Rocketship Wisconsin Board of Trustees

Brian began his career in small business consulting which led to top jobs in accounting, finance, administration and operations for a variety of manufacturers involved in everything from medical technology and aeronautics to disposable wipes and custom decorative lighting. But he was seeking something more fulfilling.

Before he left his last manufacturing company, Brian prepared a detailed career plan that weighed his strengths and weaknesses, listed his priorities in life, and specified what he wanted out of work.

His pursuit, Brian wrote, was a career through which he could support his family, help those around him achieve their potential, and satisfy his own intellectual curiosity.

That led to his final job and a 25 year career in the financial services industry. “I recognized the intellectual challenge of understanding markets and the economy, appreciated the opportunity to interact with and impact client lives, and enjoyed the chance to build my leadership skills.”

Brian was drawn to eduction and Rocketship initially by his daughter’s experience working for Rocketship in Milwaukee and San Jose. His wife was a college English professor and youngest daughter a teacher, so education is a top priority in the family. Understanding that all kids need an equal opportunity to learn is a fundamental value in the Kilb house.

Brian grew up in the Cleveland area and received a bachelor’s degree in business from the University of Notre Dame. Brian and his wife, Lynn, have two daughters. He enjoys coaching, fitness, reading, music and his faith. Among his community activities, Brian has also been involved in a wide variety of other not-for-profit organizations.

Andrew Haag is an executive leader with over 20 years of experience delivering value in the manufacturing and distribution industries. He strives to connect people with the right opportunities to help optimize their success. Before ERA, Andrew was a Managing Partner at Lube-Tech & Partners and EVP at Lubrications Technologies, a Minneapolis - based lubricant distribution, packaging manufacturing, and equipment & vehicle wash installation company.

A few of Andrew's professional achievements include:
-Served in a leadership role at a company that placed as a "Top Place to Work" from
2011-2021.
-Brought EOS "Traction" to two companies, which created focus and alignment, and
outcomes that generated results above plan.
-Led or was an instrumental part in integrating 10+ acquisitions in 8 years.

Andrew holds an EMBA from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and a B.B.A. from Western Michigan University. He serves on the advisory boards of Atlas World Sports and Northside Elevator and has held past board positions at Lubrication Technologies, Froedtert Hospital, Best Buddies of Wisconsin, United Way, and Rotary – Downtown Milwaukee. Andrew is active in YPO (Young Presidents Organization) and has held regional and local chapter roles. Andrew strives to connect people with the right opportunities to help optimize their success. In his spare time, he speaks to groups on Succession Planning in Family Business.

Pat McGovern is a 30-year professional in marketing and advertising. He has worked with clients in travel, higher education, and manufacturing—helping brands grow through thoughtful planning and execution. Currently, he is the head of Marketing and Sales at Ascedia, a digital agency located in Milwaukee.

In addition to his work at Ascedia, McGovern is the host of Over A Pint Marketing. This podcast dives into the many sides of marketing through candid conversations with industry professionals. Now in its fifth year, the show reflects his ongoing curiosity and passion for the field. He is also the VP of Programming for the American Marketing Association Milwaukee chapter. He is married. He and his wife have two daughters and a goofball of a dog!

Loren Morris is Vice President, Field Experience Integration at Northwestern Mutual. In this role, he is responsible for providing key insights and strategic points of view for our future advisor practice investments.

Throughout his career, Loren has held senior financial services roles in the wealth management industry. His career has led him to gain broad-based experience in business development, operations, leading high-performing teams and transforming businesses. Loren thrives on implementing complex business objectives and brings a strategic, collaborative, engaging style to partner with key stakeholders in the field and home office. Prior to joining Northwestern Mutual in October 2020, Loren served as the Chief Operating Officer, Traditional Channel at Cetera Financial Group, which provides financial solutions to nearly 3,000 advisors across the United States. Prior to Cetera Financial Group, Loren served as Director of Strategic Development of MarketCounsel, Head of Advisor Services of Cantor Fitzgerald Wealth Partners, and Director of RIA Services of Dynasty Financial Partners. He launched his career at The Chubb Group of Insurance Companies as a property and casualty underwriter.

Loren earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Yale University and a Master of Business Administration in finance from The Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth. Loren has two children: Zachary, a recent graduate of Yale University and Sydney, a junior at Brown University. Loren enjoys playing tennis, skiing, world travel and international cuisine.

Gisela Terner has been an educator since 1980 having taught at the elementary, middle and high school level. She was the learning disabilities specialist at Nicolet High School for seven years, responsible for educational programming and college planning for students with special needs. She also taught at a residential treatment center in Miami, Florida working with children who had severe emotional and behavioral issues. She was a part of a treatment team that was composed of psychiatrists, psychologists and family therapists. In addition, Gisela was the educational consultant for the Child Development Center at the Medical College of Wisconsin for five years.

For the past 23 years, up until her retirement in 2023, Gisela was in private practice working with students and their families helping them fine the best post-secondary programs whether it be a 4 year college/university, 2 year college or a non-traditional program. Gisela received a Masters in Education from the University of Florida, with a concentration in Special Education. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Speech from Northwestern University with a concentration in Learning Disabilities. She continues to be a member of the National Association of College Admission Counseling (NACAC) and a member emeritus of the Independent Educational Consultant Association (IECA).

Gisela is a native of Havana, Cuba is married and has two daughters, Alison 39 and Marley 32. She has lived in Fox Point, Wisconsin for the past 38 years.

Jennifer Lopez Branshaw is an educational leader and former Chief Executive Officer of Carmen Schools of Science and Technology. Throughout her two-decade career, Jennifer has remained deeply committed to educational equity and excellence for underserved communities.

Jennifer began her career as a high school math teacher in Los Angeles through Teach For America. As CEO of Carmen Schools, she drove significant system improvements and established partnerships with key stakeholders, including district and community organizations.

She secured some of the largest donations in Carmen’s history, including a $3.5 million gift from Mackenzie Scott. She spearheaded the development of medical offices and health clinics on Carmen’s campuses, ensuring access to on-site medical and behavioral health services for the community.

Jennifer has been named one of the BizTimes’ Notable Women in Education, received The Governor’s Service Award in Wisconsin as the AmeriCorps Alumni of the Year, and honored as one of the Most Influential Latinos in Wisconsin.

Jennifer remains deeply engaged in the broader educational and healthcare sectors. She serves on multiple education and nonprofit boards and remains active as an educational consultant.

A graduate of Occidental College, with master’s degrees from Loyola Marymount University and UCLA, Jennifer lives in Milwaukee with her husband, Nic Branshaw, and their two sons.

Christie Carrino is an associate attorney at Godfrey & Kahn. She represents a variety of clients in state and federal court and arbitration on a wide range of civil matters. Her work includes white collar defense, antitrust defense, government and internal investigations, commercial contract disputes, life insurance and annuity sales practices defense, and non-competition and employment disputes.

In her White Collar practice, Christie has assisted with multiple internal and government investigations and litigation across the country, representing clients in the financial services, healthcare and environmental industries, as well as representing clients in large, multidistrict antitrust matters. As a commercial litigator, Christie has had success in winning dismissal of cases at the motion to dismiss or summary judgment stage and has successfully effectuated the removal of complex cases to federal court.

She received her Juris Doctor from Washington University Law School, her Master of Education & Secondary Social Studies Education Licensure from Vanderbilt University and her Bachelor of Arts, Washington University in St. Louis.

More information to come!

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Independent Consultant, Education and Nonprofits

Kristen’s career has been dedicated to building the capacity of organizations to serve students equitably and effectively. Currently, Kristen consults nationally with government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and foundations in the education sector to provide expertise on operations, strategy, and organizational improvement.

Previously, Kristen served as a founding math teacher at a charter school in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. She then led the finance and operations teams through the organization’s growth to a network of schools, earning recognition including an Excellence in Government -- Innovation Award for the use of innovate solutions to solve pressing problems. Subsequently, Kristen led the unified enrollment system at the Louisiana Recovery School District, improving operations while promoting access and transparency for families.

Originally from Hawaii, Kristen earned her bachelor’s degree from Harvard College, and an MBA from the A.B. Freeman School of Business at Tulane University. Kristen currently resides in Mequon, Wisconsin and is the proud parent of two school-age daughters.

Ken has more than 33 years of experience with SC Johnson holding numerous senior supervisory roles in international general management, executive level positions in sales and marketing, as well as a strong background in mergers and acquisitions and corporate development.

In March of 2019 he was appointed Chief Executive Officer for the newly formed Lifestyle Business Unit, an organization of over 500 employees, with annual revenues exceeding $800MM. Overseeing a leading portfolio of mission-based lifestyle brands (Method, Mrs. Meyers, Babyganics and Ecover) with regional headquarters in San Francisco and London and two LEED certified, zero waste manufacturing facilities in Chicago and Malle, Belgium.

Prior to this role, Ken served as Sr. Vice President, leading the North America region for SC Johnson for over 4 years. He successfully led the integration into a new global operating model and subsequent move into the new region headquarters in Chicago. The largest region inside SCJ (over $3B), during his tenure, the business experienced strong sale, profit and market share growth.

Prior to 2015, Ken served as VP Pest Control for two years and was responsible for building the Raid and Off! Business. From 2010-2013, he oversaw Mergers and Acquisitions for North America (VP - Acquired Businesses) and held responsibility for leading and integrating newly acquired businesses which included Caldrea/Mrs. Meyers.

Ken also served three years as General Manager – UK/Ireland from 2007 - 2010. Under his leadership, the team experienced unprecedented growth while successfully restructuring to create a more sustainable EU business model. This culminating in the UK re-establishing its place on Great Places to Work after a three-year hiatus.

Prior to his international role, Ken served as National Sales Manager, responsible for driving growth in the Mass, Discount, Club, Drug and DIY Channels. He also served as National Account Director – leading the Walmart business from 2000-2004, a period highlighted by prolific sales, profit and share growth. During his tenure, the team tripled revenues (to $1B) and was twice recognized as Vendor of the Year.

Ken was appointed and served as a board member for SC Johnson Canada, Sun Bum, Fruits + Passion and Caldrea Company. He also served on the fiduciary committee responsible for overseeing the SC Johnson Pension Benefits Fund.

Ken has a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Pittsburgh and participated in Executive Excellence Programme, INSEAD University, France. Ken has been married for 25 years to Beth and they have three daughters, Emma, Elisa and Eva.

Deborah has been committed to transforming the lives of underserved urban school students for more than four decades. In 1993, Deborah became the first public school superintendent to join EdisonLearning (formerly Edison Schools). Prior to joining EdisonLearning, Deborah served as the first female General Superintendent of Detroit Public Schools. She was a teacher and administrator in the New York City Public Schools for more than a decade. Deborah is former President of the Education Industry Association. She serves on the executive committee of the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools, Policy Innovators in Education Network, and was a founder and national board member of the Black Alliance for Educational Options. She also serves on the advisory board of the Games and Learning Publishing Council, Hechinger Report, Program on Education Policy and Governance at Harvard’s John F. Kennedy School of Government and is a member of the Review Board for the Broad Prize in Urban Education. Deborah holds a bachelor’s degree in education from Norfolk State University, a master’s degree in education with a specialization in reading pedagogy from Queens College of the City University of New York, and a doctorate in Administration, Policy and Urban Education from Fordham University.