Executive Excellence

Tickets | Event Info | Honorees | Sponsors | Photo Gallery
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:  

  • Ashley Kowalchuk, Iconica
  • Jackie Aguilar, Attic Angel

Executive:  

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

Large Business:

  • AnnMarie Kreitzer, TDS Telecom

Small Business: 

  • Kristi Khan, Threshold Development Group, Threshold Builds

 

FINANCE FINALISTS

Rising Star: 

  • Rachel Schultz, TDS Telecom

Executive:  

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

Public Sector:  

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

Large Business:

  • Elizabeth Holmstrom, Starion Bank

Small Business: 

  • Wes Kane, Thompson Kane & Company, Inc
  • Matt AltenbergerWind River Payments

Partners

Presenting Partner
Forvis Mazars
Major Partners
Supporting Partner
Johnson Financial Group