Interested in getting involved in WSAE? Although Committee work has already begun for 2026, if you would still like to be considered for a Committee, you are welcome to submit your name and each applicant will be handled on a case by case basis.
Association Leadership Academy (ALA) Committee
Creates and updates curriculum and procedures for the Association Leadership Academy with the goal of giving those professionals new to association management the tools they need to succeed, the network to support them, and the confidence to lead.
See the task force roles and responsibilities here.
2026 ALA Committee
Chair: Marissa Lopez, Executive Director, Inc.
Co-Chair: Denise Husenica, National Fluid Power Association
Board Liaison: Kyle Geissler, Wisconsin Broadcasters Association
Staff Contact: Jasmine Ford
Executive Director: Jennifer Rzepka
Members:
- Kelly Veit; ACEC Wisconsin
- Jenni Kipatrick, Association Resource Center
- Allison Forsythe, Stringfellow Management Group
- Corinn Cuevas, AMPED Association Management
Communications Committee
Focuses on discussing evolving best practices in integrated member communications to drive member benefits awareness and increase engagement in content, services and events. Members also author original content for the eNewsletter.
See the task force roles and responsibilities here.
2026 Communications Committee
Chair: Kyle Geissler, Wisconsin Broadcasters Association
Board Liaison: Hannah Lier, Impact Association Resource Center
Staff Contact: Brenda Calvetti
Executive Director: Jennifer Rzepka
Members:
- Jenni Kilpatrick; Association Resource Center
- Elizabeth Clausen; Executive Director Inc.
- Mike Ruzicka, Greater Milwaukee Association of Realtors
Education Programming Committee
Focuses on providing guidance and recommending content to WSAE members and the association community, while enhancing the knowledge and best practices of individuals involved in association management and leadership. Subgroups oversee the following education activities: Women’s Forum, Live @, and Summit events.
See the task force roles and responsibilities here.
2026 Education Programming Committee & Subcommittees
| Women's Forum |
Live@ |
Annual Summit |
CEO Events |
|
Chair: Monica Goeke, Wisconsin Hotel & Lodging Association
Board Liaison: Tracy Kern, League of Wisconsin Municipalities
Staff Contact: Belle Rummel
Executive Director: Jennifer Rzepka
|
Chair: Ashley Allgood, Executive Director Inc.
Board Liaison: Jennie L. S. Socha, Executive Director, Inc.
Staff Contact: Jess Nehmer
Executive Director: Jennifer Rzepka
|
Chair: Andrew Heidtke, ACEC WI
Board Liaison: Bill Elliott, Wisconsin Hotel & Lodging Association
Staff Contacts:
Beth McVeigh
Jasmine Ford
Executive Director: Jennifer Rzepka
|
Chair: Mark O'Connell, Wisconsin Counties Association
Board Liaison: David Schade, First Business Bank
Staff Contact: Tia Lor
Executive Director: Jennifer Rzepka
|
|
Members:
- Krystal Livingston, Agentis
- Emily Hackbarth, Executive Director, Inc.
- Stephanie Lowney, Association Acumen
- Michelle Eggert, ConferenceDirect
- Elexus Comyne, National Fluid Power Association
- Allison Forsythe, Stringfellow Management Group
- Becca Surges, Executive Director, Inc.
- Judy Baeten, Executive Director, Inc.
- Ann Marie Hess, Visit Brookfield
|
Members:
- Andrew Heidtke, ACEC WI
- Zach Blevins, Executive Director, Inc.
- Alyssa Gluth, Executive Director Inc.
|
Members:
- Kyle Geissler, Wisconsin Broadcasters Association
- Tony Veroeven, Milieu
- Zach Blevins, Executive Director, Inc.
- Kristin Adler, Executive Director, Inc.
- Emily Eagon, League of Wisconsin Municipalities
- Ann Marie Hess, Visit Brookfield
|
Members:
- Kathy Raab, Raab Group LLC
|
Industry Partners Committee
Focuses on using experience and professional connections to help grow and develop WSAE sponsors and sponsorship opportunities.
See the task force roles and responsibilities here.
2026 Industry Partners Committee
Co-Chairs/Liaisons:
David Schade, First Business Bank
Marin Medema, Osthoff Resort
Staff Contact: Brenda Calvetti
Executive Director: Jennifer Rzepka
Members:
- Michelle Eggert, ConferenceDirect
- Ann Marie Hess, Visit Brookfield
- Amy Rivera, Hilton Appleton Paper Valley
- Keola Shimooka, Hilton Madison Monona Terrace
- Kathy Raab, Raab Group LLC
- Allison Forsythe, Stringfellow Management Group
- Jim Dobbe, Sheraton Milwaukee Brookfield
Membership Development Committee
Focuses on maintaining and expanding membership and increasing the leadership and engagement of members in activities of WSAE.
See the task force roles and responsibilities here.
2026 Membership Development Committee
Chair: Kim Burns, Wisconsin State Bar
Staff Contact: Brenda Calvetti
Executive Director: Jennifer Rzepka
Members:
- Lindsay Bullock, Executive Director, Inc.
- Tony Veroeven, Milieu
- Amanda Niebauer, Executive Director, Inc.
- Andrew Heidtke, ACEC WI
- Ashley Allgood, Executive Director, Inc
Please remember, this is an active, working role within the association. If you are selected for service, it is expected that you are available, and committed to being engaged and present throughout the new year. If you are interested in serving as Chair to a Committee in 2026, see the Chair roles and responsibilities here.
