Chairs of Committees and Councils of the Wisconsin Builders Association®
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 |
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
| 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 |
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 |
This committee provides oversight for the maintenance and upkeep of the WBA headquarters located in
Building Code Committee
This committee monitors and responds to proposed changes to
| Chair |
Bob Sarow |
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| Vice Chair | Chad Wuebben |
cwuebben@encoreconst.com |
| Senior Officer Oversight | Jason Steen |
jason@steenconstruction.com |
| WBA Staff | Cindi Gruebling |
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 |
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 | |
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| Senior Officer Oversight | Jason Steen |
jason@steenconstruction.com |
| WBA Staff | Annie Rubens |
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
| Chair* |
Dan Schneider |
ssconst@verizon.net |
James (Kuba) Kubasta | teamkuba@sbcglobal.net |
| WBA Staff | Kathy Johnsen | 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
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| Vice Chair | |
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| 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 |
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 |
This committee develops strategies to help local associations gain and retain members. It coordinates the materials, training, and inspiration for the annual
| 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 |
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 |
WBA Development Council
This Council is dedicated to promoting responsible, quality and cost-effective land development practices in
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 |
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 |
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
| Chair* |
Jim Klappa |
jklappa@jdjbuilders.com |
| Vice Chair | Abe Degnan |
abe@degnandesignbuilders.com |
| WBA Staff | Megan Taylor |


