Executive Excellence

The Executive Excellence Awards honors the C-suite executives (CEO, CFO, COO, CIO, CHRO, CTO) and senior leaders whose vision, innovation, and leadership drive organizational success and strengthen Northeast Wisconsin’s business community.

Awards recognize excellence in four key areas:

• Financial Strategy & Excellence
• Talent & Culture Leadership
• Operational Innovation & Efficiency
• Technology & Digital Transformation

Together, these leaders set the standard for strategic leadership, innovation, and long-term business success.

The honorees represent a diverse range of industries and organizations and are being recognized for achievements in four areas of executive leadership: financial strategy & excellence; talent & culture leadership; operational innovation & efficiency; and technology & digital transformation.

The 2026 Executive Excellence honorees are:

Financial Strategy & Excellence

• Travis Froze, President – Northeast Wisconsin Market, First Business Bank
• John Hogerty, Executive Vice President & General Counsel, Bergstrom Corporation
• Katie Horan, Director of Finance & Administration, Appleton Airport
• Bradley Klingsporn, Chief Financial Officer, Fox Cities Performing Arts Center
• Lori Schumacher, Chief Financial Officer, Galloway Company

Talent & Culture Leadership

• Maria Blochowiak, HR Director, Team Industries, Inc.
• Joseph McGrane, Executive Vice President, Legacy Private Trust Company
• Brooke Sanchez, Vice President – Executive Search, Employment Resource Group
• Amy Smith, Chief People Officer, Jewelers Mutual

Operational Innovation & Efficiency

• Sharla Baenen, Chief Operating Officer – Bellin Region, Emplify Health by Bellin
• Holly Brenner, SVP of Strategic Development and Marketing, C. D. Smith Construction
• Lindsay LaCourse, VP, Product Growth, Fox Communities Credit Union
• Jeff Shipley, Executive Vice President of Operations, The Boldt Group
• Brian Wetzel, Vice President, Operations, Immel Construction

Technology & Digital Transformation

• SriRaj Kantamneni, Executive VP & Chief Information & Digital Officer, Schreiber
• Kyle McMillan, Chief Information & Technology Officer, Plexus
• Joe LaChapell, Vice President of Information Technology, M2 Logistics

Inaugural Executive of the Year

Alongside the 17 Executive Excellence honorees, Insight has named Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry CEO Sachin Shivaram its inaugural Executive of the Year, a distinction recognizing his broader leadership and accomplishments at the 120-year-old Manitowoc manufacturer.

See past Executive Excellence profiles and interviews.

What are the Executive Excellence Awards?

The Executive Excellence Awards recognizes exceptional C-suite executives and senior leaders whose strategic leadership drives organizational success and strengthens the Northeast Wisconsin business community.

When is the Insight Executive Excellence event?

The Insight Executive Excellence event will take place on Thursday, December 3, 2026 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Who is eligible to be nominated?

Eligible nominees are C-suite executives and senior vice presidents who demonstrate outstanding leadership in one of the award categories and work for organizations located in Northeast Wisconsin.

What are the award categories?

Awards are presented in four areas of executive leadership:

• Financial Strategy & Excellence
• Talent & Culture Leadership
• Operational Innovation & Efficiency
• Technology & Digital Transformation

When do nominations close?

Nominations close on August 3, 2026 for the 2026 awards. Nominations open August 4th, 2026 for 2027.

When does registration open?

Registration opens on September 21, 2026.

Can I sponsor the event?

Yes. Sponsorship opportunities are available and offer valuable brand exposure, networking opportunities, and recognition before, during, and after the event. Contact sales@insightonbusiness.com to learn more.

Who attends the event?

The event brings together executives, business owners, community leaders, award honorees, sponsors and professionals from across Northeast Wisconsin to celebrate executive leadership.

How can I purchase tickets?

Registration opens on September 21, 2026. Once registration is available, tickets can be purchased through the event registration page.

Who do I contact with questions?

For questions about nominations, sponsorships, or registration, contact the Insight team at sales@insightonbusiness.com or call (920) 882-0491.

Where can I purchase an honoree keepsake?

Insight has partnered with Popmount to offer honorees the opportunity to purchase commemorative keepsakes celebrating this achievement. https://newskeepsake.com/pages/insight-on-business