SecureFutures Advisory Council Drives Teen Financial Capability Forward

Business Journals

29-05-2025

In today's complex financial world, teenagers face more choices—and more challenges—than ever before. SecureFutures, a Wisconsin-based nonprofit, is meeting that challenge head-on, equipping teens with critical financial education through innovative, real-world programming. Behind that mission is a group that quietly helps make it all possible: the SecureFutures Advisory Council. With deep expertise and strong community connections, this group of leaders plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of teen financial capability across the state. Comprised of top leaders from finance, education, government, and community sectors, the Council serves as both an advisory network and a bridge. Their guidance strengthens SecureFutures' impact, expands its reach, and ensures that every program reflects the evolving needs of students and the communities they represent. Members of the Advisory Council provide high-level counsel to SecureFutures leadership, helping to build strategic relationships and foster partnerships that fuel growth. They also serve as passionate advocates for the organization, elevating the importance of teen financial education across Wisconsin. Just as importantly, they help SecureFutures secure the resources necessary to ensure its continued success. Current Advisory Council members include: • Jeb Bentley, Executive Vice President and CIO, Northwestern Mutual • Nicole Best, Senior Vice President, CFO, and CAO, Heartland Advisors • Wayne Breitbarth, Speaker, author, and consultant, Power Formula for LinkedIn Success • Bill Bruss, President and CEO, WaterStone Bank • Robert Bukowski, Principal, Senior Consultant, Alpha Investment Consulting Group • Jeremy Cain, President, Wisconsin Driver Education Group • Lori Craig, Director Dream Exchange – Finance Program, UW-Milwaukee • Fred Croen, Retired Attorney, Croen Law Firm, LLC • Curt Culver, Retired CEO, MGIC • David Frieder, General Manager, Commercial Card and Virtual Payments, US Bank • Murray Friedman, Retired Director of CRM, Advocate Health • Dr. Eve Hall, President and CEO, Milwaukee Urban League • Nina V.A. Johnson, SVP/WI Branch Banking Market Leader, US Bank • Marcy Kempf, Partner, Cohen & Company • Lloyd Levin, Branch Manager, American Fidelity Mortgage Services, Inc. • Jody Lowe, President and Founder, Lowe Group • Tamara Maddente, President, First Weber • David Mancl, Director, Office of Financial Literacy, Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions • Timothy Mattke, CEO, MGIC • John McDonald, Shareholder and Attorney, Godfrey & Kahn • Pat McDonough, SVP/CFO, Milwaukee Bucks • Ann Miletti, Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer, Allspring Global Investments • Elmer Moore, CEO and Executive Director, WHEDA • William Nasgovitz, Chairman and CIO, Heartland Advisors • Rebecca Neumann, Professor, UW-Milwaukee • William Priebe, Portfolio Manager, Geneva Capital Management • Mark Sain, Community Member • Joe Schlidt, Managing Director of Client Special Services, Godfrey & Kahn, s.c. • Howard Schnoll, Community Member • Nathan Stading, Financial Advisor, BMO Investment Services • Mary Ellen Stanek, Founder and Managing Director, Baird Advisors • Pete Syslack, Head of RFP and Sub Advisory Services, Allspring Global Investments • Dan Tranchita, Marquette University • Sara Walker, Vice President of Investments, Catholic Financial Life • Bill Wigchers, CEO, Zilber This distinguished group represents a cross-section of Wisconsin's leadership—individuals united by a shared belief that every teen deserves the opportunity to build a strong financial foundation. Thanks to the engagement of its Advisory Council and the broader support of the business community, educators, and generous donors, SecureFutures served more than 14,000 teens in the last academic year through its programming.