also worked closely with K–12 schools throughout her career, including helping to lead a substitute teaching program that gave aspiring educators valuable classroom experience.

Scherr holds a bachelor of arts degree from Colorado Mesa University, as well as a master of arts degree in psychology and a doctorate in school psychology from the University of Northern Colorado. She is a licensed and nationally certified school psychologist and has held leadership roles at the state, national and international levels. Her advocacy, legislative work, and numerous publications have consistently focused on improving school-based mental health services, especially for underserved and underrepresented student populations.

“Dr. Scherr has the rare ability to build bridges between schools, families and the mental health community,” said Leia Esser, executive director of student and staff supports. “Her background in higher education and deep ties to MMSD uniquely position her to lead this work with both expertise and heart.”

Scherr succeeds Dr. Kristen Guetschow, who retired last month after years of dedicated service to the district.

For more information about MMSD’s approach to mental health and related supports, please visit the District’s website.

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About the Madison Metropolitan School DistrictThe 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 4,500 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.

Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin Welcomes New Board Members

Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin is thrilled to announce the appointment of three new members to its Board of Directors. Their diverse backgrounds and dedication to serving our community will help guide the Foodbank’s mission of ending hunger in southern Wisconsin.

Kelliann Blazek (she/her) – Hailing from Mauston, WI, Kelliann brings a wealth of experience in food systems, nutrition, and agriculture. Her prior role with the White House Domestic Policy Council during the Biden-Harris Administration and as the first Director of Wisconsin’s Office of Rural Prosperity demonstrates her commitment to rural policy strategy. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin Law School and a member of the State Bar of Wisconsin, Kelliann also offers valuable lived experience.

Valerie Chesnik (she/her) – Valerie, a Madison native, currently serves as the Director of Development with the UW College of Engineering at the Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association. With nearly a decade of experience in the non-profit and development fields, she is also a founding member of NRSSH (Next Rising Stars of Second Harvest), a group that engaged young professionals in the organization’s mission.

Jessica Dale (she/her) – Based in DeForest, WI, Jessica is a healthcare professional with over 20 years of experience. As a doctoral-level nurse with a strong background in leadership and administration, she brings not only her expertise but also personal insights into the challenges faced by those experiencing food insecurity.

“Each of our new board members brings unique skills and perspectives that will enhance our ability to serve our community better,” said Michelle Orge, President and Executive Director of Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin. “We are excited to have them support our vision of a community where everyone has enough nutritious food to thrive.”

The Board of Directors at Second Harvest Foodbank is committed to supporting the organization on our journey toward our strategic goals of nutrition security and food equity for everyone in the communities we support. With these new members, the organization is poised to continue expanding its impact across southern Wisconsin.

For more information about Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin and our initiatives, please visit SecondHarvestSW.org.

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.