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Wisconsin Leads: Executive Fellowship

WMC FOUNDATION INC

Foundation Annual
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Funding Amount

Varies

Deadline

September 30, 2026

167 days left

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Wisconsin Leads: Executive Fellowship

Organization: WMC Foundation (affiliate of Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce)

Program Type: Leadership development fellowship for emerging executives

Geographic Scope: Wisconsin

Target Audience: Rising/emerging business leaders and executives from Wisconsin's private sector

Program Description:
An exclusive educational program designed to develop emerging business leaders across Wisconsin. The program features:

  • Series of interactive sessions and retreats on state economy, complex business challenges, and foundational public policies

  • Peer-to-peer learning opportunities with seasoned business leaders

  • Exposure to shaping public policy and economic landscape issues

  • Working groups across three multi-day retreats held in different Wisconsin locations

  • Guest speakers including state elected officials, military officers, and prominent Wisconsin business leaders

    • Program Structure:
    Three-day retreat program held in January, February/March, and April at various Wisconsin locations:

  • Retreat 1: Madison (The Edgewater Hotel)

  • Retreat 2: La Crosse or Delafield (alternates by year)

  • Retreat 3: Green Bay (Lodge Kohler)

  • Alumni Retreat: May/June

    • Presenting Sponsor: CliftonLarsenAllen (CLA)

    Industries Represented in Past Cohorts:
    Jack Links, John Deere, Inland Packaging, Eaton, BakerTilly, Imaginasium, Gorden Flesch, Godfrey Kahn, First Business Bank, CD Smith, Grande Cheese, Park Bank, Aon, WPS Health Solutions, LaForce, Alliant Energy, Society Insurance, Plexus, Brakebush, Delta Dental, Kwik Trip, First Supply, and more

    Contact Information:

  • Wade Goodsell, Executive Director: wgoodsell@wmc.org

  • Website: https://www.wmcfoundation.org/wisconsin-leads/

  • Phone: 608.258.3400

  • Address: 2 Buttonwood Court, Madison, WI 53718

    • How to Apply

    Application Process

    How to Apply:
    1. Visit https://www.wmcfoundation.org/wisconsin-leads/
    2. Complete the application form
    3. Provide information about your business leadership background and aspirations

    Application Timeline:

  • Applications open: August/September

  • Program begins: January

    • Eligibility:

  • Emerging/rising business leaders from Wisconsin

  • Private sector professionals

  • Minimum level of business responsibility/leadership experience (specific requirements not detailed in provided materials)

    • Selection Process:

  • Competitive selection based on applications

  • Approximately 30-35 participants selected per cohort

    • Program Commitment:
    Full participation in all three multi-day retreats required (January, February/March, April)

    Contact for Application Questions:

  • Wade Goodsell: wgoodsell@wmc.org

  • Phone: 608.258.3400

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