Leadership Institute Class of 2026 Kicks Off at Lambeau Field

The ACEC Wisconsin Leadership Institute Class of 2026 launched its journey at Lambeau Field on September 18–19, bringing together rising leaders from across the state for two days of intensive learning, discussion, and connection. Next Level Leadership: From Doing the Work to Leading the Way, was led by Jen Bertsch of LeadWell Consulting, who challenged participants to shift their focus from being technical experts to becoming developers of people and culture.

The session explored:

• Values as Your Leadership Compass 
• Leadership Calibration
• From Expert to Developer
• Beyond Tasks
• Being an Adaptable Leader
• Growing Tomorrow’s Teams 

The program also featured a Leadership Panel Discussion with industry leaders Brian Chlopek (JT Engineering), Troy Pankratz (Mead & Hunt), Paula Schultz (Strand Associates), and Tonia Westphal (Clark Dietz), moderated by Bertsch

In addition to classroom learning, participants toured Lambeau Field, enjoyed networking receptions, and engaged in small-group accountability partner discussions designed to strengthen connections that will extend beyond the program.

Congratulations to the Class of 2026

We are proud to welcome and congratulate the members of the Leadership Institute Class of 2026. 

• Jason Anderson; Town & Country Engineering, Inc.
• Nicholas Becker, PE; EMCS, Inc.
• Emily Blum, PE; Miller Engineers & Scientists
• Joseph Bluma, PE, CBI, MBA; Ayres Associates
• Devin Carlson, GISP; Clark Dietz, Inc.
• Gregory Carr; Ayres Associates
• Noah Decker, PE; Shive-Hattery
• Nathaniel Ewanowski, PE; Strand Associates, Inc.
• Matthew Haase, PE; JSD Professional Services Inc.
• Enrika Hlavacek; Ruekert & Mielke, Inc.
• Laura Humphrey, SR/WA; Jewell Associates Engineers, Inc.
• Jason Isaacson, PE; CBS Squared Inc.
• David Katzner, PE; MSA Professional Services, Inc.
• Billie Kershaw, PE; Town & Country Engineering, Inc.
• Jason Kleist, PE; Mead & Hunt, Inc.
• Macen Leonardi, PE; MSA Professional Services, Inc.
• Jennifer Liimatta, PE; Robert E. Lee & Associates
• Brittany Lillion, PE; JT Engineering
• Robert Malzahn, PE; Short Elliott Hendrickson Inc.
• Tyler Owens, PE; ISG
• Elizabeth Reis, PE; CORRE, Inc.
• Emily Rowntree, PE; Strand Associates, Inc.
• Wyatt Rozmenoski, PE; GRAEF
• Elizabeth Rubenzer, Foth Infrastructure & Environment, LLC

Over the next six months, participants will explore leadership skills, business practices, risk management, and strategies for empowering their teams and organizations.