Chairs of Committees and Councils of the Wisconsin Builders Association®

WBA offers a number of committees and councils that offer a myriad of opportunities for members to get involved and have a voice in the business of the association. If you would like more information about a specific committee or council, contact information is listed after each committee or council below:

Associate Advisory Council

The Associate Advisory Council has oversight responsibility for the development of services that meet the specific needs of the association’s associate members.  As the recognized voice of this membership group, the Council serves as the primary advocate for using associate members when contracting for materials or services.  It also provides guidance and direction for the development of activities, materials, policies, and programs that result in increasing associate representation and involvement within the association and the building industry. Membership is by Local HBA appointment. The Council operates under separate by-laws and leadership is elected internally.

Chair*
Monica Sommerfeldt Lewis mlewis7641@charter.net
Vice Chair Bill Popp bpopp@moldingmillwork.com
Senior Officer Oversight Greg Schaffer greg.schaffer@americantv.com
WBA Staff Kathy Johnsen

kjohnsen@wisbuild.org

Building a Better Wisconsin

Building a Better Wisconsin is the Wisconsin Builders Association’s® political action committee (PAC). It is comprised of WBA members from across the state who combine their resources to support pro-housing, pro-business candidates running for state or local office in Wisconsin. WBA members from throughout the state, called Trustees, govern the BBW Committee. Each local association is allowed at least one Trustee on the BBW Committee. This group determines which candidates receive PAC contributions. PAC contribution decisions are made first with the input of local associations and secondly by reviewing the candidates' positions and voting records on housing and WBA priority issues. The decisions are bi-partisan.

Chair*
Ron Derrick
ron@derrickbuilt.com
Vice Chair Jack Sjostrom
sjostrom@centurytel.net
Senior Officer Oversight Doug Scott
DougScott@AmwoodHomes.com
WBA Staff Kate Easton

keaston@wisbuild.org

Building Industry Council

The Building Industry Council is a 501 c(4) not for profit educational organization which promotes, develops, defines and encourages distribution of information on the economic climate and job creation in the building industry. It fosters, encourages, and coordinates development of public policy and engages in activities that facilitate public education about the building industry

President
Mark Etrheim
mark@mchlax.com 
WBA Staff Kate Easton

keaston@wisbuild.org

Building & Grounds Committee

This committee provides oversight for the maintenance and upkeep of the WBA headquarters located in Madison

Building Code Committee

This committee monitors and responds to proposed changes to Wisconsin’s Uniform Dwelling Code, the International Residential Code, and other nationally and internationally recognized building, energy, fire prevention and other codes. Requests legal responses as needed to oppose new rules or laws that would contradict WBA’s mission to create and preserve “safe, affordable, quality housing opportunities for the people of Wisconsin.”

Chair
Bob Sarow

bobsarow@hotmail.com

Vice Chair Chad Wuebben
cwuebben@encoreconst.com
Senior Officer Oversight Jason Steen
jason@steenconstruction.com
WBA Staff Cindi Gruebling

cgruebling@wisbuild.org

Convention Committee

The WBA Annual Convention is 3-day inexpensive event that brings together members from across the state to network, socialize, increase industry knowledge, and invest in their business. The weekend is spent learning about different topics regarding the building industry and meeting members from across the state. This committee plans the theme, site and entertainment and organizes events for the weekend. The highlight of the weekend is the President’s Installation Banquet on Saturday evening.

Chair
Gerry Lycholat
 gerry@kb2remodelers.com
Vice Chair Jason Henderson
jhenderson1@ft.newyorklife.com
Senior Officer Oversight Doug Scott
DougScott@AmwoodHomes.com
WBA Staff Jane Witt  jwitt@wisbuild.org

Education Committee

This committee promotes the building industry as a sound career choice. It encourages learning about the building industry at all ages and promotes continuing education for professionals already in the industry. This committee oversees education initiatives including Uniform Dwelling Code (UDC) Training, contractor qualifier education, Lunch & Learns, NAHB certification classes, and other educational outreach events for members and for non-members. Projects include Master Builder Certification program launched July 1, 2008.

Chair
Jim Bechly
 jim.bechly@bankmutual.com
Vice Chair Michelle Beyreis
michelle.beyreis@bankmutual.com
Senior Officer Oversight Don Esposito
desposito@veridianhomes.com
WBA Staff Cindi Gruebling

cgruebling@wisbuild.org

Executive Officers Council

This council is comprised of all the Executive Officers of the state and local associations. It focuses on association management and addresses timely issues affecting locals across the state.

WBA staff: 

Chair*
Christine Shaefer christine@vhba.com
Vice Chair  
Senior Officer Oversight Jason Steen
jason@steenconstruction.com
WBA Staff Annie Rubens

arubens@wisbuild.org

Finance & Investment Committees

These committees work with WBA committees and senior leadership to determine the best uses of WBA funds. The Finance Committee creates the WBA’s annual budget and presents it to the Executive Committee and Board of Directors for approval. The Investment Committee oversees the investment activities of WBA.

Chair*
Dan Schneider
 ssconst@verizon.net
James (Kuba) Kubasta teamkuba@sbcglobal.net
WBA Staff Kathy Johnsen

kjohnsen@wisbuild.org

Craig Rakowski craig@jamescraigbuilders.com
  John Anderson johna@horiconbank.com Jason Steen jason@steenconstruction.com
  Steve Anderson steve@sportproducts.org Sandra Thompson Samntom@charter.net
  Neil Haselwander nhasel@haselwander.com Steve Treu steve.treu@mascocs.com

Golf Committee

The Golf Committee plans the annual WBA Golf Outing. The golf format is either a scramble or a combined team stroke play. This event is an opportunity to mix with members from across the state during an enjoyable day on the links at one of Wisconsin’s many scenic golf courses.

Chair

 
Vice Chair  

Senior Officer Oversight
 
WBA Staff


Government Affairs

Government Affairs is the key advocacy arm of WBA. This committee monitors legislative and legal issues that affect the building industry at the state capitol. Politically active committee members work to give members a unified, strong voice directly to state lawmakers.  The lobbying agenda is member driven, and the constant presence of staff in the Capitol ensures the impact of legislation on building industry issues is well known. In addition, Government Affairs works to assist members who are active in state and local politics. It also facilitates the vetting process to insure the endorsement of pro-housing candidates.

Chair
Terry Larson
terry@teronomy.com
Vice Chair Greg Haselwander
ghasel@haselwander.com
Senior Officer Oversight Kuba
teamkuba@sbcglobal.net
WBA Staff Brad Boycks

bboycks@wisbuild.org

Local Officers Council

This council serves as a networking opportunity and incubator for Presidents and Vice Presidents of local Home Builders Associations. It provides experience in leadership, parliamentary rules, prioritizing and other skills needed by local leaders. Projects include review and revision of construction contracts.     

Chair
Dennis Pawlak
pawlakconstruction@msn.com
Vice Chair Mike Vilstrup
mvilstrup@tds.net
Senior Officer Oversight Jason Steen
jason@steenconstruction.com
WBA Staff Mark Nelson

mnelson@wisbuild.org

Membership Committee      

This committee develops strategies to help local associations gain and retain members. It coordinates the materials, training, and inspiration for the annual Membership Drive.

Chair
Tom Kruse
tkruse@ifcec.com
Vice Chair Pam Jewell
pamela.jewell@blenkerco.com
Senior Officer Oversight Doug Scott
DougScott@AmwoodHomes.com
WBA Staff Jane Witt

jwitt@wisbuild.org

Public Relations Committee

This committee promotes the association both internally (to members) and externally (to the public) and assists local associations with their public relations efforts. It provides input to the WBA Web site, and the WBA logo wear program. 

Chair
Brandon Bartow
brandon@bartowbuilders.com
Vice Chair Brenda Kubasta
bkubasta@oshkoshdesigns.com
Senior Officer Oversight Don Esposito
desposito@veridianhomes.com
WBA Staff Annie Rubens

arubens@wisbuild.org

WBA Development Council

This Council is dedicated to promoting responsible, quality and cost-effective land development practices in Wisconsin.

WBA staff: Patrick Stevens

Chair
John DeWitt
jdewitt@jdewitt.com 
1st Vice President
Terry Larson
terry@teronomy.com
2nd Vice President Pat Kaster rivercityrealtors@rivercityrealtors.com
WBA Staff Pat Stevens

pstevens@wisbuild.org

WBA Foundation

The Foundation is the charitable arm of the WBA. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, the Foundation provides funds for charitable relief, scholarships, training, tools, educational seminars and research. 

President*
Bryce Styza
jclark@harmonyrealty.com
Foundation Manager Megan Taylor mtaylor@wisbuild.org

WBA Insurance Services

WBA Insurance Services is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Wisconsin Builders Association® created to provide quality insurance programs to the members of the WBA. Members of the Wisconsin Builders Association® are able to access a variety of quality insurance programs exclusive to members of the WBA. WBA Insurance Services in conjunction with WPS Health Insurance, Arise Health Care, New York Life, and Continental Western Group provide plans to members, member’s families, and their employees.  WBA Insurance Services was created by members more than 15 years ago and is overseen by a Board of Directors, also made up of members.

Chair*
Bill Binn
wyntree@wyntreeconstruction.com
Chief Operating Officer
Karl Johnson

kjohnson@wisbuild.org

WBA Remodelers Council

The Wisconsin Builders Association Remodelers™ Council is dedicated to providing quality education, information, business and social networking opportunities to members of the remodeling industry. As the recognized authority of the professional remodeling industry, the council promotes the opportunity for safe and decent housing for all Wisconsin property owners through preservation and improvement of the existing housing stock.

Chair*
Jim Klappa
jklappa@jdjbuilders.com
Vice Chair Abe Degnan
abe@degnandesignbuilders.com
WBA Staff Megan Taylor

mtaylor@wisbuild.org

 

 * Elected, not appointed