Committee

Dean has served as the president and CEO of The Water Council since March 2010. His diverse, 40-year background in multiple sectors encapsulates a wide range of expertise in government relations, branding, fundraising, economic development and nonprofit management in Washington, D.C., and Madison, Wisconsin. Dean has also served as the president of the Spirit of Milwaukee, a nonprofit dedicated to enhancing Milwaukee’s image, as well as the president of Forward Wisconsin, the state’s marketing economic development organization, and executive director of the Wisconsin Sesquicentennial Commission and Wisconsin Arts Board. Dean began his career working in Washington, D.C., for a firm that advocated for federal policy issues for the arts, humanities and people with disabilities.

A native of Wisconsin Dells, WI, Dave is a Senior Vice President of BMO Harris Bank. He currently is Head of the Middle Market and Large Corporate Banking teams as Managing Director of Southeast WI. These seasoned teams work closely with BMO’s client base to provide solutions utilizing global resources that are delivered through local bankers. Dave has 30 years of banking experience, 26 of which has been with Marshall & Ilsley Bank/BMO. Dave joined M&I Bank in 1994 as a Commercial Banking Officer. His experience includes leading several banking teams in Southeast WI and assisting in the strategic direction for the Commercial Banking footprint for M&I Corporation. Dave has also been actively involved in leading Career Development programs and various bank training initiatives across the footprints of both legacy M&I and BMO Harris Commercial Banking. Prior to M&I and BMO, David worked for WHEDA in Capital Markets and Bank One, Madison.

Craig Atwood, Ph.D. is founder and CEO of JangoBio, LLC, a holding company to five subsidiaries that provide medical, diagnostic and research products and services: JangoMed, JangoDx, JangoCell, JangoPet and Woodburn Laboratory. He is a serial entrepreneur in the biopharmaceutical and biotechnology arena with interests in Alzheimer's disease, neuroregeneration and longevity. He holds a faculty appointment in the Department of Medicine at the University of Wisconsin, Madison.

David is a Managing Director of Borgman Capital LLC, where he is responsible for deal origination, structuring, and portfolio company governance. Mr. Bartelme previously worked in Shell Oil Company’s corporate M&A practice where he focused on strategy, valuation, deal structuring, and coordination for deals both domestic and international. Mr. Bartelme started his career as a chemical engineer in the chemicals and energy industries where he spent more than a decade leading engineering, operations, and maintenance departments. Mr. Bartelme holds degrees in chemical engineering from the University of Washington and an MBA from the University of Alberta.

Dave is a partner and Chief Investment Officer with Lubar & Co., a Milwaukee based single family office, since 2005. He is involved in the private equity activities of the firm and is on the board or working closely with the portfolio of companies including American Pasteurization, Chem Design, Shared Imaging, Lake Express, Erdman, Drilltec, Rockland Industrial Products, Wrightwood Financial, Ixonia Bank, Zero Zone as well as the firms real-estate investment holdings. He also serves on the board of Star Gas (Ticker:SGU). Prior to this, he was the Chief Financial Officer for Facilitator Capital Fund, a Wisconsin-based Small Business Investment Company. He started his career with Arthur Andersen where he led the Wisconsin transaction advisory services practice. Mr. Bauer received a Master of Business Administration degree from Marquette University in 2005 and a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting in 1991. He is a Certified Public Accountant and a member of the Wisconsin Institute of CPA's and the American Institute of CPA's. In addition, Mr. Bauer is actively involved with several local charitable organizations including the Milwaukee Art Museum, the Sisters of the Divine Savior, and is an adjunct professor of corporate finance at Marquette University in their Executive MBA program. He has two children and resides in Waukesha, WI with his wife, Heidi.

Scott Bushkie is the Managing Partner and Founder of Cornerstone Business Services. With more than 20 years in the M&A industry, Scott is a recognized leader in the field, providing exit strategies, sell- and buy-side transitions, along with valuation services in the lower middle market.

Over the years, Scott has successfully executed hundreds of transactions, domestically and internationally, working with private equity firms, family offices, and strategic buyers, both public and private. Scott has the trust and respect of CPA and financial advisor alliances, investment banks, and other professional service firms around the M&A marketplace.

He is a sought-after expert on the M&A market and has been quoted by the New York Times, the Chicago Tribune, and the Associated Press. He writes for regional business papers, including a monthly syndicated column for Gannett. As a keynote speaker, he has engaged audiences from national organizations to local trade groups and international delegations, with a key focus on helping professional advisors and their clients prepare for future business transitions.

Serving as Senior Vice President of Commercial Banking, Margaret leads North Shore Bank’s efforts to provide customized solutions for middle market all the way to small businesses in Eastern Wisconsin. With an emphasis on developing strong relationships, Capper works closely with owners and key managers of businesses to assist with their financial needs. Serving business clients for over 25 years, Capper brings valuable knowledge of day-to-day banking needs, cash flow strategies, and merger and acquisition funding. Along with her work at North Shore Bank, Capper is a strong community advocate for educating new business owners and facilitated seminar series with other community groups such as WWBIC and the Latino Chamber of Commerce. She also has a strong background in nonprofit, sits on various boards supporting the community, and was recently named to the Class of 2022 BizTimes Media Notable Commercial Banking Leaders.

Matt Cordio is Partner @ Skills Pipeline & CareDirect and Acquisition Entrepreneur. Skills Pipeline is a recruitment firm specializing in searches for technology and digital marketing talent in the Midwest. CareDirect is a HealthTech firm that has developed an affordable solution for healthcare facilities to secure and track narcotics. Cordio serves on the boards of the Milwaukee Tech Coaliton and the Wisconsin Startup Coalition, an organization he co-founded in 2020.

Dan is President and CEO of White Family Investments, the family office investing arm for the White family, who are the founding family and owners of privately held Rite Hite Holding Corporation. Dan is responsible for all oversight and management of the family office including investment portfolio management, trust administration, family assets, and financial planning. Previously, Dan was worked as the Global Head of Corporate Development and M&A for Kohler Co, a $7.0 billion privately held, family managed diversified holding company.

Nick Curran is President of Executive Search Partners (ESP) and has been in the executive search industry for over 30 years. He has helped build countless executive leadership teams throughout the country with his candid, consultative approach and sound business acumen. Nick’s boutique executive search firm, ESP focuses primarily in representing private equity and venture capital backed investments in multiple manufacturing and service-based industries. Nick is a proven and accomplished leader in the executive search industry consistently leading ESP as one of Wisconsin’s most recognized and respected executive search firms. Nick is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire and a Certified Behavioral Analyst.

Daniel is General Partner of Capital Midwest Fund. Dan is on the board of Blue Pillar, Valid8, NuCurrent, Pegex, Physoft, and Always In Touch. Dan founded the Wisconsin Investment Syndication Committee in 2016. He was President of the board of COA. In 2012, he was named Man of the Year for the Milwaukee Chapter of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Prior to joining Capital Midwest, he served as Investor Relations Director at UICI, a publicly traded holding company with five subsidiaries in the health insurance industry based in Dallas, Texas. Dan earned an M.B.A. in finance from the Cox business school at SMU. Mr. Einhorn also earned a B.S. from the Hotel School at Cornell University.

As a Partner at a leading real estate development firm, Linda has honed her skills in finance, credit, problem solving, networking, and collaboration to negotiate complex transactions. In her previous role as a Managing Director for a $14B global hedge fund, she contributed to asset growth, investment performance, and global expansion. Having benefited from the support and encouragement of mentors and advocates throughout her career, Linda pays it forward as a champion for women, young professionals, and a deep commitment to numerous civic and philanthropic organizations.

Mr. Grosskopf is the CEO and owner of New Resources Companies, a technology and business consulting firm with more than 200 consultants. Since 2003, Mark has launched five successful companies and acquired three and divested four. By employing a strategy of innovation, diversification and investment, Mark's companies have grown to over 250 people over the past 10 years.

Brian began his career with the firm in 1995 after receiving a BBA – Finance, Investment & Banking from the University of Wisconsin – Madison in 1994 followed by an MBA from Marquette University in 2003. He has over 27 years of banking experience across a variety of industries including Manufacturing, Transportation, Metals & Mining, Consumer & Retail, Technology and Healthcare. During 2017, he was promoted to Region Manager for Chase Middle Market Banking & Specialized Industries in Wisconsin. In this role, Brian leads a team of bankers across four offices and is responsible for developing and managing customer relationships with mid-sized businesses across the state.

Prior to his current role, Brian covered large corporates in Wisconsin and Minnesota as a member of the firm’s Corporate Client Banking & Specialized Industries group. He served as primary relationship contact, providing advice and coordinating the full resources of the firm to deliver solutions for capital raising, international banking, treasury services, risk management, global trade, investment management and other Corporate and Investment Banking needs

Nezih is the executive vice president of business development and a partner at M3 Insurance. He is responsible for the overall direction, strategy, long-term planning and performance of M3’s business development, marketing, and mergers & acquisitions teams. Hasanoglu is a member of M3’s Executive Operating Committee

Gus joined Associated Bank in October 2019 and is the senior vice president & market leader, Corporate Banking. He is responsible for leading a Corporate Banking team in its business development and client relationship efforts for the southeastern Wisconsin market.  Hernandez brings more than 30 years of banking experience to Associated Bank. Most recently he held the position of Milwaukee regional president at Johnson Bank. Prior to that he spent nearly 15 years at BMO Harris Bank/M&I Bank, holding leadership positions in commercial banking in Wisconsin and Florida. Hernandez holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Marquette University and a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in finance and marketing from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee. He serves on the board for Ascend Talent Strategies, Milwaukee Metropolitan Association of Commerce and Waukesha County Business Alliance Economic Development Policy committee.

Phil is a 27 year veteran of Aon. He has served in many roles in Aon's Chicago and Milwaukee offices, including broker, relationship manager and office head. Currently Phil is a leader of Aon's Commercial Risk operations in Milwaukee. He has helped clients in multiple industries realize their Risk Management goals and has supported their growth efforts through hundreds of M&A transactions large, small, foreign and domestic.

Tracy is President and CEO for CARW – the Commercial Association of REALTORS® Wisconsin, a trade association of 900 commercial real estate professionals representing 100 M SF of real estate for sale or lease. She oversees the statewide commercial data platform and leads advocacy efforts for the commercial real estate industry. She is a board member of Ascension Wisconsin and the Transportation Development Association.

Alexander is the President & Founder of 37celsius Capital Partners, and focuses on strategic business expansion and integration of its portfolio companies. Mr. Kempe has 25 years of operating and investment management experience in the healthcare industry. Mr Kempe worked at GE & GE Healthcare (“GEHC”) in a number of strategic, operational and financial leadership positions in the U.S. and in Europe.

Kerry Klecic is part of the Brown & Brown transaction group, which provides risk consultation and insurance coverage for Mergers & Acquisitions activity. This includes Due Diligence, as well as Representations and Warranties, Litigation and Tax insurance coverages. Kerry has been with the company since Summer of 2016.

Lee is managing partner of Smart Business Network Inc., a national events, media and marketing company founded in 1989, primarily responsible for expanding the company’s Aspire deal-making conference throughout the U.S. He plays a key role in establishing corporate policies and developing long-term strategy and growth plans. Previously, he founded and chaired the Growth Group at national law firm Arter & Hadden LLP (now Tucker, Ellis & West), which focused on working with middle-market and high-growth technology companies. 

Joe is the CEO of LPi, an almost 50 year old privately-held communication company that provides communication services that build more vibrant faith-based and other non-profit communities. At LPi, Joe is leading LPi’s digital transformation, transforming a half-century old organization, and bringing it into today’s increasingly digital world.

Joe built, grew, and later spun-off LPi’s FinTech and Member Management SaaS solution set. Currently, Joe is preparing LPi and its customers for the upcoming digital decades with LPi’s new SaaS communication solution, ePub Design.

ePub Design is a hybrid print and digital communication solution enabling non-profits to reach their membership wherever they may be.

Spencer is a partner in the Milwaukee office of Foley & Lardner LLP. Spencer practices primarily in the areas of corporate law, mergers & acquisitions, securities law, capital markets and corporate governance. Spencer is a member of the firm’s Transactions Practice and is a leader of the firm’s Private Equity & Venture Capital Practice. Spencer’s practice is largely industry agnostic, although he has significant experience representing clients in the food & beverage, healthcare, leisure & hospitality, manufacturing, oil & gas and technology industries.

Spencer has advised clients in connection with more than 100 public and private mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures and other business combination transactions with an aggregate deal value exceeding $10 billion.

Tim is the CEO of N2 Advantage Law, Ltd., a business law firm and Managing Director of N2 Advantage, Ltd., a capital markets advisory firm. Both firms are based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and focus on mergers and acquisitions - helping clients buy, sell and finance their businesses. He is a practicing attorney since 1982 and clients choose him as their most trusted legal and business advisor, especially when things get tense and an experienced strategic negotiator is needed. He is a formally trained negotiator (Harvard Program On Negotiation, Notre Dame Certificate in Negotiation) and use those skills to guide his clients and their boards through every stage of the business lifecycle including: acquisitions, expansion, shareholder buyouts, contracts with vendors and employees, tax planning strategies, negotiating financing transactions, management succession and sales of the businesses. Tim is an author, speaker and teacher for various business and professional organizations including VISTAGE, State Bar of Wisconsin, Continuing Legal Education of Wisconsin, Lorman and the Wisconsin Institute of Certified Public Accountants. He has taught graduate courses in Corporate Tax Strategies at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, as well as, lectured on business law in the general practice category at the University of Wisconsin Law School. Currently, he is the author and presenter of an innovative negotiation training/coaching program that has been presented to over 500 CEO's and CFO's, as well as the internal sales and purchasing teams from a variety of businesses.

Doug is a Partner and the Wisconsin Market Leader at RSM. Since joining the firm in 1998, Doug has provided audit and advisory services across a wide variety of industries, including industrial manufacturing, consumer goods, telecommunications, and other service and technology driven companies and distributors. He serves public and privately held entities, including listed companies, private equity, family office, and owner-managed businesses, as well as other strategic investors. He is part of leadership teams at RSM to set and manage strategic priorities for the market and firm. Doug is a certified public accountant who is licensed in Wisconsin and Illinois. He is a member of the board of directors of Junior Achievement Wisconsin and Best Buddies Wisconsin.  

As President and CEO of HPS, Terry’s focus is providing empathetic, consistent, relatable leadership that engages, inspires and encourages team growth within all levels of the organization. His people-centric approach consistently yields positive bottom-line results by influencing hard-to-control costs such as turnover and productivity.

Michael offers extensive, diverse industry experience built on a foundation of high caliber general and financial management experience. He has led firms through performance improvement initiatives, turnarounds, restructurings, mergers & acquisitions, and high-speed growth experiences as well as advising equity owners and executives.

In addition, Michael has served in leadership positions of well-known firms in the consumer products, manufacturing & product development, merchandising and licensing, specialty retailing, energy and environmental products and services, and other business services.

Paul is the former CEO of 7Summits. He founded the company in 2009 to become a category creating company with the sustaining purpose to unleash people’s potential to create, compete and innovate in entirely new ways. Paul saw the opportunity, earlier than most, to join together collaborative and digital interactions. From it's beginnings in Milwaukee to becoming an award leading National Leader with over 230 employees in 30 States across the country, 7Summits was recently acquired by tech giant IBM after aggressive growth even during this Pandemic.

Carrie Thome is a seasoned executive with decades of experience in delivering top-quartile investment results. In her former role of Chief Investment Officer for the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF), Carrie oversaw management of a $3B investment portfolio, managing a team of seven financial professionals. In 2017 and 2016, she was named the 26th and 18th most powerful institutional investor in the world by Chief Investment Officer.

Joe serves as President of Davis|Kuelthau, is a member of the firm’s Board of Directors, and formerly chaired the firm’s Corporate and Business Law Team and Real Estate Team. He advises clients on complex sales and acquisitions of companies, real estate transactions and financings, and sophisticated tax planning. He routinely works with clients in structuring their investment entities and offerings as well as developing or acquiring real estate and business assets. Joe has successfully assisted his clients in developing and financing numerous high profile retail, industrial and multi-family developments in Wisconsin and across the country including zoning and other entitlement issues.

He has extensive experience with tax increment financing, new market tax credits, bond financing, historic tax credits, tenancies in common, installment sales, and Section 1031 exchanges.

During my career as a planner, manager and merchant, I realized many companies were struggling with the planning process trying to cut and paste many spreadsheets into one, and then watching their systems lock-up and crash because of the overwhelming data. This results in wasted time and productivity. I also noticed that with most ERP’s, sales analysis, forecasting and planning were often not the priority of the system.

That is why I developed the Sales Analysis & Forecasting Tool©. I realized there was a tremendous need for an accurate, efficient, comprehensive tool. I created a stand-alone software application that can be used with the company’s current system or in conjunction with an ERP. It utilizes a database platform which defines the forecasting process and thus reduces start-up time and cost. Integration to “go-live” is about 6-8 weeks, the low-barrier-to-entry cost is all inclusive with installation, user seats and on-site training.

Bill is the chair of von Briesen’s Business Section. He has over 30 years of experience in corporate and business related transactions including mergers and acquisitions, complex corporate and commercial transactions, corporate governance and business succession planning. Bill is a trusted advisor to his clients and they rely on his ability to achieve desired outcomes in a practical, timely and cost-effective manner.

Lydia Zeller is CEO at Pelvital, a femtech company improving the lives of women suffering from pelvic floor disorders through effective, convenient, at-home products. Previously Lydia was CEO at Kiio, where she led the company through a pivot and period of rapid growth culminating in acquisition late 2021. She also serves as Board President of the Wisconsin Startup Coalition.