MadREP Update

Madison Region Economic Partnership Welcomes Three New Board Members

Jorden Ludeking · Jul 31, 2025 ·

Madison, WI — July 31st, 2025 — The Madison Region Economic Partnership (MadREP) is pleased to announce the appointment of three new members to its Board of Directors: Mark Borowicz, Steven L. Leverentz, and Attorney Erin Deeley. Each brings a wealth of experience and leadership in key sectors that align with MadREP’s mission to drive economic growth and regional prosperity.

Mark Borowicz currently serves as the Director of Workforce and Community Development at Blackhawk Technical College in Janesville. For the past six years, he has been instrumental in aligning educational resources with the needs of local employers to support training and talent development. He also serves as the Coordinator for the Janesville Innovation Center (JIC), where he works with entrepreneurs and manages board and tenant relations. With over 30 years of experience connecting employers, workforce agencies, and community organizations to higher education, Borowicz is a passionate advocate for workforce development. He holds a B.S. in Communications from the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse and an M.S. in Career and Technical Education from the University of Wisconsin–Stout.

Steven L. Leverentz is the Property & Community Relations Manager at Promega Corporation, where he has served for over 25 years in diverse roles including finance, project management, and community engagement. A licensed real estate broker and dedicated civic leader, Leverentz has served as Past President of the Fitchburg Chamber of Commerce, Treasurer of Woods Hollow Children’s Center, and accountant for the BioPharmaceutical Technology Center Institute. He also helps lead major community events such as the Fitchburg Center Farmers Market and the Agora Art Fair. Leverentz is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin–Madison and resides in Evansville, WI with his three children.

Attorney Erin Deeley is a partner at Stafford Rosenbaum LLP in Madison, where she practices litigation in state and federal courts. She represents businesses, nonprofits, government entities, and individuals in areas including environmental and land use, business, administrative, and political law. Prior to joining the firm, Deeley served as Deputy Chief Legal Counsel to Governor Tony Evers, advising on complex constitutional and administrative legal issues. She began her legal career as a public defender in Illinois and Wisconsin, gaining extensive courtroom and appellate experience. Her broad legal expertise and commitment to public service bring valuable insight to the MadREP board.

“These individuals are leaders in workforce development, law, business, and community building,” said Everett Butzine, MadREP Interim CEO and President. “Their diverse experiences and strong regional ties will help further MadREP’s strategic goals and drive inclusive economic growth across the Madison Region.”

MadREP’s Board of Directors plays a vital role in guiding the organization’s efforts to promote a robust economy in the eight-county Madison Region, which includes Columbia, Dane, Dodge, Green, Iowa, Jefferson, Rock, and Sauk Counties.

About MadREP
The Madison Region Economic Partnership (MadREP) is the economic development agency for the eight-county Madison Region. Through collaboration with public and private partners, MadREP promotes regional economic growth and equity by supporting innovation, business expansion, workforce development, and quality of life enhancements throughout South Central Wisconsin.

MadREP Press Contact:
Everett Butzine
Interim President & CEO
608.571.0404
ebutzine@madisonregion.org

MadREP Appoints Dr. Mark Thomas as New Board Treasurer

Jorden Ludeking · Mar 24, 2025 ·

Madison, WI– The Madison Region Economic Partnership (MadREP) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Mark Thomas as the organization’s new Board Treasurer. Dr. Thomas brings a wealth of experience in strategic planning, finance, and workforce development to the role, further strengthening MadREP’s commitment to fostering economic growth in south-central Wisconsin.

Dr. Thomas currently serves as the Executive Vice President for Policy and Strategy at Madison College, where he is also the institution’s Chief Strategy Officer. In this capacity, he oversees the college’s economic development policy and strategy, serves as the liaison for workforce strategy, manages government relations, and directs its global strategy initiatives. Over the past decade, he has played a pivotal role in shaping Madison College’s policy, strategy, finances, administration, and operations, having previously held the positions of Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer.

Prior to his tenure at Madison College, Dr. Thomas accumulated over 20 years of executive leadership experience as a Chief Financial Officer, Chief Administrative Officer, Chief of Staff, Budget Director, and Property Manager across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. As a first-generation college graduate, he holds a Bachelor of Business Administration, a Master of Public Policy, and a Doctorate in Higher Education Administration. His diverse background, combined with his passion for social justice, positions him as a strong advocate for inclusive regional economic development.

Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Thomas is deeply engaged in his personal interests, including family, music, soccer, and mountain biking. His extensive international travel experience for business and cultural exchanges has further shaped his perspective on workforce development and global economics.

In his new role as Treasurer of the MadREP Board, Dr. Thomas will support the Board Chair in leading the Executive Committee. He expressed his enthusiasm for this opportunity, stating, “I’m excited about working through the next several months to determine the best way forward to serve the economic development needs of south-central Wisconsin.”

MadREP looks forward to the leadership and financial stewardship that Dr. Thomas will bring to the organization as it continues its mission to drive regional economic prosperity.

About MadREP:

MadREP is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering sustainable economic development across the Madison region. It serves as a resource for business attraction, expansion, and retention while focusing on long-term strategies to promote regional growth and prosperity.

For more information, please visit madisonregion.org or contact:

Everett Butzine
Interim President and CEO of MadREP
communications@madisonregion.org

ARCO/Murray Joins MadREP as a New Sponsor

Jorden Ludeking · Mar 5, 2025 ·

Madison, WI –– The Madison Region Economic Partnership (MadREP) is proud to announce that ARCO/Murray, a Top ENR Rated Contractor, has joined as a new sponsor. This investment underscores ARCO/Murray’s dedication to fostering economic growth and supporting innovative development programs across the region.

ARCO’s sponsorship will directly contribute to MadREP’s mission of advancing economic development initiatives that empower businesses, strengthen communities, and drive regional prosperity. Through this partnership, MadREP and ARCO aim to create impactful opportunities that benefit residents and businesses alike.

“Our team has deep family roots in Wisconsin, further fueling ARCO’s motivation and support for groups,like MadREP, that actively keep Madison and its eight surrounding counties a thriving place to live and work,” stated Kelly Beck, Director of Business Development for ARCO/Murray’s Wisconsin office. She continued “As the area continues to see new developments and the revitalization of existing buildings, we’re excited about the value that our design-build construction approach can bring and feel fortunate to have advocates like Everett Butzine, Interim President of MadREP, helping foster those relationships.”

ARCO/Murray’s involvement comes at a pivotal time as the Madison region continues to focus on strategic initiatives designed to enhance the area’s economic vitality.

For more information about ARCO/Murray, please contact Kelly Beck, Director of Business Development. She can be reached at kbeck@arcomurray.com or 630-936-9036.

About ARCO/Murray

ARCO/Murray is a single source national design and construction firm that specializes in commercial construction for Fortune 500 companies and individual businesses. From planning to execution, ARCO/Murray’s integrated team uses the most advanced design-build methodology to deliver the best client experience. ARCO/Murray partners with engineers and designers who leverage the most advanced tools for a complete project solution – from initial planning, due diligence and design through construction and warranty. Our breadth of experience ranges from large-scale warehouse developments and build-to-suit cold storage and manufacturing facilities to extensive adaptive reuse, office, and entertainment projects. Visit: www.arcomurray.com.

About Madison Region Economic Partnership (MadREP)
MadREP is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering sustainable economic development across the Madison region. It serves as a resource for business attraction, expansion, and retention while focusing on long-term strategies to promote regional growth and prosperity.

For more information on MadREP, please contact:

Everett Butzine
Interim President and CEO
communications@madisonregion.org

Spherion Joins MadREP as a New Sponsor

Jorden Ludeking · Feb 21, 2025 ·

Madison, WI — February 21, 2025— The Madison Region Economic Partnership (MadREP) is proud to announce that Spherion South Central WI & Northern IL, a leading workforce solutions provider, has joined as a new sponsor. This investment underscores Spherion’s dedication to fostering economic growth and supporting innovative development programs across the region.

“We understand the vital role a strong, skilled workforce plays in the success of this region”, said Austin Kassner, Spherion President & Franchise Owner. “By investing in MadREP, we are helping to grow critical sectors in South Central Wisconsin – such as biohealth, technology, and advanced manufacturing – that are essential to the region’s continued growth.”

Spherion’s sponsorship will directly contribute to MadREP’s mission of advancing economic development initiatives that empower businesses, strengthen communities, and drive regional prosperity. Through this partnership, MadREP and Spherion aim to create impactful opportunities that benefit residents and businesses alike.

“We are delighted to welcome Spherion as a valued partner,” said Everett Butzine, Interim President & CEO of MadREP, “Their support demonstrates a shared commitment to building a resilient and thriving regional economy.”

Spherion’s involvement comes at a pivotal time as the Madison region continues to focus on strategic initiatives designed to enhance the area’s economic vitality.

For more information about MadREP or Spherion, please contact:
Everett Butzine – MadREP
Interim President & CEO
608.571.0404
communications@madisonregion.org

Austin Kassner – Spherion
President & Franchise Owner
608.572.0252
austinkassner@spherion.com

About Spherion

Driving careers. Growing businesses. Bettering the community. These tenets have been at the core of Spherion South Central WI & Northern IL since our doors opened over 30 years ago. With a deep understanding of local markets, we take great care in matching the right candidate with the right role across a wide array of industries.

The tenured Spherion team takes the time to develop relationships with everyone we work with to deliver differentiated results. Through continued investment in local partnerships and programs, Spherion remains dedicated to positively impacting both businesses and the workforce.

About Madison Region Economic Partnership

The Madison Region Economic Partnership (MadREP) is dedicated to advancing economic development and enhancing the quality of life in an eight-county region of south-central Wisconsin. As a collaborative organization, MadREP focuses on fostering innovation, supporting businesses, and creating opportunities for sustainable growth.

Through strategic initiatives in areas such as workforce development, business expansion, and community engagement, MadREP helps build a robust regional economy that benefits residents and businesses alike. With a commitment to inclusivity and long-term success, MadREP continues to drive economic progress and position the Madison region as a hub of opportunity and prosperity.

Madison Regional Economic Partnership Welcomes Jason Vangalis as New Board President

Jorden Ludeking · Feb 19, 2025 ·

Madison, WI – Madison Regional Economic Partnership (MadREP) is pleased to announce the appointment of Jason Vangalis as its new Board President. With over a decade of experience in community and economic development, Jason brings a wealth of expertise to MadREP, having worked on large-scale business attraction projects from diverse industries and countries.

Jason Vangalis, New MadREP Board President

“We are thrilled to welcome Jason as Board President,” said Everett Butzine, Interim President and CEO of MadREP. “His expertise in economic development and our shared vision for the Madison Region will be invaluable as we continue to foster growth and innovation.”

Jason’s most recent role involves leading Amazon’s central US expansion and economic development policy efforts. His extensive career includes advising international businesses and governments on attraction and expansion projects, as well as working on in-house economic development teams for two multinational corporations. His achievements in the field of economic development have contributed to the creation of over 20,000 jobs and more than $10 billion in capital investment in communities in Wisconsin and around the county.

“The region is an economic engine aimed at growth. I am excited to help create intention and direction in the growth of the Madison region,” said Vangalis. “And this is an exciting opportunity to build on the success MadREP has seen in the last few years. This organization has a solid foundation and partnership with Everett’s depth of economic development knowledge will help immensely in building on that. We’ve got plenty of work to do, let’s get to it!”

Jason’s leadership goals for MadREP include:

Building upon the organization’s strategic planning foundation, with a focus on traditional economic development.
Strengthening the region’s economic ecosystem by fostering connections between stakeholders throughout Madison and beyond.
Driving industry diversification across the Madison region with targeted business attraction efforts.

The Madison Regional Economic Partnership extends sincere thanks and appreciation to Peter Tang, former Board President and Vice President at Strang, Inc. Peter’s leadership over the past term was instrumental in MadREP’s growth and continued success. Under his guidance, MadREP strengthened its regional partnerships and played a vital role in attracting new businesses and fostering economic development in the area.

“We are incredibly grateful for Peter Tang’s dedication to MadREP’s mission,” said Everett Butzine, Interim President and CEO of MadREP. “Peter’s leadership has had a lasting impact on the organization, and we wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”

As MadREP moves forward under Jason Vangalis’ board leadership, the organization remains committed to driving sustainable economic development and fostering long-term growth in the Madison region. For more information, please visit madisonregion.org, or contact:

Everett Butzine
Interim President and CEO
communications@madisonregion.org

About MadREP:
MadREP is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering sustainable economic development across the Madison region. It serves as a resource for business attraction, expansion, and retention while focusing on long-term strategies to promote regional growth and prosperity.

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