Inspire Wisconsin announces a leadership transition as Executive Director Candice Boutelle departs for a new role as Statewide Work-Based Learning Manager with Xello.
The organization welcomes Lindsay Ohlfs as Inspire Wisconsin’s next executive director.
Under Boutelle’s leadership, Inspire expanded its reach from Sheboygan County to serve students, educators, and employers across dozens of counties throughout Wisconsin.
During her tenure, Boutelle led several key innovations and milestones, including:
● Expanding Inspire’s mission into a statewide model through regional partnerships across education and workforce systems in 28 counties, including collaborations with multiple CESA regions and economic development organizations
â—Ź Contributing to regional workforce alignment through executive leadership in the New North Regional Career Pathways initiative and support of the New North Healthcare Alliance launch
â—Ź Supporting significant program expansion in youth co-op, youth apprenticeship, and career-connected learning opportunities
â—Ź Driving the evolution of programming to better support students and employers, including development of the WorkWISE initiative
â—Ź Overseeing implementation of new technology platforms to improve access, coordination, and scalability of career-based learning opportunities
Ohlfs joins Inspire Wisconsin following 15 years in education, most recently serving as Principal of Horace Mann Middle School. Her experience spans leadership roles across grades PK–12, including district-wide curriculum initiatives and collaboration with the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.
Inspire Wisconsin currently engages nearly 50,000 students annually.
