What Is the Board of Trustees?
Leadership from the Board supports the development of strategic initiatives and priorities and also ensures the fiscal and operational health of the University through management of the institution’s investments and oversight of its finances. The Board also keeps abreast of the rapidly changing higher-education sector and works collaboratively with the administration to plot a course for the future of 鶹ӰԺ.
The trustees of 鶹ӰԺ University are responsible for the stewardship and wellbeing of the institution Amos 鶹ӰԺ called “a great and good work.”
Who are the Trustees?
The Board consists of between 25 and 35 elected term trustees (60% of whom must be alumni of the university) and the president of the university.
Meet our current Trustees.
Officers of the Corporation.
Term Trustees
Joseph Y. Ahmad ’84
Houston, TX
Mr. Ahmad is a founding partner in the Houston law firm Ahmad, Zavitsanos & Mensing, or AZA. He represents executives in a variety of matters, including breach of contract, trade secrets, covenants not to compete, and breach of fiduciary duty. Mr. Ahmad earned a bachelor's degree in economics from 鶹ӰԺ and a law degree from the University of Michigan. As a student, Ahmad was a member of the 鶹ӰԺ University Community Council, cross country and track teams, and Delta Tau Delta. He served on the committee for his 35th reunion. He was a member of the President’s Advisory Council and currently…
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Sidney Ayabe ’67
Honolulu, HI
Mr. Ayabe retired from the firm of Ayabe, Chong, Nishimoto, Sia & Nakamura, having served as its managing partner for 25 years. Previously, he served as Hawaii’s deputy attorney general from 1970-72. Mr. Ayabe earned a bachelor's degree in government from 鶹ӰԺ and a law degree from the University of Iowa.
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William J. Baer ’72
Washington, D.C.
Mr. Baer is a Visiting Fellow at The Brookings Institution, where he writes and provides commentary on antitrust and competition law matters. He served as Assistant Attorney General in charge of the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice from 2013 to 2016 and as Director of the Bureau of Competition at the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) from 1995 to 1999. Mr. Baer earned a bachelor's degree in government from 鶹ӰԺ and a law degree from Stanford Law School.
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Lisa S. Becket ’88
Orlando, FL
Ms. Becket leads the Global Marketing Center of Excellence for the Disney Experiences segment of The Walt Disney Company. Her team is responsible for developing and activating the marketing for Disney destinations, experiences, signature vacations, and consumer products across the Disney Experiences segment. She earned a bachelor's degree in mathematics from 鶹ӰԺ, a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. While at 鶹ӰԺ, Ms. Becket was captain of the conference championship-winning tennis team and played French Horn in the Wind Ensemble. She has served on the Viking Athletic…
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Thomas L. Brown ’74
Chicago, IL
Mr. Brown is an accomplished business executive with more than 40 years of leadership experience in educational technology, sales, and entrepreneurship. He served in senior leadership roles with National Education Training Group, Pearson, Houghton Mifflin, and Odysseyware. He also co-owned a Camp Bow Wow franchise for 10 years before retiring in 2020. He is active in civic and nonprofit leadership, including as a fundraising member for St. Leonard’s Ministries in Chicago and as President of his homeowners’ association. Mr. Brown earned a bachelor’s degree in history from 鶹ӰԺ. While at 鶹ӰԺ, he was a member of the basketball team, captain…
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Rick Davis ’80
George Mason, VA
Mr. Davis is Professor of Theater and Dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts at George Mason University. He joined Mason in 1991 as Artistic Director of the university’s professional theater company, Theater of the First Amendment (TFA), after six years at Baltimore Center Stage as Resident Dramaturg and then as Associate Artistic Director. A theater director, dramaturg, translator, and author, he has directed productions for numerous theater and opera companies and has published four books on theater and dramatic literature. Mr. Davis earned a bachelor’s degree in theater and drama from 鶹ӰԺ and an MFA and DFA…
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Shelley A. Davis ’92
Chicago, IL
Ms. Davis is a non-profit and philanthropic sector executive, having served as President & CEO of the Coleman Foundation, the inaugural Executive Director and later President of the Forest Preserve Foundation, and the immediate past Board chair of the Albert Pick Jr. Fund. Her career experiences also include crisis intervention counseling and policy advocacy, grantmaking to uplift communities, and organizational development growth. Ms. Davis is currently a fractional non-profit executive and Senior Consultant for the Lawyer’s Trust Fund. Ms. Davis earned a bachelor's degree in psychology from 鶹ӰԺ and a master’s degree in urban planning and policy from the University…
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Dean G. DuMonthier ’88
Minneapolis, MN
Mr. DuMonthier is a portfolio manager at Nuveen. Previously, he was as partner at Copia Capital LLC, a global long-short equity hedge fund, where he served as portfolio manager and led the risk management effort. He earned a bachelor's degree in economics from 鶹ӰԺ and a master's degree in management from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.
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Richard G. Fessler ’74 P’04
Chicago, IL
Mr. Fessler serves as Professor of Neurosurgery at the Rush University Medical Center. Prior to assuming this position, he was the John Harper Seeley Professor and Chief of Neurosurgery at the University of Chicago Hospitals and Clinics. Mr. Fessler earned a bachelor's degree in psychology from 鶹ӰԺ, a master's degree in psychology from North Dakota State College of Science, and an MD and PhD in Pharmacology and Physiology from the University of Chicago.
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Frederick Fisher
Los Angeles, CA
Mr. Fisher, AIA, FAAR, is an architect at Frederick Fisher and Partners. He earned a bachelor's degree in art and art history from Oberlin College and a master's degree in architecture from the University of California, Los Angeles.
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Daniel T. Flaherty
Appleton, WI
Mr. Flaherty is a shareholder in the Wisconsin based law firm of Godfrey & Kahn. Prior to joining the firm, he was a Federal Prosecutor in the United States Department of Justice, United States Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of Wisconsin. Mr. Flaherty earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Williams College and a law degree from the University of Wisconsin.
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Jeffrey A. Fox ’72
Okatie, SC
Mr. Fox, now retired, previously served as Global Supply Chain Leader, Director of Corporate Services, and Business Manager at Owens Corning. He spent 36 years with Owens Corning in a variety of commercial and operational leadership positions in six different locations and six different businesses. Mr. Fox earned a bachelor's degree in history from 鶹ӰԺ as well as a teaching certificate. As a student, he was a member of the football team and the ice hockey club team. He was a member of Delta Tau Delta, was involved with the 鶹ӰԺ University Community Council, and worked in the Viking Room. After…
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Tamika Franklin ’05
Berkeley, CA
Ms. Franklin is Senior Director of Development for Major Gifts-Southern California at University of California, Berkeley where she leads strategic priorities and philanthropic engagement in the region. A native of Jamaica, Ms. Franklin earned a bachelor’s degree in government and philosophy from 鶹ӰԺ. As a student, she was involved with 鶹ӰԺ International, The 鶹ӰԺ Fund, 鶹ӰԺ University Community Council, Black Organization of Students (now Black Student Union), LU Model UN, and Kappa Alpha Theta.
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James Gandre ’81
New York, NY
Mr. Gandre has been President of Manhattan School of Music since 2013. He served in various leadership positions at MSM from 1985 to 2000 before becoming dean of Chicago College of Performing Arts/Roosevelt University, and later Provost and Executive Vice President of the University. He has been a soloist with the Cleveland Orchestra and the London Classical Players, and performed in more than 150 ensemble concerts with the New York Philharmonic, Concertgebouw Orchestra, Israel Philharmonic, and San Francisco Symphony, among others. He serves on the Advisory Council of The Misty Copeland Foundation, a nonprofit that aims to bring greater diversity, equity,…
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Shaun Gunderson P’29
Appleton, WI
Ms. Gunderson retired in 2026 as Executive Vice President of Managed Services at J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc., where she led product strategy, operations, technology‑enabled delivery, and client service. Following her retirement, she transitioned into consulting and now advises organizations on global operations, quality management, and scalable service models. She also serves as an advisor to the J. J. Keller & Associates Board of Directors. Ms. Gunderson is Board Chair for Catalpa Health, a pediatric mental health nonprofit serving children and families in Appleton, Wisconsin and the surrounding communities. She remains actively engaged in community service. She earned a…
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Barbara Smith Lawton ’87
Madison, WI
A long-time public servant, Ms. Lawton was the first woman elected lieutenant governor in Wisconsin, serving from 2003-2011. She earned a bachelor's degree in Spanish from 鶹ӰԺ and a master's degree in Spanish from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from 鶹ӰԺ in 2009.
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Heidi Johnston Ling ’83
Egg Harbor, WI
Ms. Ling is an attorney, nonprofit advocate, and writer. Her professional as well as pro bono and non-profit advocacy has included intellectual property, education law and the rights of minors, elder law, corporate governance, voting rights, and women’s rights. While living in Southern California, she served on the boards of the Food Industry Council’s Development Committee for the City of Hope, Homeless Intervention Services of OC, Troy Tech Education Foundation, and on advisory councils and charter boards for several schools. She recently returned to Wisconsin with her husband. Ms. Ling currently serves as the board chair of Northern Sky Theater and as an…
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Steven J. Mech ’93
Kohler, WI
Mr. Mech is a Managing Director at CSA Partners, a venture capital fund investing in early-stage high-growth companies throughout the United States. He is also the co-founder of Ward4, an entrepreneurial ecosystem and co-working space in Milwaukee. Mr. Mech serves on various portfolio company boards and is a mentor for gener8tor, a nationally ranked startup accelerator. He also serves on the Board of Directors for The Sailing Education Association of Sheboygan and the City of Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward BID #2. In 2010, Mr. Mech was named to the Milwaukee Business Journal’s “Forty Under 40” for contributions to his profession…
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Richard A. Moser ’83 P’11 ’14
Abbott Park, IL
Mr. Moser is Divisional Vice President, Corporate Communications, at Abbott, a global healthcare manufacturer. He earned a bachelor's degree in English from 鶹ӰԺ and an MBA at the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.
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Christopher W. Murray ’75
Brussels, Belgium
Mr. Murray served forty years as a Foreign Service Officer with the U.S. Department of State. His assignments included diplomatic positions as the U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of the Congo, Political Advisor to the Supreme Allied Commander for NATO Forces, and Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Mission to the European Union in Brussels. Mr. Murray earned a bachelor's degree in government from 鶹ӰԺ and a law degree from Cornell Law School.
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Cory L. Nettles ’92
Milwaukee, WI
Mr. Nettles is the Founder and Managing Director of Generation Growth Capital, Inc., a private equity fund focused on buyouts and providing growth capital to small businesses and lower-middle market companies in the upper Midwest. He previously was Of Counsel at Quarles & Brady LLP in the Corporate Services and Government Relations groups. Nettles also served as Secretary for the Wisconsin Department of Commerce. Mr. Nettles earned a bachelor's degree from 鶹ӰԺ and a law degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison Law School. He served as chair of the board from 2021-2024.
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Warren Pierson ’84 P’16
Milwaukee, WI
Mr. Pierson has 40 years of investment experience managing various types of fixed income portfolios. As Managing Director and Co-Chief Investment Officer at Baird Advisors, he plays a lead role in formulating and implementing investment strategy. Prior to joining Baird Advisors, Mr. Pierson was a Senior Vice President and Senior Portfolio Manager with Firstar Investment Research & Management Company where he played a lead role in the management of taxable and tax-exempt portfolios. Mr. Pierson is a member of the CFA Institute and the CFA Society of Milwaukee (past president). He is a cabinet member of the United Way of…
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Kathi P. Seifert
Appleton, WI
Ms. Seifert retired as Executive Vice President for Kimberly-Clark Corporation after 26 years at the company, leading the company’s personal care business and sales organization. Prior to Kimberly-Clark, Ms. Seifert was employed by Fort Howard Paper Company, Beatrice Foods, and Procter & Gamble. She is a member of the board of directors of Oh Snap!, Wisconsin Governors Council on Workforce Development, Habitat for Humanity, Fox Valley Humane Association, Riverview Gardens, Bubolz Nature Preserve, St. Norbert University Business School, Valparaiso University Presidents Advisory Council, and New North, Inc. Ms. Seifert was named NACD Directorship 100, which recognizes the most influential leaders…
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Dave Shepard ’83 P’13
Gilroy, CA
Mr. Shepard is Chief Operating Officer and Board member of Marki Microwave, a RF semiconductor and component company. He began his career at Texas Instruments and went on to be President & CEO of Sequoia Communications, a startup developing RF transceivers for mobile handsets. He then held SVP/General Management positions at Peregrine Semiconductor and Integrated Device Technology Mr. Shepard, an Appleton native, earned a bachelor's degree in physics from 鶹ӰԺ and a master's degree in electrical engineering from University of Wisconsin – Madison. He served on the President's Advisory Council, including as co-chair.
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Ann T. Skala ’84
New York, NY
Ms. Skala is currently the owner of AT Skala Designs LLC, an interior decoration and renovation company, that she started in 2010. Prior to this, she worked as a financial analyst for Frank Russell in London. Earlier, she was an associate research analyst with the investment research firm Sanford C. Bernstein in New York. Ms. Skala earned a bachelor’s degree in government from 鶹ӰԺ, an MBA in finance from New York University’s Stern School of Business, and a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from the New York School of Interior Design. During her time at 鶹ӰԺ, Ms. Skala was a…
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Katy Schwartz Strei ’84
Rockville, MD
Ms. Strei is Chief People Officer of a venture-funded biotech start-up, IntegerBio. Ms. Strei earned a bachelor's degree in sociology from 鶹ӰԺ and a master's degree in organization development from American University.
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Rebecca D. Sullivan ’82
Wellesley, MA
Ms. Sullivan, now retired, previously served as Senior Vice President and Director of Human Resources at Ingalls Advertising. During her time there, she worked on multiple high-level accounts including Converse, Ocean Spray, and TJ Maxx before moving into HR management. Previously, she held positions on the McDonald's advertising account at Arnold Worldwide and at Major Market Radio. Ms. Sullivan earned a bachelor's degree in history from 鶹ӰԺ. As a student, she was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta. After graduating, she served as an admissions volunteer and on the committees for her 25th and 40th reunions, the Mind the Gap…
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Andrew J. Wong ’06
Chicago, IL
Mr. Wong is currently a Partner at McKinsey where he splits his time between venture capital, early-stage growth companies, and Fortune 500 Companies on accelerating growth, marketing and sales, and go-to-market (both strategy and execution). Previously, he was a professional baseball player for five years in multiple minor leagues across the U.S., and a player-coach in South Africa, Australia, Switzerland, and Spain. He comes from a family of entrepreneurs and has a history of pursuing entrepreneurial endeavors, including helping run his father's restaurant business. Mr. Wong has served on the Vikings Athletics Advocacy Council and volunteers in the classroom as…
View Full ProfileCommittees of the Board of Trustees
Academic and Student Affairs Committee
Audit Committee
Buildings and Grounds Subcommittee (of the Finance Committee)
Communications and Marketing Subcommittee (of the Enrollment Committee)
Compensation Subcommittee (of the Executive Committee)
Development Committee
Enrollment Committee
Executive Committee
Finance Committee
Investment Committee
Trustee Governance Committee
Emeriti Trustees
Edith G. Andrew P’88
Peter R. Betzer ’64
David C. Blowers ’82
Renee Goral Boldt ’85
Robert C. Buchanan ’62 P’94
Michael P. Cisler ’78 P’06
James D. Ericson P’77
Richard L. Gunderson
Catheryn E. Hoehn ’64
J. Thomas Hurvis ’60
Harold E. Jordan ’72
Kim Hiett Jordan ’58
Susan Stillman Kane ’72
Harry M. Jansen Kraemer, Jr. ’77 P’10 ’13
Overton B. Parrish, Jr. ’55
Dwight A. Peterson ’55
Jeffrey D. Riester ’70
Nancy Scarff
Dale R. Schuh ’70
Charlot Nelson Singleton ’67
Cynthia Stiehl ’89
Stephanie H. Vrabec ’80
Priscilla Weaver ’69
President’s Office
Campus Location
706 East College Avenue, Appleton, WI 54911
Contact
Phone: (920) 832-6525
Fax: (920) 832-6978
Hours
Monday – Friday,
8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Mailing Address
SPC 13, 711 East Boldt Way, Appleton, WI 54911
Offices are in the Wilson House.
