ABOUT
Board of Directors & Staff
The Wisconsin Economic Development Association (WEDA), founded in 1975, is a statewide non-profit organization dedicated to expanding Wisconsin’s economy. Driven by the needs of our 450-plus members, we represent the economic development interests of both the private and public sectors through leadership on statewide initiatives to advance economic development in Wisconsin.
Through advocacy, networking, and education, we provide members with the resources and tools to strengthen their skills in economic development, help achieve their professional goals, and promote economic growth in communities throughout the state.
Executive Committee Officers
Rebecca Deschane
WEDA Chair of the Board
New North, Green Bay
Melissa Hunt
President and CEO
WEDA, Madison
Angie Close
WEDA Chair of the
Board Elect
Langlade County, Antigo
Liz Wendt
Member at Large
WEDC, Wausau
Jenny Kuderer-Radcliffe
Past Board Chair
Dairyland Power Cooperative, La Crosse
Kathryn Berger
Secretary / Treasurer
Wisconsin Trust for Historic Preservation, Brown Deer
Board of Directors
Pam Christenson
Madison Gas and Electric
Madison
Mark
Lee
Madison
Haley
Makela
City of Ashland
Ashland
Coleman Peiffer
Alliant Energy
Madison
Dean Prestegaard
DMP Development Analytics
Madison
Keri
Schreiner
City of River Falls
River Falls
Dale
Shaver
Waukesha County
Waukesha
Rachel
Smith
First Federal Bank
Fond du Lac
Willie
Smith
Northwest Side CDC
Milwaukee
Charlie
Walker
Chippewa County Economic Development Corporation
Chippewa Falls
Wenda
Roycraft
WBD Inc.
Madison
Jess
Wildes
Innovative Public Advisors
West Bend
Angel
Laidlaw
Centergy
Wausau
Melissa
Meschke
St. Croix Economic Development Corporation
St. Croix
Board Ex-Officio Members
Mike Ward
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
Madison
Bon Wikenheiser
Special Counsel to the CEO
UW Institute for Business & Entrepreneurship
Madison
Lee Sensenbrenner
Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development
Madison
Staff
Melissa Hunt
President and CEO
Michael Welsh
Vice President of Legislative Affairs and Communications
Liza Rosenthal
Membership & Events Manager
