• Michael G. Mueller, Vice President-Corporate Communications, joined Kohler Co. in May of 1997. Michael's responsibilities include management of the company’s corporate communication area which include associate/executive communications, issues/crisis communications, corporate events/sponsorships, corporate content, and heritage/archives. Mueller and his team support the overall corporate brand through the company’s sustainability, stewardship, and global impact initiatives.

     

    Mueller also serves on Kohler Co.’s executive management team, the John Michael Kohler Arts Center marketing advisory team, and the Habitat for Humanity of Wisconsin board.

     

    Prior to joining Kohler Co., Mueller served as a Creative Director and Director of Client Services for two Minneapolis advertising agencies whose clients included Westin Hotels, Pillsbury, 3M, DirecTV, and Fox Entertainment. Previous to his agency experience, he spent three years as a public relations writer in the Kohler Advertising Department.

     

    A graduate of the Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism in Chicago, Mueller brings more than four decades of experience in both the corporate and agency environments with a focus on storytelling, digital content strategy, branding, and corporate reputation.

  • Named a Milwaukee Business Journal CMO of the Year in 2023, Joshua Albrecht serves as Chief Marketing Officer of Visit Milwaukee. He leads the organization’s marketing, partnership, and communications strategy, drawing on more than 20 years of experience in tourism, media, and brand development. Over the past two years, Josh helped secure Bravo’s Top Chef and The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City for Wisconsin, played a key role in hosting the Republican National Convention, and launched the Milwaukee Made television series celebrating the region’s people and stories. He also led the development and ongoing promotion of the Milwaukee Theater District as a signature cultural destination. Josh has spearheaded partnerships with Bobby Portis, Jenni Yolo, Christian Yelich, and Pro Football Hall of Famer LeRoy Butler, including the AI-powered Ask LeRoy virtual concierge platform. Earlier in his career, he spent nearly a decade in newspapers, doing everything in a newsroom except running the press and had some fun as a senior adviser on the Mumford & Sons Gentlemen of the Road Stopovers.

    Mueller also serves on Kohler Co.’s executive management team, the John Michael Kohler Arts Center marketing advisory team, and the Habitat for Humanity of Wisconsin board.

    Prior to joining Kohler Co., Mueller served as a Creative Director and Director of Client Services for two Minneapolis advertising agencies whose clients included Westin Hotels, Pillsbury, 3M, DirecTV, and Fox Entertainment. Previous to his agency experience, he spent three years as a public relations writer in the Kohler Advertising Department.

    A graduate of the Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism in Chicago, Mueller brings more than four decades of experience in both the corporate and agency environments with a focus on storytelling, digital content strategy, branding, and corporate reputation.

Advisory Board

  • Griselda Aldrete is the Founder and CEO of Aldrete Law and Star Sports Consulting Group. Prior to launching her own sports business and legal firms, she has held leadership positions in the corporate, nonprofit and government sectors. Griselda has been a lecturer and adjunct professor for over 13 years in the criminal justice, criminology and law at various local universities, currently teaching at the Carroll University and Wisconsin Lutheran College. Her ability to assess, create, build systems and infrastructure to organizations has served her well to the organizations she has been able to lead and serve. Griselda fosters community engagement and allows for the development of strategic partnerships and collaborations across various sectors. Her extensive background and experience as a business, strategic and community leader in the various areas of corporate, government and non-profit gives Griselda a unique ability to think outside the box, make connections and help parties’ find solutions to their interests and needs. Griselda’s practice and areas of interests include business, sports, commercial, law enforcement, discrimination, and employment litigation matters. She is also a certified mediator and has a passion for advanced dispute resolution. She is fluent both verbally and written in Spanish.

  • Donald Driver overcame poverty and homelessness to become a Super Bowl champion, Green Bay Packers all-time leading receiver, Green Bay Packers Hall of Famer, New York Times bestselling author, “Dancing with the Stars” champion, and award-winning humanitarian.

    Known for his incredible fitness during his playing career Donald has become a renowned health and wellness expert. Driver released the chart-topping book, The 3D Body Revolution. The book is the ultimate workout and nutrition blueprint to get healthy and lean. He has also appeared on Good Morning America to offer healthy living tips.

    Additionally, Donald owns and operates three Driven ELITE Fitness and Health centers in Texas.

  • Pat is the President and Founder of Signature Services Group, LLC, a premier marketing and fundraising agency based in Milwaukee. The firm partners with organizations to build strong brands and drive sustainable growth through strategic planning, marketing and communications, fundraising, organizational development, and community engagement. Signature Services Group proudly serves a diverse portfolio of Wisconsin-based clients across non-profit, professional services, education, healthcare, retail, and manufacturing.

    The cornerstone of Pat’s success lies in her ability to build and nurture strong, trusting relationships. She believes that all impactful marketing and fundraising begins with authentic connection—linking customers, employees, and donors to an organization's mission, values, and vision for the future.

    An accomplished marketing and fundraising executive, Pat brings decades of leadership experience to her role. Prior to founding Signature Services Group, she held senior executive positions at two of Wisconsin’s most respected nonprofit organizations—Goodwill Industries and All Saints Healthcare System (now Ascension).

    As Chief Marketing Officer at Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Wisconsin, the largest Goodwill in the world, Pat developed and executed innovative, multi-channel marketing strategies that significantly increased revenue, elevated brand awareness, attracted new shoppers and donors, and opened doors to strategic partnerships. She established powerful affinity collaborations with colleges, universities, media outlets, and sports teams—most notably forging a high-profile partnership with Green Bay Packers legend Donald Driver.

    Earlier in her career, Pat served as President of the All Saints Healthcare Foundation and Vice President of Public Relations and Development for the All Saints Healthcare System. Following the merger of two hospitals and two medical clinics, she built the Foundation from the ground up—recruiting a board of directors, leading the strategic planning process, and creating a sustainable infrastructure. Pat implemented a successful major gift and planned giving program, expanded the volunteer base from a few hundred to more than 1,200 active participants, and conceived two of Wisconsin’s most successful fundraising events—The Christmas House for Cancer and Sail Racine, both of which attracted tens of thousands of visitors to the Racine community.

    A recognized leader in her field, Pat has been honored as a Woman of Influence and Chief Marketing Officer of the Year by the Milwaukee Business Journal, along with numerous national awards for excellence in marketing and fundraising. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for Journey21, the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame, and the Donald Driver Driven to Achieve Foundation.

  • Mark Kass joined the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame in April 2024 after more than 20 years as editor-in-chief of the Milwaukee Business Journal, an award-winning southeastern Wisconsin business newspaper and website.

    Mark spent 27 years with the Business Journal also working as a reporter and managing editor. He previously ran the lobbying and communications for the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District. Mark is also Chief Operating Officer of TEAM LAMMI.

  • Jodi Budda is a collaborative, results-driven marketing and merchandising executive with

    expertise in connecting brands to customers through strategy, storytelling, and execution. With

    experience across agency and corporate roles, she has led brand positioning, omni-channel

    campaigns, and product launches for iconic brands including Harley-Davidson, McDonald’s, and

    Domino’s Pizza, driving engagement, conversion, and revenue growth.

    Beyond marketing leadership, Jodi brings hands-on experience as a Director of Merchandise,

    overseeing assortment strategy, ecommerce, vendor partnerships, pricing, and go-to-market

    execution, while managing fulfillment and operations to ensure efficient inventory flow, on-time

    delivery, and an exceptional end-to-end customer experience.

    Known for building high-performing teams and improving processes, Jodi leads with a strategic,

    customer-first mindset and a genuine passion for creating innovative experiences that bring

    people, products, and communities together.

  • Jessica Miller is Principal Attorney at American Family Insurance, where her responsibilities include providing legal counsel on major sports sponsorships, brand ambassador agreements, and national advertising campaigns. She is highly skilled in compliance with TCPA, TSR, CAN-SPAM, lead generation, insurance trade regulations, sweepstakes, endorsement guidelines, and FTC/FCC rules. Jessica is a former state prosecutor and experienced litigator, with a background in prosecuting crimes against women and children, and over a decade in broadcast television senior leadership. She also serves on the Board of Directors for the Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC) Wisconsin and is an active member of the Association of National Advertisers, contributing to the Legal Affairs and Government Relations Committees. Jessica is a frequent speaker at national events for the ANA, ACC, and other industry conferences.

  • Sebastian Thachenkary directs the Milwaukee School of Engineering’s brand and marketing strategy including web, social media, print, video, digital, and media relations. He oversees the Marketing Communications Department, the Grohmann Museum and WMSE 91.7FM, the university’s independent, non-profit, and listener-supported radio station. His marketing experience spans several industries and includes corporate communications, public relations, integrated brand and marketing strategy, web and digital communications, business development, corporate sponsorships, and strategic partnerships. In 2018, Thachenkary was one of the Milwaukee Business Journal’s Chief Marketing Officers of the Year. Prior to joining MSOE, he served as director of marketing communications for Alverno College, vice president of marketing communications for Johnson Financial Group and brand manager and marketing director for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

  • Hillary Mintz serves as Public Information Officer for Waukesha County. She joined the County in 2023 after more than a decade as a trusted journalist at WISN‑TV, Milwaukee’s ABC affiliate, covering news across Southeast Wisconsin. In the County Executive’s Office, she partners with the County’s 17 departments to manage media relations and deliver clear, timely communications to staff and the community. Hillary is FEMA‑certified as an Advanced Public Information Officer, and an adjunct professor at Waukesha County Technical College teaching media relations courses for law enforcement. Her passion for public service and commitment to keeping residents informed reflect her newsroom roots. Before her career in news and public service, Hillary grew up near Philadelphia and competed in Division I tennis for the University of Iowa. Hillary continues to play tennis and pickleball socially with her family.

    She is honored to serve on the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame Board and serve as an ambassador for the organization to highlight Wisconsin's greatest athletes and sports figures.

  • Peggy Williams-Smith is a Milwaukee native and veteran of the hospitality industry who joined VISIT Milwaukee as the company’s first female president and CEO in 2019. Under her direction, the company has launched an exciting new brand for the first time in over 20 years. Her team has put together dynamic marketing campaigns to increase economic impact to the community and elevate the city’s reputation. Peggy’s focus on strategic partnerships has deepened the company’s local connections while developing a nimble team that is more responsive than ever to changes within the travel and hospitality industries. 

    From promoting the city to the nation during the Milwaukee Bucks’ championship run through nationwide commercials, to leading the city’s bid to secure (and host) the 2024 Republican National Convention to the many industry events that are booked into the city for future years, Williams-Smith’s strategic leadership has resulted in consecutive year over year growth in economic gains for the region. Prior to her work at VISIT Milwaukee, she honed her love for hospitality at Marcus Hotels & Resorts for over 22 years. Williams-Smith is a proud mentor of other women in business and uses her free time to support numerous charitable causes through board service and she has been honored as a Milwaukee Business Journal Women of Influence (2017), Tempo Mentor Award Winner (2021), Milwaukee Business Journal Executive of the Year (2022) and will be honored as a Professional Dimensions Imprint Award Winner this year.

  • Judson Beck is the VP General Manager of WFRV-TV in Green Bay, WI.  He also serves as the Chairman of the Board for the Wisconsin Broadcasting Association and has been a member of that board for 8 years.  His broadcast experience spans four decades in radio and television, including television leadership roles with CBS,  Newscorp and Nexstar Media Group.   Mr. Beck moved his family from Chicago to Wisconsin in 2015 to become the GM of Nexstar Media Groups WLAX-WEUX Fox 25-48 TV in La Crosse.  His promotion to take over WFRV (CBS) in Green Bay came in 2022, at which time he became a member of the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame Board.  His wife Harley is from Madison, WI and a graduate from UW.  They have two children, Bill and Natalie. 

  • As a President of Boldt, Jake Garro drives the real estate business with strategic thinking and portfolio planning to support our mission-driven clients. His focus on strong partnerships, innovation, and long-range value positions Boldt to meet the evolving needs of the real estate market. 

    A proud Wisconsin native, Jake holds graduate degrees from Marquette University, along with a Bachler’s degrees from the Business School at University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh. 

    Jake is deeply committed to community engagement across Wisconsin. He serves on the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame Board, has been a coach in the community for the past 10+ years and actively supports Ronald McDonald House Charities Eastern Wisconsin.

  • Brian Lammi is an entrepreneur and owner of six companies, including the Founder and CEO of TEAM LAMMI and co-owner of the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame.

    TEAM LAMMI has produced high-profile events with world-class talent including ESPYS Jimmy V Perseverance Award winner Rob Mendez, Jordy Nelson, Donald Driver, Michael Strahan, Anthony Anderson, Brett Favre, Bonnie Blair, Gladys Knight, Pat McAfee, Dan Patrick, and Biz Markie.

    Brian is the Executive Producer and Creator of twelve media properties, including Inside the Huddle TV/Radio/Social/Digital. Inside the Huddle has aired more original episodes than Seinfeld, M*A*S*H, Game of Thrones, Modern Family, or most weekly television shows in history.

    The Milwaukee Business Journal named Brian as a top 100 Power Broker in each year of the list’s existence.

  • Mike J. Smith brings more than 35 years of broadcasting experience in the Green Bay–Appleton market. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay, he built a distinguished career in television sales, digital media, leadership, and station management. Mike held key roles at WGBA-TV (FOX, NBC) before moving to WFRV-TV (CBS), where he ultimately served as Vice President and General Manager. He also led CBS affiliate, WJMN-TV in Marquette, Michigan, overseeing operations and strategic growth. Mike retired in 2022 after decades of industry leadership. Deeply committed to community service, he has served on numerous boards and committees throughout his career.

  • Andrea Hug is Senior Corporate Event Planner, at Baird, where she leads high‑impact, purpose‑driven experiences rooted in strategy, hospitality, and storytelling. A Milwaukee native, she brings more than a decade of nonprofit and events expertise to her work and community service. Prior to Baird, Andrea spent 14 years at Make‑A‑Wish Wisconsin in corporate relations and special events, helping grow partnerships statewide. She holds a B.A. in Communication Processes and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay.
    Andrea joined the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame board because she loves the organization’s work to shine a spotlight on our state and local communities and its focus on youth sports. She is proud to help preserve Wisconsin’s rich athletic legacy—honoring teamwork, leadership, and character—and to ensure events feel welcoming and memorable for all.

  • For 75 years Wisconsin has been my primary residence. Growing up in the Milwaukee area having a front row seat witnessing the performances of many of the members in the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame. For 35 years I was fortunate to have a career in Broadcasting where I was President General Manager of The Milwaukee radio group leading and developing radio stations like Classic Rock WKLH 96.5 and 102.9 The Hog  along with market leading morning shows Dave & Carole and Bob & Brian respectively. Having retired since 2010 . My personal life included raising 4 children and enjoying observing the growth and development of grandchildren. 

  • Bonnie Blair Cruikshank is a Hall of Fame speed skater who was inducted into the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame in 1995. She retired from competitive speed skating that same year after an extraordinary career that included competing in four Winter Olympic Games and earning five gold medals and one bronze medal.

    Originally from Illinois, Bonnie moved to Wisconsin in 1989 to further focus on her training. Following her retirement, she chose to remain close to the sport that shaped her life, making Wisconsin her permanent home. 

    Recognizing the vital role sports play in overall well-being, Bonnie has also enjoyed serving on the Board of Directors of the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame for many years. Through this work, she is able to give back to the athletic community and help ensure that sports continue to thrive throughout Wisconsin.