WMC Foundation: Leadership program for emerging executives announces 2026 participants

MADISON – WMC Foundation, an affiliate of Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC) – has officially launched its annual Wisconsin Leads: Executive Fellowship program, announcing the 44 Wisconsin business leaders who have been accepted as 2026 fellows. The program, presented by CLA (CliftonLarsenAllen LLP), is designed to educate and develop emerging business leaders through multi-day retreats, expert-led sessions, and peer-to-peer learning. Fellows will graduate with exclusive insights into Wisconsin’s economy, public policy, and business landscape.

“Leadership development is key to ensuring a strong and competitive business environment that will propel our economy forward for generations to come,” said WMC Foundation President Wade Goodsell. “We’re passionate about equipping emerging leaders because we understand the ripple effect of their growth. This is a hard-working and dedicated cohort, and I’m excited to fuel their development.”

The 2026 Wisconsin Leads: Executive Fellowship cohort will gather in Madison, La Crosse, and Green Bay for retreats featuring top-tier programming and development throughout the year.

2026 Wisconsin Leads Fellows:

Katelyn Acker
Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce
Will Alverson
Accurate Metal Products
Peter Augelli
Prent
Brad BarmanEVCO Plastics
Luke Behm
Performance
Kerry Behnke
Professional Plating
Matthew Davis
Rice Lake Weighing Systems
Kristy Deleeuw
Plexus
Kevin Duax
John Deere
Marc Durant
Ariens
Chris Everson
Sussex IM
Greg Ewan
Greenheck Group
Schuyler File
Hausmann Group
Travis Froze
First Business Bank
Tom Goodall
Accord Manufacturing
Chris Goss
Hoffman Construction Company
Eric Hansen
LaForce
Kenley Hansen
Waupaca Foundry
Coye Harrett
Van Hise Companies
Dan Herbst
North Valley Precision
John Holborow
MSI General Corporation
Jared Kempel
Baker Tilly
Alexandra Kipperman
Mercury Marine
Ian Kirkpatrick
Brakebush
Bettsy Konicek
Michael Best Strategies
Matt Kovachich
Godfrey Kahn
Ron Krizan
Dairyland Power Cooperative
Kristi Kulas
M3
Bryan Lisowski
First American Bank
Jennifer Malcore
Kwik Trip
Jared McKeen
Evans Transportation
Abigail Milton
Fermented Food Holdings
Jerry Pettigrew
Waukesha County Business Alliance
Ted Quick
Werner Electric Supply
Marc Sacia
Aon
David Schwallier
Riley Construction
Bethany Seubert
Greenheck Group
David Severseike
Vogel Brothers
Nicholas Shores
Blain’s Supply / Farm & Fleet
Elyse Smithback
Park Bank
Terrie Tauferner
Delta Dental of Wisconsin
Syed Tirmizi
Grande Cheese
Dan Wojciechowicz
Hydrite
Stephen Ziegeweid
Dairyland Power Cooperative

WMC Foundation has now graduated four cohorts from the program. Alumni gather each year for a reunion to benchmark, meet fellows from other cohorts, hear from speakers, and more. To learn more about the program, visit www.wmcfoundation.org