BIOGRAPHIES
John Ashley
Executive Director, Wisconsin Association of School Boards
Mr. John Ashley has been the executive director of the Wisconsin Association of School Boards, Inc. (WASB)
since September of 2005. WASB is a nonprofit, membership organization dedicated to serving as an
advocate for education and students. Founded in 1921, the Association seeks to advance education through
supporting the tradition of local school board control of the state’s public schools.
Prior to joining WASB, he was the division administrator for educational services at the Wisconsin Educational
Communications Board in Madison. He also worked for the University of Wisconsin–Madison, in the Learning
Innovations Division as the business development manager for corporate relations.
Mr. Ashley graduated from Harvard College in Cambridge, Mass., and completed his graduate work at
Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill., and the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
Tom Barrett
Mayor, City of Milwaukee
Mayor Tom Barrett was first elected Milwaukee’s 40th mayor in 2004, and won a second term in 2008.
Mayor Barrett grew up on Milwaukee’s West side, graduated college and law school from the University
of Wisconsin–Madison, was a member of both the Wisconsin State Assembly and State Senate, and
was elected to five terms in the U.S. House of Representatives. Mayor Barrett and his wife, Kris, live in
Milwaukee’s Washington Heights Neighborhood with their four children: Tommy, Annie, Erin and Kate.
Robert Bartlett
Director of Public Affairs, Alliant Energy Corp.
Mr. Robert Bartlett is the director of public affairs for Alliant Energy Corp., based in Madison. In this role, he
oversees federal and state legislative and agency relations, outreach to municipal and local leaders, issues
management strategy, policy development, grassroots efforts, employee political involvement and legislative/
regulatory policy.
Prior to his current position, Mr. Bartlett was president of the Wisconsin Petroleum Marketers and
Convenience Store Association, Inc. and a senior policy advisor for the Office of Gov. Anthony S. Earl.
Mr. Bartlett currently sits on the UW–La Crosse Foundation – Development Committee and the
University Ridge Oversight Committee, and has recently been elected to the Board of the Wisconsin
Higher Education Business Roundtable. He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and public
administration from UW–La Crosse.
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BIOGRAPHIES
Dorothy Baunach
Special Advisor, Ohio Business Roundtable for Technology Based Economic Development
Ms. Dorothy Baunach is a special advisor to the Ohio Business Roundtable for Technology Based Economic
Development. She is also advising the Ohio Business Alliance on higher education and the economy on
ensuring Ohio is educating and retaining the talent necessary to fuel its growing technology industries. She is
president emeritus of NorTech (the Northeast Ohio Technology Coalition) — an organization she founded
as a spin-off of the Greater Cleveland Partnership. NorTech is the region’s champion for growth of hightech industries in Northeast Ohio. Under Ms. Baunach’s 10 years of leadership, Northeast Ohio’s high-tech
industries, early-stage investment capital and technology-based entrepreneurship all grew significantly with
support from initiatives launched and championed by NorTech. Ms. Baunach has also guided and ensured the
continuation of Ohio Third’s Frontier since its inception in 2002.
Previously, Ms. Baunach was deputy director of Cleveland Tomorrow, where she directed the start-up of
NorTech. She was the founding president of the Edison BioTechnology Center, now BioOhio, and vice
president of Enterprise Development, Inc., now JumpStart, where she launched the region’s first technologybased business incubator. She was also a former biomedical research assistant for Case Western Reserve
University and biology teacher.
During more than 26 years as a technology-based economic development professional, Ms. Baunach has
served on startup-company and nonprofit organization boards and several state and national councils,
commissions and panels.
Ms. Baunach is a graduate of Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio, with a bachelor’s degree in biology.
She earned a master’s in biology from the University of Dayton and an MBA from the Weatherhead School
of Management.
Todd Berry
President, Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance
Mr. Todd Berry has been president of the Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance (WISTAX) since 1994. Now in its 79th
year, WISTAX is a privately funded and widely respected nonpartisan organization dedicated to improving
government through public policy research and citizen education. His career spans the public, private and
nonprofit sectors. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, he was assistant secretary of the Wisconsin Department
of Revenue and executive director of the Governor’s Tax Reform Commission. From 1983 to 1993, he worked
as a marketing executive with one of Wisconsin’s oldest family firms.
Mr. Berry also served as a member of the Dane County Board, the Jefferson School Board and the CESA
#2 Board of Control. In addition, he served 14 years on the North Central College Board of Trustees in
Naperville, Ill.
He received his bachelor’s and doctorate degrees from UW–Madison and received master’s degrees from
Harvard University and the University of Chicago, Graduate School of Business.
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BIOGRAPHIES
Eric Borgerding
Executive Vice President, Wisconsin Hospital Association
Mr. Eric Borgerding returned to the Wisconsin Hospital Association (WHA) in January of 2002 as vice president
of government affairs. He was named senior vice president in 2003 and executive vice president in 2007.
From 1997 until his return to WHA, Mr. Borgerding served as director of legislative relations for the Wisconsin
Manufacturers and Commerce (WMC), the state’s largest and most influential business association. He directed
WMC’s lobbying strategies in the areas of energy, transportation and health care.
Mr. Borgerding has also served as the chief state lobbyist for the University of Wisconsin–Madison under
Chancellor David Ward. He was the director of legislative affairs for WHA from 1992 to 1994 and a legislative
assistant to Wisconsin State Rep. Tom Ourada.
He received a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Wisconsin–Madison in 1988.
Richard Chandler
President, Chandler Consulting, LLC and
former Secretary, Wisconsin Department of Revenue
Mr. Richard Chandler is the president of Chandler Consulting, LLC, a consulting firm based in Madison,
which provides public policy and government relations consulting services to organizations and businesses.
His work includes policy development, communicating with legislators and agencies, and research and
presentations on state issues. His areas of emphasis include the state budget, tax policy, economic
development, education financing, health care and state-local relations.
Mr. Chandler has almost two decades of experience in the executive and legislative branches of government. He
was secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Revenue from 2001 to 2003 and served as Wisconsin’s state budget
director from 1987 to 2001. In addition to his government experience, he practiced law in Milwaukee for five years.
Mr. Chandler has a bachelor’s degree in government from Lawrence University in Appleton and a law degree
from the University of Chicago Law School.
Matthew Cox
Attorney, Tucker, Ellis & West, LLP
Mr. Matthew Cox is an attorney at the law firm of Tucker, Ellis & West, LLP in Cleveland, Ohio. His practice is
focused on representing corporate, public and nonprofit clients in governmental matters at the local and state
level as well as advising his clients on project management and business development initiatives. Mr. Cox and
his firm have helped numerous clients obtain government incentives from the Ohio Air Quality Development
Authority, the Ohio Department of Development, the Ohio Third Frontier program and others.
Before joining Tucker, Ellis & West, Mr. Cox spent considerable time in state government and politics. His
government experience includes time with the Ohio Auditor of State as well as the position of senior deputy
attorney general with the office of Attorney General Jim Petro. On the political front, Mr. Cox has managed
campaigns at the county and state level and has played a significant role on a major campaign every election
year since 1996. In addition to his public and political experience, he spent two years as government affairs
manager for the Council of Smaller Enterprises (COSE), the largest local small business chamber in the
country. During this time, Mr. Cox helped small and emerging businesses navigate state laws and regulations
to encourage business growth in Northeast Ohio.
Mr. Cox currently serves as vice chair of the board of United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Cleveland, where
he also serves as chair of the Development Committee. Through his leadership, UCP of Greater Cleveland
has increased its fundraising year over year for three consecutive years. Mr. Cox also serves on the Board
of Directors for the YMCA of Greater Cleveland and School Choice Ohio. In 2008, he was appointed by
Governor Strickland to serve on the Ohio Lottery Commission.
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BIOGRAPHIES
Kenneth Goldstein
Political Science Professor, University of Wisconsin–Madison
Professor Kenneth Goldstein is a professor of political science at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
Professor Goldstein has authored or co-authored over 30 books, refereed journal articles, or book chapters.
His diverse set of publications on political communication, voter turnout, campaign finance, survey
methodology, Israeli politics, presidential elections and news coverage of health issues have appeared
in top line political science journals and major university presses, as well as in refereed law and medical
journals. Professor Goldstein recently won the University of Wisconsin’s Kellet Award for his career research
accomplishments and the Chancellor’s Award for excellence in teaching.
Professor Goldstein combines his academic training with an ear for real politics and strategy as well as an
impressive set of political contacts. In addition, he also has extensive professional experience in a variety
of media, corporate and political settings. Professor Goldstein is currently a consultant for the ABC News
elections unit and a member of their election night decision team. He has worked on network election night
coverage in every U.S. federal election since 1988.
More generally, Professor Goldstein’s reputation for unbiased and non-partisan analysis has made him a
favorite source for politicians and the news media alike. He has appeared numerous times on Newshour
with Jim Lehrer, Nightline, ABC World News Tonight, NBC Nightly News, CBS Evening News, FOX News
Channel, MSNBC, CNBC and CNN, and is a frequent contributor on National Public Radio. He is also quoted
extensively in the country’s top newspapers such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The
Wall Street Journal. Professor Goldstein also currently hosts a weekly interview show, “Office Hours” that is
broadcast on the Big Ten Network and available on the web at http://officehours.polisci.wisc.edu.
Timothy Hanna
Mayor, City of Appleton
A lifelong resident of Appleton, Wis., Mayor Timothy Hanna has served as mayor of Appleton since 1996.
Prior to his election, Mayor Hanna was the credit manager of W.S. Patterson Company and the assistant
manager of the Community First Credit Union.
Alongside of his mayoral duties, Mayor Hanna is involved in a number of activities. He is president of the
Wisconsin Alliance of Cities and serves on a number of boards of directors, including the Local Government
Institute of Wisconsin (which he is also a founding member), Fox Cities Performing Arts Center, The New
North, Appleton Boychoir and Fox Cities/Kurgan Sister Cities Program. He is a member of the Wisconsin
Legislative Council Special Committee on Regional Transportation Authority, Appleton Downtown Rotary, East
Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission and the League of Wisconsin Municipalities Committee on
Legislation. He is also a cities’ representative of the Wisconsin Farmland Advisory Council.
Mayor Hanna was a governor-appointed chairman of the Wisconsin Land Council, a member of the Chamber
of Commerce Local Issues Committee and a member of the Leadership Fox Cities Steering Committee. In
addition to these positions, he was a presenter at the State of Wisconsin Economic Summit III and contributed
to a white paper on regional economic development for the State of Wisconsin Economic Summit IV. He
has also served on the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Task Force on the Stewardship Program, the Governor’s
Commission on State/Local Partnerships for the 21st Century (the Kettl Commission), and the Governor’s
Task Force on State and Local Government (the Sheehy Task Force).
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BIOGRAPHIES
Thomas Hefty
Former CEO, Blue Cross & Blue Shield United of Wisconsin, and former Interim Waukesha
County Executive
Mr. Thomas Hefty is the retired chief executive officer of Blue Cross & Blue Shield United of Wisconsin.
This year, he served on the executive committee of the recently released Wisconsin Competitiveness Study
entitled “Be Bold Wisconsin,” an independent, non-partisan study commissioned by Competitive Wisconsin,
Inc., the Wisconsin Economic Development Association, and the Wisconsin Counties Association. In 2009,
he was elected to membership in the National Academy of Social Insurance and served on the National
Academy of Science study committee on health care reform. In addition, he served as co-chair of Gov.
Doyle’s Economic Growth Council as well as served as interim county executive of Waukesha County from
2003 to 2005.
Mr. Hefty has served as counsel to the Reinhart law firm, president of the Kern Family Foundation and adjunct
professor of business at Ripon College. He is a past chair of Competitive Wisconsin, the Public Policy Forum
in Milwaukee and the Wisconsin Foundation for Independent Colleges. His career on government committees
spans 30-plus years — twice being appointed by Govs. Schreiber and Doyle and three times by Gov.
Thompson, and he served inside state government in the Dreyfus administration.
Mr. Hefty holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and a law degree from UW–Madison, and a master’s
degree in political economy from The Johns Hopkins University. He has received honorary doctorates from
Ripon College and the Medical College of Wisconsin.
Patricia Herdrich
Superintendent of Schools, West Bend Joint School District #1
Dr. Patricia Herdrich is the superintendent of schools for West Bend Joint School District #1. West Bend is the
20th largest school district in Wisconsin, serving 7,100 students and nine municipalities over 105 square miles
in Southeastern Wisconsin. West Bend East and West Bend West high schools were each recognized by
Newsweek Magazine for being among the nation’s best. ACT honored the West Bend School District with the
Red Quill Award for excellence in student achievement. West Bend is challenged with being the fifth lowest
revenue school district of 424 school districts within a growing region in the state of Wisconsin while targeting
student and organizational excellence. West Bend Schools are among the most efficient and high-performing
schools in the state.
Dr. Herdrich has been recognized as an instructional leader and advocate for student learning at the state and
national level. She was recognized as Educator of the Year by Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce, received
recognition by state and national PTA for Elementary School of the Year as an elementary principal, and received
the Educational Influence Award from Wisconsin ASCD for her advocacy for children and public education.
Dr. Herdrich has extensive background in leading instructional improvement and is published internationally.
She has dedicated her professional service to organizations committed to impacting strong learning outcomes
for students and educators. She currently serves nationally on the Educational Research Development
Institute, working with business leaders focused on research in the educational field.
Within her community, Dr. Herdrich is on the YMCA Board of Directors, the West Bend Economic
Development Corporation, the West Bend Chamber Board, and is an active Rotarian. Her career has included
roles as teacher, principal, assistant superintendent, and as associate dean for education outreach at UW–
Milwaukee. She continues to serve as a state leadership mentor and an ad hoc instructor for UW–Milwaukee
and Cardinal Stritch University.
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BIOGRAPHIES
Michael Jones
Senior Vice President–General Counsel and Secretary, MillerCoors
Mr. Michael Jones is senior vice president–general counsel and secretary for MillerCoors. He also serves on
the board of directors and the executive committee and has staff responsibility for the legal department and
the corporate social responsibility department.
Mr. Jones began working for Miller Brewing Company in 1982 as an intern and in 1984 joined the company
full time as a lawyer. Over the years, he rotated through a number of positions of increasing responsibility in
the legal department before being appointed to his current position in 2002.
Mr. Jones is on the boards of directors of the Wisconsin Higher Education Business Roundtable, Zoological
Society of Milwaukee County, St. Charles Youth and Family Services, Inc. and the AIDS Resource Center of
Wisconsin. He is a member of the board of advisors for the National Council of La Raza and the Milwaukee
Brewers Baseball Club, Inc. He is also a member of the board of visitors of the University of Wisconsin–
Madison College of Letters and Science.
Mr. Jones earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin–Madison in 1981 and a law degree
from Marquette University in 1984.
Mike Lovell
Interim Chancellor, University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee
Dr. Michael Lovell is the interim chancellor of the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, which is the state’s
second largest university with more than 30,000 students.
He joined UW–Milwaukee in 2008 as the dean of its College of Engineering and Applied Science and a
professor of mechanical engineering. Since then, he has been named a State of Wisconsin Distinguished
Professor — a designation by the UW System that recognizes and supports professorships in areas of vital or
emerging significance to the state.
Dr. Lovell’s significant accomplishments since joining UW–Milwaukee include helping form the Wisconsin
Energy Research Consortium, a historic partnership between UW–Milwaukee, Marquette, MSOE, UW–
Madison and regional power and energy industries; assisting the launch of the ANSYS Institute for Industrial
Innovation (AI3), an educational and outreach facility to foster innovative educational, outreach, and economic
development activities among UW–Milwaukee students, faculty and regional industry; and guiding the college
to a 250 percent increase in research expenditures and 88 percent increase in research awards.
Dr. Lovell holds three academic degrees in mechanical engineering, including a Ph.D. from the University of
Pittsburgh. His research interests are tribology, materials processing and product realization.
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BIOGRAPHIES
Carolyn “Biddy” Martin
Chancellor, University of Wisconsin–Madison
Chancellor Carolyn “Biddy” Martin began serving as chancellor of the University of Wisconsin–Madison in
September 2008.
As provost at Cornell University from 2000-2008, Chancellor Martin served as the president’s first deputy
officer and reported to the president as Cornell’s chief educational officer and chief operating officer. She
was responsible for overseeing all academic programs, with the exception of those programs reporting to the
provost for medical affairs in New York City.
Chancellor Martin received her Ph.D. in German literature from UW–Madison in 1985. That same year, she
joined Cornell’s faculty full time as an assistant professor of German studies and women’s studies. In 1991,
she was promoted to associate professor in the department of German studies, with a joint appointment in the
women’s studies program. She served as chair of the department of German studies from 1994-1997, and in
1997 was promoted to full professor in the department. In 1996, she was named senior associate dean in the
College of Arts and Sciences.
Chancellor Martin is a distinguished scholar of German studies and author of numerous articles and two
books — one on a literary and cultural figure in the Freud circle, Lou Andreas-Salomé, and a second on
gender theory.
Dave Mumma
Transit Director, City of Janesville
Mr. Mumma joined the Janesville Transit Department in 1979 as assistant transit superintendent and was
promoted to transit director in 1980. He has 40 years experience in both the private and public sectors of the
school, charter bus, and public transportation industries in Minnesota, Michigan, and Wisconsin.
Mr. Mumma is past president and served for many years as a member of the Executive Committee and
Board of Directors of the Transportation Development Association of Wisconsin. He is also a two-time past
chairperson of the Executive Committee of the Wisconsin Urban and Rural Transit Association (WURTA),
and served for many years in various committee assignments with WURTA. Mr. Mumma earned a bachelor’s
degree in history/political science from St. John’s University in Minnesota.
Mark O’Connell
Executive Director, Wisconsin Counties Association
Mr. Mark O’Connell is the executive director of the Wisconsin Counties Association, which is an organization
representing counties at the state and federal level with respect to all issues affecting county government. He
has served county government for the past 21 years.
In addition to many state boards and commissions on which he sits, he is a principal in the Wisconsin Way
effort, an officer of the Wisconsin Higher Education Business Roundtable and president of WCA Services, Inc.
Mr. O’Connell is currently president of the National Council of County Association Executives and president
of the UW Board of Visitors. He has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse and a
master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin.
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BIOGRAPHIES
William Orth
Human Services Director, Sauk County and President, Wisconsin County Human Services Association
Mr. William Orth has been the human services director of Sauk County since 2004, and is currently the
president of the Wisconsin County Human Services Association. Prior to moving to Sauk County, he was the
Marquette County human services director.
Mr. Orth began his career in human services in residential treatment at Eau Claire Academy and Martin
Luther Centers. Mr. Orth has held numerous positions throughout the state over the years which include
psychotherapist at Martin Luther Centers and Columbia County Mental Health Services; supervisor of
Columbia County Mental Health Services and Pathfinder Substance Abuse Counseling Services; associate
director of Catholic Charities in the Madison Diocese; and Madison regional director for Professional
Association of Treatment Homes.
Mr. Orth earned his master’s degree in social work from UW–Madison.
Lee Rasch
President, Western Technical College
Dr. Lee Rasch has been president at Western Technical College since 1989. Prior to this position, he served
for three years as senior vice president at Moraine Valley Community College in Palos Hills, Ill. Previous
positions he has held include executive dean of career education, acting dean of public service/allied health/
nursing, and executive director of the Moraine Employment Training Center.
In addition to the 7 River Alliance, he currently serves on several national, state and local Boards, including
the United Way of the La Crosse Area, La Crosse Medical Health Science Consortium, Private Industry
Council, Greater La Crosse Area Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Mainstreet. Throughout his career,
Dr. Rasch has achieved several accomplishments in the state arena. For the past six years, he has served on
the Governor’s Committee on Workforce Investment and as a representative on UWS/WTCS Joint Committee
on Baccalaureate Expansion in the State of Wisconsin.
Dr. Rasch received an associate degree from Morton College, his bachelor’s degree from George Williams
College, a master’s degree from Chicago State University, a Certificate of Advanced Study
from Northern Illinois University, and a doctorate in higher education administration from Illinois
State University.
Thomas Still
President, Wisconsin Technology Council
Mr. Thomas Still is president of the Wisconsin Technology Council and the Wisconsin Innovation Network.
He is the former associate editor of the Wisconsin State Journal in Madison.
Mr. Still serves on the Boards of Directors for the Wisconsin Security Research Consortium and “We the People/
Wisconsin,” the UW–Extension Board of Visitors, the UW–Madison College of Engineering Industrial Advisory
Board, and the WiSys Technology Foundation Advisory Board, among other civic and business groups.
Mr. Still moderated the Wisconsin Economic Summits (2000-2003) and writes a syndicated column
that appears regularly in 24 publications. In addition, he is a lecturer in the UW–Madison College of
Agricultural and Life Sciences, and is the co-author of “Hands-On Environmentalism,” published by
Encounter Books, New York.
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BIOGRAPHIES
Ken Taylor
Executive Director, Wisconsin Council on Children and Families
Mr. Ken Taylor is the executive director of the Wisconsin Council on Children and Families (WCCF). WCCF is
a statewide child and family advocacy and research organization and is the oldest organization of its type in
the nation.
Before coming to WCCF in December of 2009, Mr. Taylor was a policy advisor for the Wisconsin Department of
Children and Families where, among other duties, he advised the Secretary on the design of the future of child
welfare in Wisconsin. Prior to that position, Mr. Taylor directed the American operation of Dartington-i, which
is an international research and development organization concerned with improving the lives of children and
families in need.
Mr. Taylor has a master’s degree in public policy from the University of Chicago.
Craig Thompson
Executive Director, Transportation Development Association of Wisconsin
Mr. Craig Thompson is the executive director of the Transportation Development Association of Wisconsin
(TDA), where he serves as primary spokesperson, educating the public and policy-makers about the needs
and challenges facing Wisconsin’s transportation system. TDA is a statewide alliance representing more than
400 transportation stakeholders committed to working together for the best in transportation. Membership is
open to all those interested in the development, maintenance, operation or improvement of transportation
facilities and services in Wisconsin. TDA members include businesses, labor, units of government and
organizations, as well as individuals.
Prior to joining TDA, Mr. Thompson worked for the Wisconsin Counties Association (WCA) for more than 16
years. Most recently, he was legislative director for the association with responsibility for the overall legislative
program at both the state and federal levels. Mr. Thompson also served as one of the association’s primary
media contacts. In his capacity as legislative director of WCA, he was appointed by Govs. Thompson,
McCallum and Doyle to serve on numerous statewide boards and commissions.
Mr. Thompson, a native of Wisconsin — born and raised in Racine — is a graduate of the University of
Wisconsin–Madison.
John Torinus
Chairman, Serigraph, Inc.
Mr. John Torinus is chairman of Serigraph, Inc. Before his work with Serigraph, Mr. Torinus wrote for the
Minneapolis Tribune, served as a press aide to Rep. Donald Rumsfeld (R-IL), worked as a division manager
and editor of the West Bend News/Post Corporation, and served as the business editor for the Milwaukee
Journal Sentinel.
In addition to his work at Serigraph, Mr. Torinus is also the co-founder of Successful Entrepreneur Investors,
president of BizStarts Milwaukee, director of ThedaCare Center for Healthcare Value, vice president and past
president of Competitive Wisconsin, Inc., director of Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce Association, president
of West Bend Friends of Sculpture, business columnist of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, director of the
UW–Milwaukee Research Foundation and a Board member of M7 Regional Economic Development Council.
Mr. Torinus received his master’s of social science degree from the University of Stockholm and an industrial
administration degree from Yale University.
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BIOGRAPHIES
Nick Turkal
President and CEO, Aurora Health Care
Dr. Nick Turkal is president and chief executive officer of Aurora Health Care, a not-for-profit health care
provider and a national leader in efforts to improve the quality of health care. As one of the country’s most
comprehensive integrated health care systems, Aurora provides care across the continuum, consisting of
more than 1,000 closely aligned physicians, two tertiary care centers, 10 community hospitals, a mental
health inpatient facility, the Aurora Visiting Nurse Association, Aurora Family Service, Aurora Ventures and
ACL Laboratory.
Dr. Turkal’s background includes rural private practice prior to 1987, when he entered the academic arena.
With the University of Wisconsin Medical School, Dr. Turkal served as a clinician educator, residency director,
department chair, and associate dean for the Milwaukee Campus. He was jointly employed by the University
of Wisconsin Medical School and Aurora Health Care as associate dean/VP of academic affairs prior to
serving as chief medical officer. From 2000 to 2005, Dr. Turkal served as Aurora’s senior vice president and
chief medical officer, focusing on care management, quality, patient safety, academics, risk management
and research. Immediately prior to his role as CEO, Dr. Turkal served as Aurora’s metro region president. Dr.
Turkal is also the recipient of a number of teaching awards.
Dr. Turkal graduated from Creighton University School of Medicine in Nebraska in 1982, followed by a
residency in family medicine. He continues to be board certified in family practice and holds memberships in a
number of professional organizations, including ACPE, AMA, ACHE and AAFP.
Scott VanderSanden
President, AT&T Wisconsin and Board Chairman, Wisconsin Business Council
A 21-year veteran of AT&T Wisconsin, Mr. Scott VanderSanden was appointed to the president’s position in
November 2006. As president, he works closely with the Wisconsin Legislature on Act 42 (Video Competition)
which accelerated AT&T’s entry into the Wisconsin video market. Under his leadership, AT&T has expanded
its video and wireless networks within Wisconsin.
He is chairman of the Wisconsin Business Council Board of Directors as well as a member of the Board of
Directors for the Milwaukee Metropolitan Association of Commerce and Competitive Wisconsin, Inc.
Mr. VanderSanden earned his master’s degree in business administration from the University of
Wisconsin–Madison and an undergraduate degree in finance from the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire.
Scott Walker
County Executive, Milwaukee County
County Executive Scott Walker served nearly nine years in the Wisconsin State Legislature before taking
office as the Milwaukee County Executive in 2002.
County Executive Walker attended Marquette University in Milwaukee, and he later worked for IBM.
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BIOGRAPHIES
Rolf Wegenke
President, Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities
Dr. Rolf Wegenke is president and chief executive officer of the Wisconsin Association of Independent
Colleges and Universities (WAICU). WAICU represents the 20 independent institutions of higher education
in the state. He is also president and CEO of the WAICU Benefits Consortium and the WAICU Educational
Technology Consortium. WAICU is the official organization of Wisconsin private (or independent) colleges
and universities. Previously, he served in the administrations of five Wisconsin governors, directing the state’s
international trade and investment, business development, technology transfer, community development and
finance programs.
Currently, Dr. Wegenke serves as co-chair of the Wisconsin PK–16 Leadership Council, chair of the Wisconsin
Educational Communications Board and the Wisconsin Public Broadcasting Foundation, and is president of the
national Fund for Campus Servant Leadership. He sits on the executive committee of the Wisconsin Technology
Council, chairing its Human Capital Committee as well as on the Board of Directors of Competitive Wisconsin,
Inc., chairing its Education Committee. In addition, Dr. Wegenke serves on numerous Boards including the
National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, the Wisconsin International Trade Council,
the Wisconsin Council on Workforce Investment and its executive committee, Forward Wisconsin, Inc., the
Governor’s Economic Growth Council, the Wisconsin International Education Council, and the Commission of
Midwest Higher Education Compact and its executive committee, among others.
Dr. Wegenke is the recipient of many awards and honors including the Governor’s Exceptional Performance
Award, the Pro Gloria Dei Award of Wisconsin Lutheran College, the Robert Marshall Award for the
advancement of entrepreneurialism and technology transfer, and a Doctorate in Humane Letters (honors
causa) from both Beloit and Ripon Colleges.
He is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of Wisconsin–Madison and earned his master’s and
doctoral degrees at the University of Chicago.
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BIOGRAPHIES
James Wood
President, Wood Communications Group
James Wood is president of Wood Communications Group, a national public relations and market research
firm specializing in strategic planning, issue management and governmental affairs. His career spans both the
public and private sector.
His public career included appointments as executive assistant to Gov. Patrick J. Lucey, deputy secretary of
the Wisconsin Department of Administration, and founder and first president of a private “think tank” dedicated
to the research and analysis of cutting-edge public policy issues. During Mr. Wood’s tenure as president, the
center produced seminal works on, and conducted demonstration projects in, environmental mediation, labor
relations, public employee pension fund investment practices, education techniques, state tax policies and
innovations in criminal justice policies.
Between 1965 and 1982, Mr. Wood participated in more than 30 political campaigns, many of which he
managed. Throughout that period he advised governors and senators, men and women who wanted to be
governors and senators, presidential candidates, mayors and mayoral candidates, and legislative office
holders and office seekers.
Since 1982, Mr. Wood has used his strategic communications skills to assist corporate, association and
governmental leaders to interact effectively with the ever-changing, constantly challenging, always fascinating
arenas of media and public opinion. In this role, he has served as counsel to hundreds of corporate executives,
trade and professional association directors, and foundation leaders, including clients from Procter & Gamble,
Miller Brewing Company, Kennecott Mining, Placer Dome, FMC Corporation, MGE, Wisconsin Energy, Alliant,
Midwest Express, Third Wave Technologies, Murphy Oil Corporation, the National Association of REALTORS®,
the Wisconsin REALTORS® Association, the Wisconsin Association of School Boards, and cutting-edge, private
foundations like the Sand County Foundation and the On Common Ground Foundation.
Mr. Wood is a recognized authority on the development and implementation of public policy and has had
significant experience in facilitation and mediation. He appears frequently as a guest speaker and lecturer and
has delivered papers at a variety of gatherings, including papers on economic development trends and the
public investor for the Wisconsin Economic Development Association; understanding the political community
and improving institutional relationships for the International Society of Ecological Modelers in Venice, Italy;
and how to make environmental mediation work for the International Water Quality Control Conference in
Lisbon, Portugal.
Mr. Wood holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee and a
doctorate from Duke University. He has taught at Purdue University, the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee
and Carroll College, where he also served as chairman of the History Department.
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