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John Walz

BizTimes Staff
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John Walz

President
Milwaukee School of Engineering  | Milwaukee

John Walz became the fifth president of Milwaukee School of Engineering in 2016. Walz has spearheaded various strategic initiatives, such as modernizing and upgrading campus infrastructure, broadening the institution’s recruitment efforts across different regions, enhancing the sense of inclusion and belonging on campus, and developing new academic programs that align with the needs of corporate partners. Under his leadership, MSOE received its largest-ever gift, a $34 million donation to build a new computational science hall on its downtown campus, from NVIDIA vice president and MSOE alumnus Dwight Diercks and his wife, Dian. Other major projects during Walz’s tenure have included the new Robert Spitzer Dining Commons, We Energies STEM Center, nursing facility expansion, and Hermann Viets Tower.

Education: Bachelor’s and master’s, Tulane University; doctorate, Carnegie Mellon University

What would you do if you could choose another career: “I gave serious thought to becoming a physician, but I am very happy with the choice I made. (In total honesty, a major league baseball player, but this was a dream).”

One decision to do over: “I wish I had not delayed in buying stock in Nvidia several years ago.”

What would you like to change about Wisconsin: “Longer summers, more Cajun restaurants (I’m from south Louisiana).”

Definition of success: “Having enough money and time to do the things I greatly enjoy.”

2022 Wisconsin 275 Profile

Nonprofits and Education
President
Milwaukee School of Engineering | Milwaukee

John Walz joined Milwaukee School of Engineering in 2016, becoming the college’s fifth president. Under his leadership, MSOE received its largest-ever gift, a $34 million donation to build a new computational science hall on its downtown campus, and created a new bachelor of science in computer science degree focused on artificial intelligence.  

In 2020, the college opened several new facilities, including the Robert Spitzer Dining Commons, We Energies STEM Center and the Ruehlow Nursing Complex lab expansion. The following year, it completed a $37 million renovation and expansion of a residential hall, creating Hermann Viets Tower.  

MSOE has also built partnerships with area employers, particularly Milwaukee-based senior living industry supplier Direct Supply. In 2019, Direct Supply completed a $14 million renovation of an Innovation & Technology Center on MSOE’s campus, which connects professors and students with research projects and internships at the company. 

Earlier this year, the school unveiled plans to build a $2.9 million softball stadium on its campus for its NCAA Division III women’s softball team.  

Outside of campus, Walz has served on the board of the Clinical and Translational Science Institute, Wisconsin Technology Council and Higher Education Regional Alliance. 

Prior to joining MSOE, Walz was dean of the college of engineering at the University of Kentucky and head of Virginia Tech’s Department of Chemical Engineering and chairman of Yale University’s Department of Chemical & Environmental Engineering. 

Education: Bachelor’s and master’s, Tulane University; doctorate, Carnegie Mellon University

Chad Bauman

BizTimes Staff
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Chad Bauman

Executive Director
Milwaukee Repertory Theater  |  Milwaukee

Chad Bauman has served as executive director of the Milwaukee Repertory Theater since 2013. Under his leadership, the theater has experienced significant growth and worked to solidify its financial footing by eliminating its debt, nearly doubling its endowment, and achieving annual operating surpluses. The theater’s net assets have also grown from $19 million to $84 million, and the organization has raised $100 million through three capital campaigns. The theater is in the process of constructing the new Associated Bank Theater Center. Bauman is president of the Milwaukee Arts Partners board and a board member of Pathways High School, ImagineMKE and AFS Milwaukee.

Education: Bachelor’s, Missouri State University; master’s, CalArts; doctoral in education (in process), University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Highlights from the past 12 months: “Completing the design of the Associated Bank Theater Center and raising nearly all of the $78 million necessary to create Wisconsin’s best new performing arts center set to open in 2025.”

What would you like to change about Wisconsin: “Wisconsin is the worst state in the nation for government support of the arts. To ensure the future of our cultural assets, that must change.”

Cocktail of choice: “Extra dirty vodka martini with three blue cheese olives.”

Your sport if you could be an Olympian: “Surfing. Riding such huge waves in the most beautiful locations in the world without dying. What could be better?”

Brian Thompson

BizTimes Staff
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Brian Thompson

Chief Innovation and Partnership Officer
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee  |  Milwaukee

After more than 17 years leading the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Research Foundation and helping launch the Lubar Entrepreneurship Center at UWM, Brian Thompson was named chief innovation and partnership officer of the university in 2023. He leads the initiatives linking the university to corporate partners for research and talent. Among UWM’s recent successes, Microsoft Corp. announced this spring it will establish a manufacturing-focused AI Co-Innovation Lab on the campus, which aims to serve 270 Wisconsin companies by 2030. Thompson is also co-principal investigator on the Milwaukee Innovation Corps program, sponsored by the National Science Foundation.

Education: Bachelor’s and master’s, Purdue University; MBA, UCLA

Your secret talent: “I enjoy integrating complex information into informative graphics. These include ecosystem maps and process diagrams that we use to cultivate partners and guide strategy.”

Favorite movie: “‘Saving Private Ryan’ is among my favorite movies because I’ve taken numerous leadership lessons from Tom Hanks’ character.”

Thing to learn this year: “I’m on an artificial intelligence learning journey that includes not only tools available to individuals, but also the many ways in which researchers and educators can and are using AI to enhance their work.”

Favorite Wisconsin destination: “Rock Island State Park. And, of course, UWM.”

Notable Health Care Leaders: Dr. Manfred Chiang

BizTimes Staff
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Notable Health Care Leaders: Dr. Manfred Chiang

Dr. Manfred Chiang specializes in general and bariatric surgery with Ascension Medical Group Wisconsin. In September 2024, Dr. Chiang performed his 2,000th robotic-assisted surgery at Ascension SE Wisconsin Hospital – Elmbrook Campus in Brookfield.

“This accomplishment highlights Dr. Chiang’s continued leadership in robotic surgery and solidifies his position as one of the most experienced robotic surgeons in Wisconsin,” said Kurt Schley, president of Ascension Elmbrook Hospital.

“Since Ascension Elmbrook introduced robotic surgery in 2009, more than 7,700 robotic procedures have been performed at the hospital. Dr. Chiang has been instrumental in making this cutting-edge technology an integral part of the hospital’s surgical services,” Schley said.

Chiang was chosen by Intuitive, the maker of the da Vinci surgical robotic system, to train other surgeons in his community and nationwide. Ascension Elmbrook is one of only two Intuitive robotic surgery bariatric teaching sites in Wisconsin.

“Dr. Chiang is at the forefront of adopting advanced surgical technologies, including minimally invasive and robotic techniques,” Schley said.

Dr. John Raymond Sr.

BizTimes Staff
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Dr. John Raymond Sr.

President and CEO
Medical College of Wisconsin | Wauwatosa 

Under Dr. John R. Raymond Sr.’s leadership, the Medical College of Wisconsin has opened two regional campuses, launched a pharmacy school and carried out a partnership with the Greater Milwaukee Foundation and Royal Capital Group to address social determinants of health. With an operating budget of $1.65 billion and roughly 7,300 faculty and staff, MCW is the fifth largest private employer in metro Milwaukee. The school makes a significant impact on the workforce, with half of the physicians practicing in Wisconsin being an alumnus of MCW or its residency programs.

Education: Bachelor’s and M.D., The Ohio State University

What would you do if you could choose another career: “Astrophysics. I am a big fan of hard science fiction. I’ve always been fascinated by the inner working of the universe that underpins our reality.”

One decision to do over: “We reduced incentive payouts one year during a financial challenge, which resulted in long-lasting resentment. The rationale for the decision was sound, but it was not adequately socialized. I learned that people feel institutional decisions at a very personal level, and that we did not adequately connect the financial intervention to preserving the essential work of those who were affected.”

If you could time travel: “July 20, 1969, to be there again for the Apollo 11 mission, the first moon landing.”

Cocktail of choice: “Diet Coke.”

2022 Wisconsin 275 Profile

Health Care
President and CEO
Medical College of Wisconsin  |  Wauwatosa

Dr. John Raymond Sr. leads the state’s only private medical school and the metro Milwaukee area’s seventh largest private employer. The Medical College of Wisconsin has expanded under Raymond’s leadership, opening regional campuses in Wausau and De Pere, and growing its footprint on its home campus in Wauwatosa. Raymond became a household name during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, when he provided daily virtual briefings in partnership with the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce to keep area business executives informed of the virus’ spread.

Education: M.D., The Ohio State University

What was your first job, and what did you learn from it?
“Janitor. The value of a job well done.”

What piece of advice has had the most significant impact on your career?
“Don’t be afraid to dream big dreams.”

If you could have dinner with any two business leaders, who would you choose and why?
“Bill Gates and Steve Jobs because of their constant commitment to innovation and impact.”

What are some of your favorite destinations/places to visit?
“Door County, Wisconsin. Italy. Portugal.”

What is one book you think everyone should read and why?
“‘Good to Great’ by Jim Collins. The concept of level 5 leadership provides insights into how to optimize organizational performance through a culture of leadership engagement.”

What’s your hobby/passion?
“Reading. Online chess.”

What is your favorite Wisconsin restaurant and what do you order there?
“Buckley’s Milwaukee, carrot cake.”

What would people be surprised to learn about you (fun fact)?
“I listen to progressive rock and metal music.”

What was your first car? How long did you drive it for?
“1971 Ford Mustang. Three years.”

If you could take a one-year sabbatical, what would you do?
“Learn more about how to empower communities to build sustainable strength and impact.”

What’s the toughest business challenge you’ve had to overcome?
“The economic, societal, political and scientific challenges from COVID-19.”

What advice would you give to a young professional?
“Do something every day to improve your organization, and leadership opportunities will come your way.”

What is one thing you would change about Wisconsin to make it even better?
“It would be good for our state if the Legislature and governor’s office could work toward common purpose.”

As you enter your office, what would you choose to be your walk-up or theme song and why?
“‘Imagine,’ by John Lennon. We seek a better world at MCW.”

Is there a nonprofit cause that has special meaning to you?
“I am a director of the board of the Milwaukee Academy of Science, a charter school that serves predominantly African American children and which has a remarkable track record of excellence, and successes in inspiring our scholars to attend colleges, universities and technical schools.”

What is the biggest risk you have ever taken?
“To serve as a highly visible medical spokesperson during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

What’s at the top of your bucket list?
“To retire and spend quality time with my beautiful wife, who is the love of my life.”

What has you most excited about the future?
“The passion and optimism of our students, research fellows and residents gives me great hope for our future.”

Notable Health Care Leaders: Justin Jasniewski

BizTimes Staff
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Notable Health Care Leaders: Justin Jasniewski

Justin Jasniewski, chief executive officer of Milwaukee-based Serve You Rx, is transforming health care accessibility through innovative pharmacy benefit management, according to Nancy Fleming, the company’s marketing director.

Starting as a financial analyst at Serve You Rx, Jasniewski created the pricing and analytics department. After getting his MBA at the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, he consulted for global pharmaceutical manufacturers at KPMG’s Strategy Group. He then returned to Serve You Rx to become chief financial and analytics officer and then CEO.

Under his leadership, Serve You Rx partnered with Mark Cuban’s Cost Plus Drugs to expand affordable medication access. Jasniewski also developed an internship program focusing on pharmacy benefit management and data analytics.

He advocated across 10 states for increased Narcan access for opioid overdose prevention and oversaw hundreds of overdose aid kit box installations throughout Wisconsin before transferring the program to the Clinton Foundation. Jasniewski provides pro bono consulting for global health nonprofits and programs supporting underrepresented students in health care careers.

Dr. Scott Rathgaber

BizTimes Staff
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Dr. Scott Rathgaber

CEO
Emplify Health | Green Bay and La Crosse

Dr. Scott Rathgaber is chief executive officer of Emplify Health. He was CEO of La Crosse-based Gundersen Health System from 2015 until the health system merged with Green Bay-based Bellin Health and adopted the name Emplify in late 2022. The health system has about 15,000 employees and operates 11 hospitals and more than 100 clinic locations in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Upper Michigan and Iowa. Rathgaber joined Gundersen Health System gastroenterology in 1998 and became gastroenterology section chief in 2005 before being appointed medical vice president in 2012.

Education: Bachelor’s, Wabash College; Master’s, Viterbo University; M.D., Indiana University School of Medicine

Highlights from the past 12 months: “Successfully integrating two enduring legacy health systems in a true merger of equals to better serve our communities bringing care close to home.”

What would you like to change about Wisconsin: “I pray our elected officials would come together in more constructive conversations and a spirit of compromise to continue the support of thriving communities and the wonderful quality of life we enjoy in Wisconsin.”

Thing to learn this year: “I would like to learn to play the ukulele.”

Buzzword you never want to hear again: “Work-life balance. Work is part of life, not in opposition to life. I prefer ‘life balance.’”

2022 Wisconsin 275 Profile

Health Care
CEO
Gundersen Health System and
Bellin Health  |  La Crosse

In December, Dr. Scott Rathgaber became chief executive officer of the newly merged Bellin Health and Gundersen Health System. The combination of the two organizations – which finalized Nov. 30 – created a $2.4 billion health care system. Bellin and Gundersen have 11 hospitals and 14,000 employees.

Previously, Rathgaber had served as CEO of La Crosse-based Gundersen since 2015. Prior to the merger, Gundersen had revenues of $1.54 billion in 2021 and over 9,000 employees. Its footprint includes seven hospitals and over 60 clinics throughout western Wisconsin, southeastern Minnesota and northeast Iowa.

Under Rathgaber’s leadership, Gundersen explored a possible merger with Marshfield Clinic Health System that the organizations eventually abandoned in 2019.

Immediately before becoming CEO, Rathgaber was medical vice president of the system’s hospital operations, neurosciences, general surgery, anesthesiology, emergency services, occupational health services and pharmacy.

Rathgaber is active in advocating on behalf of hospitals through the Wisconsin Hospital Association, participating in roundtables with lawmakers and traveling to Washington, D.C. to meet with lawmakers. He also advocated on behalf of his and other hospitals supporting Operation Allies Welcome, in which more than 13,000 Afghan evacuees were housed at Fort McCoy in Monroe County in August 2021.

Education: Bachelor’s, Wabash College; M.D., Indiana University Medical Center

John Swallow

BizTimes Staff
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John Swallow

President and CEO
Carthage College  |  Kenosha

Under John Swallow’s leadership the past seven years, Carthage College has seen record first-year enrollments and first-to-second-year retention rates and near-doubled fundraising levels. The private liberal arts college has also invested more than $80 million in campus and technology upgrades, launched 17 new undergraduate majors and four new master’s degrees and added four new varsity athletic teams. Swallow has served on several boards related to higher education and economic development, most recently as past chair of the Higher Education Regional Alliance and of the Kenosha Area Business Alliance.

Education: Bachelor’s, University of the South; masters’ and doctorate, Yale University

The future of your industry: “Wisconsin higher education must adapt very quickly as the number of traditional college-aged students declines, the demand for specific skills grows, student and family expectations evolve and a great many shibboleths of the past fall away.”

Your secret talent: “I have long been an amateur singer. In fact, my wife, Cameron, and I met in choir in college. I recently joined the Midwest Vocal Express, a 30-year-old barbershop chorus originally founded in Greendale and enjoy performing and competing at the district and international levels.”

What is one thing you would change about Wisconsin to make it even better? “Wisconsin needs a nonpartisan, pro-growth plan to invest more in our citizens, educating our people for the present and future economy.”

Favorite part of the workday: “Interacting with students, whether I’m chatting in the Starbucks line, watching a team compete, listening in on a choir rehearsal, guest conducting the orchestra or being called out of my seat in the middle of a musical to act on stage.”

2022 Wisconsin 275 Profile

Nonprofits and Education
President and CEO
Carthage College | Kenosha

Carthage College president John Swallow has spearheaded several initiatives at the Kenosha liberal arts college over the past five years. Carthage has leveraged a $15 million gift to launch a career development sequence for all undergrads, lowered the “sticker price” of tuition by 30% and committed to closing equity gaps in higher education by 2030 as part of the national Moon Shot for Equity initiative. Swallow is current chair of the Higher Education Regional Alliance and was past chair of the Kenosha Area Business Alliance.  

Education: Bachelor’s, Sewanee: The University of the South; master’s and doctorate in mathematics, Yale University   

First job: “Software engineer. I learned to prioritize clarity and readability if you want your code to last.” 

Hobby/Passion: “Ensemble singing – classical repertoire, barbershop, folk, and more. I wish only that my schedule would allow for more regular rehearsals and get-togethers.”  

Biggest risk you’ve ever taken: “Taking my family on a bus trip in rural Jordan, without knowing Arabic and without a guidebook, trying to return into Israel through a rarely used border crossing.”  

Fun fact: “I never graduated from high school, but started college at 15, met my wife Cameron in the choir my sophomore year, graduated at 18, and was only 20 when we married. And so, I was carded on our honeymoon. One discerning and helpful waiter placed the bottle and two glasses on her side of the table — Cameron was of legal drinking age — and walked away.”  

Notable Health Care Leaders: Brandon Hill

BizTimes Staff
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Notable Health Care Leaders: Brandon Hill

Since Brandon Hill, Ph.D., joined Milwaukee-based Vivent Health (formerly the AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin), the organization has grown and thrived, colleagues say.

Vivent Health serves approximately 85% of all Milwaukeeans living with HIV. In 2023, Vivent Health served nearly 4,000 people.

“In 2023, Hill led the organization through the opening of a new health center in downtown Milwaukee, improving care delivery and the patient experience,” said Cindy Cooper, senior vice president of strategic communications at Vivent Health.

Since the clinic opened, services delivered and prescriptions filled are both up 6%. Behavioral health wait time is down to five days for a new patient and one day for substance use treatment. Ninety-five percent of Vivent Health patients in Wisconsin have achieved viral suppression, above the national average of 66%, according to Cooper.

“I am a member of the LGBTQ+ community,” Hill says. “This work is part of my identity. This is the work I didn’t know existed when I was young and queer, but the work I committed myself to doing as an adult. This isn’t just a job. This is personal.”

Tim Sullivan

BizTimes Staff
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Tim Sullivan

Dean, Sullivan School of Business & Technology
Carroll University  |  Waukesha

Tim Sullivan has served as dean of the Sullivan School of Business & Technology at Carroll University since 2023 following multiple CEO stints in the private sector. Sullivan was formerly president and CEO of the REV Group, a Milwaukee-based manufacturer of specialty vehicles, and chairman and CEO of Gardner Denver Inc., a manufacturer of oil and gas, industrial and medical equipment. Before that, he was CEO of Bucyrus International, a South Milwaukee-based manufacturer of mining machinery that sold to Caterpillar in 2011. He currently serves as chairman of New York City-based BitFire Inc. and Phoenix-based Bandit Productions. Locally, he chairs the board of St. Ann Center for Intergenerational Care in Milwaukee.

Education: Bachelor’s, Carroll University; MBA, Arizona State University

Highlights from the past 12 months: “Established four new programs: Mechanical Engineering and Industrial & Systems Engineering, Business Analytics and Entrepreneurship.”

What would you like to change about Wisconsin: “Rebalance the tax structure. We assess too much in property taxes and too little in sale tax.”

Traits you seek for new hires: “Technology, data and human literacy. Highly collaborative and socially accountable. Deep listening skills and strong work ethic.”

First and most recent concert: “First: Blood Sweat & Tears (Summerfest). Most recent: Bruce Springsteen.”

Gil Peri

BizTimes Staff
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Gil Peri

President & CEO
Children’s Wisconsin | Wauwatosa

In August 2024, Gil Peri became president and chief executive officer of Children’s Wisconsin, the largest nonprofit, community-based agency serving children in Wisconsin and the only nonprofit, independent children’s hospital in the state. The 6,600-employee organization offers pediatric specialties and subspecialties to infants, children, teens and young adults. The system operates a 298-bed hospital in Milwaukee – a Level 1 children’s surgery center and trauma center – and a 42-bed hospital in the Fox Valley, along with clinics across the state. Its research institute has more than 1,000 active clinical studies and nearly $30 million in external funding. Previously, Peri was president of Riley Children’s Health in Indianapolis, a 485-bed children’s health system that is part of Indiana University Health and the Indiana University School of Medicine.

Education: Bachelor’s, master’s and MBA, University of South Florida

The future of your industry: “Health care will continue to utilize analytics, AI and digital technology to enable teams to best serve patients and the community. There will be a shift to proactive prevention to drive better outcomes.”

Favorite movie: “‘E.T.’ The power of connection.”

First and most recent concert: “First was Michael Jackson and most recent was Imagine Dragons.”

Your Olympic sport: “Member of the 1992 Dream Team (basketball).”

Notable Health Care Leaders: Nicole Lorino

BizTimes Staff
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Notable Health Care Leaders: Nicole Lorino

Nicole Lorino, nurse manager at Ascension Wisconsin, has more than 20 years of experience at Ascension SE Wisconsin Hospital – St. Joseph Campus, specializing in women and infant services.

As leader of the Women’s Outpatient Center, Lorino oversees prenatal and postnatal care for thousands of women, resulting in about 700 births annually, according to Kathlyn Tambellini, director of inpatient women and infants at Ascension Wisconsin.

“She focuses on addressing social determinants of health in maternal care for underserved populations in Milwaukee,” said Tambellini.

In 2019, Ascension St. Joseph launched the Maternal Health Social Systems Initiative to identify and rectify broken social systems impacting maternal health outcomes.

“To tackle this issue, Nicole’s team began oversight of the community-focused care model in 2020 at the site level, prioritizing on listening to the needs of families,” Tambellini said.

The model included rideshare options for appointments, a prenatal outreach program, food assistance for mothers dealing with anemia, diabetes, high blood pressure and food insecurity, and access to child care during visits.

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