2025 Wisconsin Economic Summit  

Hillary Mintz stepped into her role as public information officer and press secretary in the Waukesha County Executive’s Office in 2023, after more than a decade as a trusted journalist at WISN-12 News in Milwaukee. In her current position, she oversees media relations and communications across the County’s 17 departments, ensuring clear and timely messaging both internally among staff and externally to the community. She is also the press secretary for Waukesha County Executive Paul Farrow.

Mintz holds FEMA certification as an advanced public information officer, a credential that highlights her skills in managing communications during emergencies. She is the host of “GovCast,” the official Waukesha County podcast exploring county government and public information, further sharing insights into her profession and public service journey.

Before transitioning into public service, she built her communication expertise covering regional news across Southeast Wisconsin as a trusted investigative journalist. Hillary also brings a competitive edge from her athletic past: She played Division I tennis at the University of Iowa and continues to engage with the sport today alongside her family.

Sam Rikkers is deputy secretary and chief operating officer for WEDC. Prior to joining WEDC in November 2019, he served as strategic economic initiatives director at the Wisconsin Department of Administration.

Rikkers has an extensive background in rural development, both in the U.S. and internationally. He served in the White House from 2013 to 2014 as director on the energy and environment team in the Presidential Personnel Office, then was administrator of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Business-Cooperative Service. Before returning to Wisconsin in 2017, he launched and led the Rural Opportunity Initiative of the Georgetown University McDonough School of Business. In Wisconsin, he served as executive director of Tiny Earth, a global initiative based at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, harnessing the research of undergraduate students to discover new antibiotics.

A native of Stoughton, Rikkers holds a juris doctor degree from the University of Wisconsin Law School, a master’s degree in international affairs from Columbia University, and a bachelor’s degree in political science and philosophy from Macalester College. He also served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Zambia.

Pamela Boivin is chairperson of the WEDC Board of Directors. She is also the executive director of Woodland Financial Partners Inc. (WFP), a federally certified community development financial institution that provides alternative financing and development services for entrepreneurs and small businesses of the 11 federally recognized Tribal nations in Wisconsin. As a full-time employee with WFP since 2007, Boivin—a member of the Menominee Indian Tribe—has ignited growth and sustainability for the organization. Her duties include a key role in fostering partnerships and connections for economic development, project assessment and feasibility, business plan assistance for loan applicants, loan application assistance, credit analysis for applicants, compliance reporting, and portfolio management. She also serves as chairwoman of the Wisconsin Indigenous Economic Development Corp.—of which WFP is a member—and has served on the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Commission on Rural Prosperity as well as the Governor’s Green Ribbon Commission on Clean Energy and Environmental Innovation. She holds a master’s degree in business administration from Marquette University and a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point with certifications in asset building strategies, financial education curriculum, and risk management.  

Chef Paul Bartolotta is a two-time James Beard Award winner and four-time nominee for Outstanding Restaurateur. As co-founder and owner of The Bartolotta Restaurants, he has shaped Milwaukee’s culinary landscape with 17 acclaimed restaurants and catering venues. With over 30 years of global experience—from Italy and Paris to New York and Las Vegas—Chef Bartolotta is celebrated for his commitment to authenticity and excellence. His training in traditional European kitchens and passion for creating immersive dining experiences have earned him accolades from the James Beard Foundation, Michelin Guide, AAA, and major publications including the New York Times and Chicago Tribune.

Chef Bartolotta continues to bring his vision and expertise to new business development, solidifying his reputation as one of America’s most respected chefs and restaurateurs.

David Casey was appointed secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Revenue by Governor Evers in April 2024. He had previously served as the deputy secretary from 2019 to 2022.

Secretary Casey has nearly 30 years of professional experience working with state tax agencies to help improve taxpayer service and compliance. He has a passion for using data to drive decision-making, improve business processes, and engage the workforce for improved effectiveness and efficiency.

He has also worked in public service as assistant to the city manager for the City of Vancouver in Washington state. He has also been a principal for American Management Systems in Fairfax, Virginia; a senior consulting manager for Deloitte Consulting LLP in Chicago; an executive consulting manager for Revenue Solutions Inc. in Pembroke, Massachusetts; and an industry principal consultant for SAS in Cary, North Carolina.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Grinnell College in Grinnell, Iowa, and a master of science degree in public policy and management from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh.

Secretary Casey resides in Madison with his husband, Kevin, and they enjoy exploring Wisconsin’s lakes and parks all year round.

Eric Genrich was elected the 42nd mayor of Green Bay in April 2019. Prior to becoming mayor, Genrich was elected to the state Assembly in November 2012. Serving three terms, he represented the 90th Assembly District, which comprises the majority of the City of Green Bay.

Born and raised in Green Bay, he received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and attained a graduate degree from UW-Milwaukee. Prior to his election to the state Assembly, Genrich worked in the state and federal governments, and later as an information technology librarian for the Brown County Library. He has been actively supportive of several community organizations, including NeighborWorks Green Bay, on whose board he served for six years.

Genrich and his wife, Emily, live on the east side of Green Bay with their two children, Henry and Amelia.

Tehassi tasi Hill is serving his third term as chairman for the Oneida Nation. Prior to being elected Chairman, he served two terms as a council member for the Oneida Business Committee, the nine-member elected body of government officials for the Oneida Nation.

Through his service as an elected leader, Chairman Hill continues to demonstrate a commitment to the preservation of the environment and the Oneida language, as well as the culture and traditions of Oneida Nation. He actively works to support the vision of sustainability and to exercise and protect the nation’s sovereignty. These guiding principles continue to map out his daily work for the nation, extending beyond the Oneida reservation. Over his tenure, Chairman Hill has embraced a transformational leadership style, which has earned him seats on different boards on both the state and the federal levels.

Chairman Hill and his wife, Kanatihal, have nine children and 21 grandchildren. They reside in Oneida, Wisconsin. In his leisure time, you can find him either hunting or fishing and being actively engaged with his family and the greater community.

Shayna Hetzel, WEDC’s vice president of entrepreneurship and innovation, has a background in venture capital, public-private partnerships, public policy, and corporate strategy. Currently, she leads the state of Wisconsin’s efforts to advance startups and emerging growth companies, invest in innovation ecosystems, grow venture investment in Wisconsin startup businesses, and expand entrepreneurship opportunity for underserved individuals and communities.

Hetzel is a community builder and active board member, recognized as one of Wisconsin’s Most Influential Asian Leaders and a 40 Under 40 InBusiness honoree. She is a proud Wisconsinite and a double Badger, having earned both her bachelor’s and her master’s degrees at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Maggie Brickerman is the incoming president of the Wisconsin Technology Council. She was the second employee at Wisconsin-based venture firm and startup accelerator gener8tor, helping to grow the company to eight figures in revenue and support more than 1,600 companies that have collectively raised more than $2.5 billion in follow-on funding. She has spent more than 10 years driving innovation, investment, and entrepreneurial growth in Wisconsin and beyond.

Brickerman is a seventh-generation Wisconsinite; she graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Wisconsin in 2008. Prior to joining gener8tor, she spent 10 years working for political campaigns and organizations in Wisconsin, where she gained extensive experience starting things from scratch, building high-functioning teams, and managing large budgets. Maggie was recognized as a 2024 InBusiness Magazine 40 Under 40 winner and is a recipient of the Wisconsin Alumni Association Forward Award.

Dana A. Guthrie is managing partner at Gateway Capital. Prior to her current role, Guthrie founded and managed Alchemy Angel Investors, an angel investment network focused on early-stage startups. She founded Alchemy Angel Investors while being employed full-time at a Fortune 500 company and managing a multimillion-dollar global product offering.

Guthrie is a two-time patent recipient, holds a bachelor of science degree in computer engineering from Milwaukee School of Engineering and a master of science degree in energy engineering from the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Scott Resnick is a serial entrepreneur, investor, and leader in the Wisconsin startup ecosystem. Resnick is the cofounder of Hardin Design & Development, a B2B enterprise web services business. The company has grown to eight-figure revenue building enterprise GIS and web applications for Fortune 500 clients. Resnick is also active in the venture community and serves on the Board of Directors of the Madison Development Corp.

Laura Strong is a strategic fund manager with more than 25 years of experience building and scaling technology-focused companies. As founder and chief executive officer of Valency Fund, she focuses on growth-stage capital deployment in Wisconsin-based businesses across the agriculture, advanced manufacturing, and technology sectors.

Her operational background includes leadership roles at high-growth companies like Exact Sciences, where she led clinical evidence strategies, and early-stage drug discovery at Quintessence Biosciences. She combines operational expertise with deep scientific knowledge, holding a Ph.D. in organic chemistry from University of Wisconsin-Madison along with 19 publications and 10 U.S. patents.

She maintains an extensive network throughout Wisconsin’s business community through board positions including Total Water, an industrial services company in 11 states, and previously at nonprofit ecosystem partners BioForward and StartingBlock Madison. Her approach centers on identifying companies with solid fundamentals and helping them access the capital and strategic guidance needed for growth.

Olivia Otte is the executive director of the Green County Development Corporation (GCDC). She leads countywide efforts to grow the economy, expand housing options, and support entrepreneurship, working closely with local businesses, developers, municipalities, and regional partners to tackle challenges and build lasting community resilience. 

Under her leadership, GCDC has launched programs such as the Housing Development Fund, the Home Construction Cooperative, and new business investment initiatives. She has also expanded access to microloans and resources for local entrepreneurs. Beyond GCDC, Otte serves as the president of Prosperity Southwest, a regional economic development organization. 

Daniel Ertl was appointed the first city planner for the City of Brookfield in 1987. His accomplishments include serving as project manager for construction of the state-of-the-art Brookfield Conference Center; working to secure advocacy support from various housing and business groups for the Flats of Brookfield, the first workforce housing development to be built in Waukesha County; creating the first wetlands preservation plan in the region, leading to the acquisition of thousands of acres of wetland for public ownership; managing the creation of the first bikeway master plan in 1987-88; and creating a zoning entitlement environment to diversify the housing supply in a suburb accustomed to single-family detached housing.

He serves as executive director of the Brookfield Community Development Authority, which oversees tax increment districts and other public-private partnerships. He served on the Wisconsin League of Municipalities Advisory Committee on Legislative Matters and currently serves in the same role on the Wisconsin chapter of NAIOP, the commercial real estate development association. He is a fellow of the American Institute of Certified Planners.

He holds a bachelor’s degree from Marquette University and a master’s degree in urban planning from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

Ted Neitzke IV is the mayor of Port Washington and is a lifelong educator and leader. He currently serves as CEO of CESA 6, where he supports school systems with innovative strategies for continuous improvement and educational leadership.

Neitzke is also the creator and host of the award-winning Smart Thinking Podcast, which has been downloaded internationally more than 400,000 times and has twice earned the WISPERA “Podcast of the Year” award. His work emphasizes leadership, empathy, and the power of education to transform communities. Previously, Neitzke served as superintendent of the West Bend School District, where he expanded programs, improved student achievement, and helped pass major education initiatives.

Beyond education, Neitzke has been a dedicated public servant in Port Washington, where he has served as alderman and as City Council president prior to becoming the mayor. His career reflects a deep commitment to leadership, community service, and creating opportunities for others to thrive.

Cheryl Renier-Wigg has more than 38 years of experience in neighborhood development and revitalization. Throughout her career with the Department of Community and Economic Development, she has led a wide range of housing and community initiatives—including home rehabilitation, housing development, public nuisance abatement, and neighborhood association development and support work. Currently serving as director of the department, she oversees operations across key areas such as planning, housing, neighborhoods, inspections, and economic development. In addition, she serves as executive director of the Green Bay Housing Authority, where she is responsible for managing 48 scattered-site homes and 152 subsidized housing units. 

Jacqui Sharpe serves as the director of the Three Lakes Area Visitors Bureau, where she plays a pivotal role in promoting tourism and fostering economic development within the Three Lakes community. With a deep passion for local culture and natural resources, she leads initiatives that showcase the region’s scenic beauty, outdoor recreation opportunities, and unique heritage.

Michele Carter is the administrator of the Division of Employment and Training (DET) at the Department of Workforce Development. DET coordinates and supports the state’s workforce service delivery system with a continuum of services that address workforce potential, talent acquisition and retention, resource alignment, research, and empowerment.

Carter left the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, where she was the director of the Office of Business Opportunity and Equity Compliance, in June 2020. Her primary role was oversight of the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program, contract and labor compliance, and inclusion practices in Wisconsin’s road construction transportation industry.

Carter is a veteran, having served 23 years of enlisted and commissioned military service.

Sachin Shivaram is CEO of Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry and co-chair of New North, the regional economic development organization for Northeast Wisconsin. He also chairs the Governor’s Council on Workforce Investment, where he helps shape statewide workforce strategy, and serves on several corporate boards. With experience leading manufacturing growth, forging public-private partnerships, and advancing workforce solutions, he brings a perspective on how Wisconsin can compete globally while creating opportunity locally.

Truttmann Dairy LLC, located near New Glarus, is owned and operated by Dan and Shelly Truttmann.  The dairy is a fifth-generation family-owned and -operated business that has been in the family since 1899.  The Truttmanns—along with Dan’s father, brother, and nephew as well as and eight other employees—milk 500 Jerseys; raise 450 calves and heifers; and operate 950 acres of alfalfa, corn for silage, corn grain, soybeans, wheat, and grass pastures. Since joining the operation in 1990, the Truttmanns have steadily increased the herd from 60 cows to its present size.

Dan Truttmann is the current chair of the local Town of York board, is on the plan commission, and is a current and charter member of the Farmers of the Sugar River, a producer-led watershed group. Shelly Truttmann works off the farm in the New Glarus School District in the 4K classroom and is the farm’s landscape architect during the summer. The Truttmann family also regularly host tours for high school and college classes as well as foreign farmers and/or tourists.

Dan and Shelly Truttmann are both 1990 graduates of UW-Madison—Dan with a bachelor’s degree in dairy science and Shelly with a landscape architecture degree—and they have three young adult offspring that all work in tech jobs off the farm.

Joshua VanLieshout is the city administrator for the City of Sturgeon Bay. He considers the city’s most exciting accomplishment to be the redevelopment of its waterfronts and creation of the beautiful West Waterfront promenade. Additionally, he takes pride in the city’s ongoing support and investment in badly needed new housing stock. He recognizes the importance of retaining talented staff to work alongside him in finding creative approaches to sustain economic stability in a community with a declining population and an aging workforce.

VanLieshout is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, having earned a bachelor of science degree in environmental policy and planning. Before leading the City of Sturgeon Bay for 10 years, he served the Town of Dodgeville and the villages of Sherwood and Egg Harbor.

In his free time, VanLieshout enjoys spending time with his family and can be found cooking, smoking meat, and tapping maple trees to make syrup—all in his own backyard. When he gets away, he enjoys skiing, hunting grouse, and fishing for brook trout.

Sabrina Zerhouni serves as a human resources and community engagement leader at JBS Foods Green Bay, one of the largest beef processing facilities in Wisconsin. In her role, Zerhouni leads initiatives that strengthen employee engagement, workforce development, and community partnerships. She plays a key role in programs that support education, child care, and career advancement for hundreds of team members and their families.

A native of Algeria, Zerhouni served as operations manager at the Algerian Spanish Chamber of Commerce, helping foster economic growth by connecting Algerian and Spanish companies through strategic partnerships.

She began her journey in the U.S. in 2017 as an English language learner through Literacy Green Bay, where she is now honored to serve as a board member and received the 2025 Literacy Advocate Award for her outstanding dedication to education and community empowerment. Her inspiring path from newcomer to corporate and community leader reflects the values of resilience, opportunity, and inclusion that JBS Foods proudly promotes through its Better Futures and Hometown Strong initiatives.

Francisca Rodriguez is senior manager of diverse business development with WEDC. After a 14-year career in banking, Francisca transitioned to economic development. In her two years at WEDC, she has been active in supporting statewide chambers and technical assistance providers, helping them further their missions of assisting small businesses across Wisconsin.  

Rodriguez is a strong advocate for equitable access to training and support for all entrepreneurs, regardless of their background or economic status. A Wisconsin native, she is deeply committed to WEDC’s mission of strategic investment in the state to enhance the economic well-being of its residents, businesses, and communities. She fully embraces WEDC’s vision of an Economy for All where every Wisconsinite has the opportunity to thrive. As a mother, creative, and entrepreneur, she deeply understands the importance of investing in future leaders. 

Cassie Cornelius is studying cybersecurity and system administration at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, where she serves as chapter president of Phi Theta Kappa and vice president of the Wisconsin Student Government. She is passionate about leadership, equity, and advancing opportunities for technical college students across Wisconsin. 

Nathan Halbach is a senior at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay and the elected student body president. A varsity captain for the men’s swim team, he leads both in the pool and on campus. He serves as an analyst for the university’s Student-Managed Investment Fund, applying equity research and portfolio management. Halbach’s academic research work with the Cofrin School of Business focuses on artificial intelligence and its real-world applicability to sustainability and water resource management. A native of Sun Prairie, he partners with his state representative on constituent outreach and local initiatives and contributes through the Allouez Optimist Club. His interests sit at the intersection of leadership, finance, and technology, with a goal of turning research and policy into practical impact for Wisconsin communities.

Nakeisha Holder was born and raised in the U.S. south (in Florida and Alabama), in a Caribbean household, with both of her parents born on the island of Barbados. She is a first–generation U.S.-born citizen and the second child in her family to go to college. She aspires to become a microbiologist, with plans to complete an associate degree in laboratory science technology with a biological emphasis this December, and after that to obtain two bachelor of science degrees (majoring in biology for both), and finally a Ph.D. in immunology with a focus in microbiology and genetic engineering. 

Adina Kurzban is an intern with the Wisconsin Office of Rural Prosperity, where she supports the development of programs and toolkits aimed at helping rural communities grow and thrive. Her work centers on building accessible resources that foster long-term economic vitality across Wisconsin.

Originally from Los Angeles, Kurzban is a senior at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, majoring in economics and philosophy. She spent last year studying at the London School of Economics. Outside of work, she enjoys running marathons and loves training on the streets and trails of Madison.

Henry Thies is a recent graduate of Evansville High School, where he earned Magna Cum Laude honors with a 3.5 GPA. Rather than pursuing a traditional college route, Henry chose to begin his career in the landscaping trades, gaining hands-on experience that deepens his understanding of how design, environment, and community intersect.

Representing Wisconsin’s next generation of skilled tradespeople and entrepreneurs, Henry brings a grounded perspective on workforce opportunity and local investment. Rooted in small-town values and inspired by Wisconsin’s natural beauty, he plans to continue his professional growth by pursuing certification as a Wisconsin Master Gardener, contributing to sustainable growth and community vitality across the state.

Sarah Duchemin is vice president of marketing and brand strategy for WEDC. She joined WEDC in October 2021. Prior to her current role, Sarah served as WEDC’s digital marketing director.

Sarah is an advertising and marketing veteran with more than two decades of demonstrated expertise and leadership driving results on national business-to-consumer accounts like JCPenney, Walgreens, and Walmart. She has hands-on experience developing integrated marketing campaigns, leveraging digital technologies, and directing cross-functional teams.

Sarah’s skills also include planning and strategy, marketing program management, creative direction, customer and client service, and cultivating relationships based on transparency, problem solving, and an authentic and personable communication style.

An Eau Claire native, Sarah holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Notre Dame with a major in marketing and computer applications. She also studied abroad at University College Dublin in Ireland. When she’s not at work, Sarah is an avid equestrian who enjoys riding the many miles of beautiful trails in Wisconsin.

Wally Leipart, Ph.D., is a visionary educational leader dedicated to building strong community and economic partnerships that support workforce development and long-term regional vitality. As superintendent of the Gilman School District, Leipart has led efforts to align education with local economic needs by expanding access to career pathways, enhancing stakeholder collaboration, and driving innovation in K-12 learning.

With a proven track record of engaging diverse partners—including businesses, local government, and higher education institutions—Leipart focuses on creating opportunities that prepare students for success in life beyond college, including improving workforce readiness. His work reflects a deep commitment to strengthening rural communities through education, ensuring that schools serve as active contributors to economic growth and sustainability across Wisconsin.

Candice Grunseth has been the clerk for the Village of Gilman in Taylor County for the past 19 years and is also a coach at the Gilman School District.  She is involved in organizations in Gilman and Taylor counties including Gilman Development Foundation, Taylor County Tourism, Taylor County Library Board, WVLS Board, the FIX IT GRANT, the recreation center board, and Fulcrum Foundation, along with school and church groups. She wants the best for Gilman School District and the whole community her goal has always been to move Gilman forward. Work that went into the DESIGN WI event led to the formation of a Tax Increment District, which in turn led receiving a WEDC Idle Sites Redevelopment Grant that enabled converting an empty nursing home into 17 apartments. Grunseth is proud of this great accomplishment for the community.

Rome Rauter serves as market development director with WEDC’s Division of Global Trade and Investment, where he focuses on advancing international trade and investment on behalf of Wisconsin businesses. Based in Germany, he supports Wisconsin companies in expanding into global markets by organizing trade missions, building industry and regional partnerships, and cultivating foreign direct investment opportunities in the state.

Originally from Osseo, Wisconsin, and a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Rauter brings a global perspective shaped by his work and experiences abroad. He is passionate about international collaboration, urban development, and creating opportunities for Wisconsin businesses to thrive on a worldwide stage.

Christie Draves is vice president of accounting and finance and treasurer for Johnson Health Tech North America Inc., where she oversees all financial operations supporting the company’s continued growth and resilience across a dynamic global marketplace. 

With more than two decades of experience in corporate finance and strategic planning, Draves has led transformative initiatives that drive efficiency, profitability, and data transparency. Her leadership has been instrumental in major acquisitions and integrations, the implementation of national accounting standards, and the modernization of financial systems that have strengthened cash flow and accelerated business performance. 

Based in Wisconsin, Draves combines a local perspective with a global mindset—guiding a U.S. team within a foreign-owned organization and navigating the complexities of international trade, compliance, and market change. Her work exemplifies how Wisconsin businesses can thrive in an interconnected economy through adaptability and strategic insight. 

She holds a bachelor of business administration degree in accounting from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. 

Jonathan Dudzinski is the co-founder of Bee Bella Lip Balm, a Wisconsin small business that started as a stand at the Oshkosh Farmers Market in 2015. Since those humble beginnings, he’s bootstrapped the company into a multimillion–dollar–per–year business with sales on three continents. 

As vice president of engineering, industrial and clean technologies – U.S. Midwest with IDA Ireland, Tony Hayes advises global firms on how Ireland offers solutions to the challenges and evolving trends they face.

His previous experience includes roles with Bamboo, NewsWhip, and Tourism Ireland. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business studies (economics and finance) from the University of Limerick.

Mike Klemp-North, Ph.D., is vice president of facilities and administration at Hsu’s Ginseng Enterprises Inc., where he oversees facility operations and regulatory compliance across domestic and international entities. He supports implementation of the Produce Safety Rule and other Food Safety Modernization Act requirements for Hsu Ginseng Farms and affiliated operations.

Mike holds a Ph.D. in sociology and has a diverse background including teaching at the college level in Wisconsin and Michigan, managing a camp and conference center, and serving as a probation and parole agent for the State of Wisconsin. He has published and presented on criminal justice topics nationally and internationally.

He is a Food and Drug Administration Preventive Controls Qualified Individual and has completed training in FSVP, HACCP, cGMP, labeling, OSHA, Canadian food law, and import regulations. Mike serves on the Seafood Importer Training Group for the Association of Food and Drug Officials and the Produce Safety Advisory Council for the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trae, and Consumer Protection.