Wisconsin Economic Summit

Rebecca Ryan is a noted top 50 professional futurist, economist, best-selling author and entrepreneur. She is the founder of NEXT Generation Consulting through which she partners with government leaders across the country. Looking a generation ahead, she outlines strategies in urban planning, economic development and workforce development to ensure communities are well equipped for future trends and challenges. Rebecca is a graduate of Drake University with a certificate in Strategic Foresight from University of Houston; she is the Resident Futurist at the Alliance for Innovation and on the Executive Committee of the global Association of Professional Futurists.

Michael Knetter has been the president and CEO of the Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association since 2010, after eight years as dean of the Wisconsin School of Business. Prior to joining UW–Madison in 2002, he was associate dean and professor of international economics at Dartmouth’s Tuck School of Business and served as a senior staff economist for the Council of Economic Advisers under Presidents George H. W. Bush and Bill Clinton. At WFAA, Knetter has led significant initiatives, including a new constituent relationship management system, the $4.2 billion All Ways Forward campaign, and the 2014 merger of the UW Foundation with the Wisconsin Alumni Association. He also chaired the capital campaign for The Road Home Dane County, a nonprofit aiding homeless families. Knetter earned his undergraduate degree in economics and mathematics from the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire and his PhD in economics from Stanford University.

Jyoti Gupta has been the President & CEO of Women’s Health & X-ray at GE HealthCare since August 2022. Before joining GE HealthCare, she was the CEO of Volk Optical, where she revitalized the company through international expansion and innovative product launches, leading to record sales and profits. Prior to Volk, Jyoti was VP & General Manager at Unilife, where she built the pre-filled syringe business and helped secure over $150M in funding. Her earlier roles include strategic marketing at Becton Dickinson and clinical trials at Medtronic. Jyoti also advises the External Advisory Board at Georgia Tech’s School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, where she earned her PhD.

Matt Kirchner, an international speaker, author, and podcast host, focuses on issues pertinent to educators, public policymakers, and private sector employers. He is dedicated to advancing the American Dream for the next generation of STEM and workforce talent, hosting the weekly TechEd Podcast™ and serving as President of ATS/LAB Midwest, a leading distributor of high-quality curriculum, eLearning, and training equipment.  With over 20 years of experience as an industrial CEO, he previously led three prominent manufacturing companies, including American Finishing Resources, which was sold to DuBois Chemicals in 2014. Additionally, Kirchner serves on several American company boards and is actively involved in volunteer roles, such as the First-Past President of the Education Dealers Association and a board member of the Smart Automation Certification Alliance. He earned his degree from the Marquette University School of Business.

Jack Salzwedel, former executive chair of American Family Insurance, retired as CEO in 2021 after a distinguished career that began in 1983 as a claims adjuster. From DeForest, Wisconsin, he advanced through various roles, including agent and sales leader, before becoming CEO and chair in 2011. Under his leadership, the company expanded nationwide, growing its brands and doubling revenues and assets. He also established the American Family Insurance Dreams Foundation and launched the $105 million Free to Dream Initiative. In 2024, he was honored with the Jack Salzwedel Distinguished Faculty Chair at UW-Madison, appointed a regent, and inducted into the Wisconsin Business Hall of Fame. He remains engaged with local organizations like the Greater Milwaukee Committee and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation.

Katie Boyce is the Senior Director of Corporate Affairs at Exact Sciences Corporation, where she began as Director of Corporate Social Responsibility in December 2019. She founded the Katie Boyce Company, LLC in 2011 and brings over 23 years of experience in management, fundraising, and both non-profit and government sectors. A skilled leader, Boyce excels in navigating complex relationships across legislative, business, labor, and philanthropic spheres, and is known for her strong community connections in healthcare and policy. She holds a double major in English and Political Science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. 

Summer Strand was appointed by Governor Tony Evers as a Commissioner at the Public Service Commission (PSC) on March 2, 2023, and became Commission Chairperson in January 2024. She is a member of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners and its Committee on Electricity, as well as the Executive Committee of the Mid-America Regulatory Conference, and the Honorary Committee of the National Utilities Diversity Council. Before joining the PSC, Strand was the Director of Government Affairs at Walbec Group and previously managed the State of Wisconsin Building Program as Administrator of the Division of Facilities Development at the Wisconsin Department of Administration. She has also been an advisor and citizen member of the State Building Commission. Strand began her career in the Wisconsin State Senate and holds a degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a law degree from Arizona State University Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law. 

Jeff Frank began his career at Hormel Foods in 1998 as a sales representative, later managing brands like Hormel® Black Label® Bacon and CURE|81® Ham. He advanced to lead marketing for Farmer John® Meats in Los Angeles and served as President & CEO of MegaMex Foods, driving growth and fostering a strong company culture. In 2018, Frank integrated the Planters® brand following its $3.3 billion acquisition and later led Hormel’s grocery brands as Group Vice President. Since becoming CEO of CROPP in January 2023, he has built a strong team, executed a strategic plan, and improved financial performance. Frank holds an executive certificate from UCLA, an MBA from the University of St. Thomas, and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota-Duluth, with additional training from Harvard Business School.