Executive Excellence

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Executive Excellence

The Executive Excellence Awards recognize outstanding leaders in finance and human resources whose work helps drive their organizations forward. The event honors professionals who demonstrate strong leadership, innovation, and a commitment to excellence.

See Executive Excellence news, profiles and interviews

Event Information

Thursday, July 23, 2026
5:30-8:30 p.m.
The Edgewater

Sponsorship Information: sales@ibmadison.com

General Event Information: events@ibmadison.com

Nominations are closed.

2026 Finalists

HR FINALISTS 

Rising Star:  

  • Jackie Aguilar, Attic Angel
  • Ashley Kowalchuk, Iconica

Large Business:

  • AnnMarie Kreitzer, TDS Telecom

Executive:  

  • Kari Davis, Lake Ridge Bank
  • John Lange, Veridian Homes
  • Mark Schuster, Rural Mutual Insurance Company

FINANCE FINALISTS

Rising Star: 

  • Rachel Schultz, TDS Telecom

Public Sector:  

  • Carolyn Clow, Alliant Energy Center
  • Marc DeVries, Jefferson County
  • Sylvia Ramirez, Madison College

Small Business: 

  • Matt AltenbergerWind River Payments
  • Wes Kane, Thompson Kane & Company, Inc
  • Kristi Khan, Threshold Development Group, Threshold Builds

Large Business:

  • Elizabeth Holmstrom, Starion Bank

Executive:  

  • Robert Durian, Alliant Energy 
  • Steve Kelley, CPA, CFP®, CEPA®, CDFA®, Choreo, One Erdman Place 
  • Tom Newell, ETE Reman
  • Lisa Wiedenfeld, Sound Devices  

Partners

Presenting Partner
Forvis Mazars
Major Partners
Supporting Partner
Johnson Financial Group