Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame Speaker Series

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The Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame Speaker Series brings together legendary athletes, accomplished business executives and influential community leaders for engaging conversations about leadership, perseverance, mentorship and success. Hosted in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the series explores the lessons that connect excellence in sports with leadership in business and beyond.

Through candid conversations with leaders who have made an impact in their industries and communities, the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame creates opportunities for attendees to learn, make connections and gain new perspectives on leadership.

2027 Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame Speaker Series

Dominic Ortiz

CEO, Potawatomi Casinos & Hotels

Dominic Ortiz will join the 2027 Speaker Series to share insights from his leadership in the hospitality, entertainment and gaming industries.

JoAnne Anton

President & CEO, Herb Kohl Philanthropies

JoAnne Anton will bring her perspective on executive leadership, philanthropy and the role of community investment in creating lasting impact.

Mary Ellen Stanek

The 2027 Speaker Series is scheduled to begin in February. Additional event dates, program details and ticket information will be announced soon.

Check back for updates on upcoming speakers, registration and opportunities to attend the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame Speaker Series.

Mary Ellen Stanek will share insights from her leadership in investment management and financial services.

President, Baird Funds

October 2026 Speaker Series Recap: Joe Thomas and Jonas Prising

On October 20, the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame welcomed NFL and University of Wisconsin legend Joe Thomas and ManpowerGroup Chair and CEO Jonas Prising to the Marcus Performing Arts Center in Milwaukee for a conversation on leadership, perseverance and success.

Thomas shared lessons from his Hall of Fame football career, including his remarkable streak of 10,363 consecutive offensive snaps, while Prising offered insights into leading one of the world's largest workforce solutions companies.

Thank you to our sponsors and VIP table supporters for making the event possible: T&M Partners, R&R Insurance Services, Bank Five Nine, Baird Funds, Ascension Wisconsin, Visit Milwaukee, ManpowerGroup, the Milwaukee Bucks and Network Health.

Mark Kass, Jonas Prising, Ted Kellner, and Joe Thomas on stage at the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame Speaker Series
Jeff-Szalacinski R&R Insurance giving sponsor remarks at the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame Speaker Series
Joe Thomas poses with a business leader with the Super Bowl Trophy and NFL Hall of Fame bust
Marissa Werner from Sports Milwaukee give sponsor remarks at the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame Speaker Series
Mark Kass, Jonas Prising, and Joe Thomas pose for a photo on stage at the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame Speaker Series
mary-ellen-stanek-president-baird-fund-speaking-sponsor-wisconsin-athletic-hall-of-fame-speaker-series.jpg
Ted Kellner gives sponsor remarks at the wisconsin athletic hall of fame speaker series
tim schneider bank five nine gives sponsor remarks at the wisconsin athletic hall of fame speaker series
Milwaukee business and community leaders attend the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame Speaker Series.
Attendees listen to Joe Thomas and Jonas Prising discuss leadership during the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame event.
Guests fill the event space for the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame's October Speaker Series.
Brian Lammi Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame CEO gives opening remarks at the Speaker Series.
Business leaders check out the silent auction during the networking reception before the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame Speaker Series
Joe Thomas shares stories from his NFL career during the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame Speaker Series.
Joe Thomas and Jonas Prising speak at the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame Speaker Series in Milwaukee.
Mark Kass, Jonas Prising, and Joe Thomas talk on stage during the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame Speaker Series
Joe Thomas and Jonas Prising participate in a leadership discussion at the Marcus Performing Arts Center.
Joe Thomas discusses his NFL career and record-setting streak of consecutive offensive snaps during a leadership conversation.
ManpowerGroup Chair and CEO Jonas Prising shares insights during the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame Speaker Series.
Jonas Prising shares his perspective on executive leadership and business success during the Speaker Series.
Joe Thomas, Jonas Prising, and Mark Kass discuss leadership, perseverance and success at the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame Speaker Series.
Audience members gather for the October 2026 Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame Speaker Series.
Guests attend the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame Speaker Series at the Marcus Performing Arts Center in Milwaukee.
Business leaders clap while listening to the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame Speaker Series.
Business leaders network while attending the pre event reception at the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame Speaker Series
Attendees share conversations during the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame Speaker Series reception.
A wide view of the audience attending the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame Speaker Series in Milwaukee.
Attendees listen to Joe Thomas and Jonas Prising discuss leadership during the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame event.
Attendees hear perspectives on sports, business and leadership at the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame Speaker Series.

Past Speakers at the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame Speaker Series

Since launching in 2025, the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame Speaker Series has brought together legendary athletes, accomplished business executives and influential community leaders for conversations about leadership, perseverance and success. Across six events in Milwaukee, the series has connected Wisconsin's rich sports history with insights from leaders across business, philanthropy and higher education.

2026 Speaker Series

October 2026: Joe Thomas and Jonas Prising

NFL and University of Wisconsin football legend Joe Thomas, a Pro Football Hall of Fame member, joined ManpowerGroup Chair and CEO Jonas Prising for a conversation about leadership in professional sports and global business.

June 2026: Dr. Kimo Ah Yun and Ted Kellner

Marquette University President Dr. Kimo Ah Yun joined Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame member and Milwaukee philanthropist Ted Kellner for a discussion on leadership, education and community impact.

February 2026: Mason Crosby and David Kohler

Green Bay Packers legend Mason Crosby joined Kohler Co. Chair David Kohler to share perspectives on leadership, professional success and the lessons learned through sports and business.

2025 Speaker Series

October 2025: Bonnie Blair and Coreen Dicus-Johnson

Olympic speed skating legend Bonnie Blair joined Network Health CEO Coreen Dicus-Johnson for a conversation about achievement, leadership and perseverance.

June 2025: Sidney Moncrief and Greg Marcus

NBA Hall of Famer Sidney Moncrief joined Marcus Corporation CEO Greg Marcus to discuss leadership, business and lessons from their respective careers.

February 2025: Donald Driver and Gale Klappa

Green Bay Packers legend Donald Driver joined WEC Energy Group Chair Gale Klappa for a conversation about leadership, teamwork and success on and off the field.

Explore photos from past Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame Speaker Series events below.

Ted Kellner and Dr. Kimo Ah Yun share the stage during the June 2026 Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame Speaker Series.
Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson and Marquette University President Dr. Kimo Ah Yun talk while at the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame Speaker Series event
R&R Insurance talks to business leaders during the pre event networking reception at the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame Speaker Series
Dr. Kimo Ah Yun shares insights on leadership and higher education at the June 2026 Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame event.
Dr. Kimo Ah Yun and Bonnie Blair pose for a photo during the pre event networking reception at the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame Speaker Series
Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame member and Milwaukee philanthropist Ted Kellner speaks at the June 2026 Speaker Series.
Business leaders listen during the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame Speaker Series luncheon
Top Milwaukee business executives network before the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame Speaker Series
Dr. Kimo Ah Yun and Ted Kellner speak together at the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame Speaker Series in Milwaukee.
Ted Kellner, David Kohler, Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson, and Mason Crosby pose for a photo at the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame Speaker Series
Ted Kellner talks to the crowd during the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame Speaker Series
Mark Kass, Mason Crosby, and David Kohler pose for a photo during the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame Speaker Series
Mason Crosby signs an autograph for a business leader at the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame Speaker Series
Top Business Leaders laugh while listening to the Speaker Series luncheon at the Marcus Center in Milwaukee.
Mason Crosby and David Kohler share insights from their careers in professional football and business at the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame Speaker Series.
Kohler Co. Chair David Kohler speaks at the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame Speaker Series in Milwaukee.
Green Bay Packers legend Mason Crosby speaks at the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame Speaker Series in Milwaukee.
Mark Kass, Mason Crosby, and David Kohler on stage with a view of the packed audience of business leaders at the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame Speaker Series
Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson speaks at the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame Speaker Series
Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame Co-Owner Brian Lammi shakes hands with Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson
Green Bay Packers legend Mason Crosby joined Kohler Co. Chair David Kohler to share perspectives on leadership during the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame Speaker Series
Mark Kass, Bonnie Blair, and Coreen Dicus-Johnson on stage during the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame Speaker Series
Brian Ollech of Network Health giving sponsor remarks during a Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame speaker series.
Network Health CEO Coreen Dicus-Johnson speaking on stage during the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame Speaker Series
The audience and stage during the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame Speaker Series with Network Health CEO Coreen Dicus-Johnson and Olympic speed skating legend Bonnie Blair
A wide view of the audience attending the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame Speaker Series at the Marcus Center
Bonnie Blair and Coreen Dicus-Johnson give each other a high five during the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame Speaker Series
Coreen Dicus-Johnson, Mark Kass, and Bonnie Blair pose for a photo during the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame Speaker Series
Bonnie Blair shows off her Olympic medals to business leaders during the pre event reception at the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame Speaker Series
Attendees share conversations during the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame Speaker Series reception.
Greg Marcus, Mark Kass, and Sidney Moncrief pose for a photo on stage during the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame Speaker Series
NBA Hall of Famer Sidney Moncrief and Marcus Corporation CEO Greg Marcus speak together at the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame Speaker Series in Milwaukee.
Top Business executives listen during the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame Speaker Series
Marcus Corporation CEO Greg Marcus shares his perspective on leadership at the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame Speaker Series.
Sidney Moncrief and Greg Marcus participate in the June 2025 Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame Speaker Series.
NBA Hall of Famer Sidney Moncrief smiles during the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame Speaker Series in Milwaukee.
Green Bay Packers legend Donald Driver and WEC Energy Group Chair Gale Klappa speak together at the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame Speaker Series in Milwaukee.
Audience members clap during the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame Speaker Series luncheon.
Wide shot of the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame Speaker Series packed with top Milwaukee Business Leaders
Donald Driver speaks to media before the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame Speaker Series
Donald Driver shares insights on leadership and success during the February 2025 Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame Speaker Series.
Green Bay Packers legend Donald Driver speaks at the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame Speaker Series in Milwaukee.
Ted Kellner and Donald Driver share a hug on stage during the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame Speaker Series event
Top Business leaders in Milwaukee listen and learn during the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame Speaker Series luncheon.
Bonnie Balir, Donald Driver and another audience member listen during a Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame Speaker Series
Ted Kellner speaking during the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame Speaker Series
Green Bay Packers legend Donald Driver, WEC Energy Group Chair Gale Klappa, and Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame executive director Mark Kass pose for a photos on stage during a speaker series luncheon.