Wisconsin’s most influential CEOs, philanthropists, and changemakers to headline Spring 2026 program
MILWAUKEE, Wis. (Feb. 10, 2026) — Forward 48, Wisconsin’s premier leadership development program, is proud to announce an extraordinary lineup of Faculty Speakers for its 10th Cohort, coming Spring 2026. This milestone cohort will feature some of the most respected and impactful leaders across Wisconsin’s business, philanthropy, finance, arts, and community development landscape, offering participants rare, direct access to the people shaping Wisconsin’s future.
With six immersive sessions spanning across Milwaukee, Northeast Wisconsin, and Madison, the Spring 2026 Cohort will showcase C-suite executives and founders whose leadership has transformed organizations and communities statewide.
Forward 48’s Spring 2026 Faculty Speakers include:
- Craig Culver, Co-Founder, Culver’s
- Anne Norman, Chief Marketing & Product Strategy Officer, UW Credit Union
- Maria Van Laanen, President & CEO, Fox Cities Performing Arts Center
- Dan Bader, President & CEO, Bader Philanthropies
- Kevin Newell, Founder & CEO, Royal Capital Group
- Greg Wesley, President & CEO, Greater Milwaukee Foundation
- Tina Chang, Chairman & CEO, SysLogic
Forward 48’s May 7 session will feature a powerful dual-speaker conversation with Kevin Newell and Greg Wesley, two primary collaborators behind Milwaukee’s transformative ThriveOn King project—offering participants an inside look at cross-sector collaboration, community investment, and place-based leadership in action.
In addition, sessions led by Maria Van Laanen and Craig Culver will take the program beyond Milwaukee, bringing the Forward 48 experience to the Fox Cities and Madison respectively, and reinforcing the program’s statewide reach.
“Reaching our 10th cohort is a major milestone for Forward 48, and this faculty lineup reflects exactly why,” said Ian Abston, Co-Founder & President of Forward 48. “These are leaders who don’t just talk about impact, they’ve built it. Our participants will learn directly from the people making decisions that shape Wisconsin’s economy, culture, and communities.”
As Wisconsin’s only statewide leadership development pipeline, Forward 48 brings Faculty Speakers together with rising leaders to share candid lessons from the front lines of leadership, offering participants insight into how bold decisions are made, cultures are shaped, and long-term impact is sustained across sectors.
“Collaboration is a primary catalyst for unlocking the growth potential of our region, and Forward 48’s ability to bring established and emerging leaders together to exchange knowledge and ideas cultivates collective action,” said Greg Wesley, president and CEO, Greater Milwaukee Foundation. “Having had multiple Foundation staff participate in the program, I appreciate how they, and our organization, have benefited from the experience.”
Combined with small-group learning, these conversations challenge participants to think bigger about their influence, responsibility, and role as leaders in shaping the future of Wisconsin.
Spring 2026 Cohort Schedule & Locations:
- April 16: 1:00–6:00 PM, Northeast-WI
- April 23: 2:00–5:00 PM, Milwaukee
- April 30: 2:00–5:00 PM, Milwaukee
- May 7: 2:00–5:00 PM, Milwaukee
- May 14: 2:00–5:00 PM, Milwaukee
- May 21: 1:00–6:00 PM, Madison
While the majority of sessions take place in Milwaukee, participants of the Forward 48 program come from across the state.
Transportation options are provided for each session for participants traveling outside of their region, ensuring equitable access to the full Forward 48 experience.
Applications for the Spring 2026 Forward 48 Cohort are live at forward48.com.
Applicants who apply by February 16, 2026 will save 10% through Forward 48’s Early Bird application period.
ABOUT FORWARD 48 – Developed in 2020 in partnership with the Greater Milwaukee Committee, Marquette University, and the Hoan Group, Forward 48 is Wisconsin’s premier leadership development program, designed to connect the next generation of changemakers with the people, knowledge, and resources to move their companies and communities forward. Its mission is to create strong learning connections between established and future leaders, while growing an active network of next-generation changemakers prepared to fill critical leadership roles across the state. With 500+ past participants from 200+ organizations statewide, Forward 48 has built a powerful alumni network spanning business, nonprofit, government, and civic sectors—strengthening Wisconsin’s leadership pipeline and shaping the future of the region.
For more information, visit www.forward48.com.
