{"id":1564,"date":"2026-05-14T21:22:02","date_gmt":"2026-05-14T21:22:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/test-uwsp-multi.pantheonsite.io\/continuing-education-and-outreach\/?page_id=1564"},"modified":"2026-05-15T17:44:30","modified_gmt":"2026-05-15T17:44:30","slug":"wisconsin-lenders-conference-presenters","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.uwsp.edu\/continuing-education-and-outreach\/homepage\/small-business-development-center\/sbdc-conferences-and-training\/wisconsin-lenders-conference\/wisconsin-lenders-conference-presenters\/","title":{"rendered":"Wisconsin Lenders Conference – Presenters"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Keynote Presenter<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\u200bDarcy Luoma – \u200bFounder & CEO, Darcy Luoma Coaching & Consulting<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Darcy Luoma Coaching & Consulting<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Darcy Luoma, author of Thoughtfully Fit\u00ae and Certified Speaking Professional, is a Master Certified Coach and inspiring speaker. She has worked as director for a U.S. Senator, trusted senior advisor to a governor, and on the national advance team for the White House and two presidential campaigns. As the CEO of Darcy Luoma Coaching & Consulting, she\u2019s worked in forty-eight industries with more than five hundred organizations to create high-performing people and teams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Opening Speakers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Frank Demarest – District Director, U.S. Small Business Administration Wisconsin District Office<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Frank Demarest is the District Director for the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Wisconsin District Office. As the District Director, he is responsible for the day-to-day management of SBA programs throughout the state. He also is the Veteran Representative for the District and works with veterans regarding veterans\u2019 programs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Demarest joined the SBA in 2012. He has an international background, program\/project management and business development experience. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Prior to coming to the SBA, he worked for the U.S. Army as an Army civilian, Motorola and other firms in a variety of business-related positions. He is also a U.S. Marine veteran.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Demarest graduated from DePaul University in Chicago, with a Degree in International Studies and later obtained a Master\u2019s in Business Administration, also from DePaul.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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Risk Management Association (RMA)<\/strong>
Platinum Sponsor and Conference Partner\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Risk Management Association (RMA) is a not-for-profit, member-driven professional association serving the financial services industry. Its sole purpose is to advance the use of sound risk management principles in the financial services industry. RMA promotes an enterprise approach to risk management that focuses on credit risk, market risk, operational risk, securities lending, and regulatory issues.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today, RMA has approximately 1,900 institutional members. Relationship managers, credit officers, risk managers, and other financial services professionals in these organizations with responsibilities related to the risk management function represent these institutions within RMA. Known as RMA Associates, these 18,500 individuals are located throughout North America and financial centers in Europe, Australia and Asia.\u200b<\/p>\n<\/div>

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Gold Keynote Sponsor Commentary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Jellum Law<\/strong><\/strong>
Gold Keynote Sponsor<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Jellum Law is a \u200b\u200bbanking and business law firm with a strong concentration in banking law<\/a>, commercial lending<\/a>, and litigation<\/a>. \u200b<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our firm is a leader in representing lenders in government guaranteed lending<\/a>, providing a full range of servic\u200b\u200bes in processing, closing, servicing and liquidating, and regulatory compliance for all types of United States Small Business Administration (SBA) and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) loans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our attorneys and staff work diligently to provide pragmatic and creative solutions that address clients\u2019 legal needs in a cost-efficient manner without compromising quality or sophistication for all types of small and large businesses. We offer a comprehensive suite of legal services for financial institutions and corporate clients. We make your needs a priority, approaching every matter with urgency and an eye for detail.\u200b\u200b\u200b<\/p>\n<\/div>

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Midwest Business Finance corporation<\/strong><\/strong>
Gold Keynote Sponsor<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

MBFC is a private not-for-profit 501 (c)(3) organization licensed by the U.S. Small Business Administration<\/a> as a certified development company (CDC).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our CDC was created in 1983 as Opportunities Minnesota Inc. (OMNI), which was then a division of the Minnesota Department of Trade and Economic Development<\/a>. Through the enactment of state legislation in 1993, the organization became a quasi-public agency. In 1996, it was privatized and renamed the Minnesota Business Finance Corporation (MBFC). In 2022 Prairieland EDC in Slayton, MN merged with MBFC, making Slayton the fifth MBFC office in the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With offices<\/a> in St. Cloud, Excelsior, Detroit Lakes, Slayton, Superior, WI and West Fargo, ND, we serve the entire states of Minnesota, North Dakota, Wisconsin, along with southeast South Dakota, and 3 counties in northwest Iowa. We will travel to YOU for all of your lending needs, no matter where you are in our service area<\/a>.\u200b\u200b\u200b<\/p>\n<\/div>

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Silver Sponsor Commentary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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ibusiness funding<\/strong><\/strong>
silver Sponsor<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

iBusiness Funding is a leading financial technology and lending solutions<\/a> provider dedicated to helping small and medium-sized businesses access the capital<\/a> they need to grow. Through innovative technology and a network of lending partners, the company streamlines the business lending process\u2014making it faster, more efficient, and more accessible for entrepreneurs across the United States.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Specializing in SBA lending, iBusiness Funding supports banks, credit unions, and financial institutions with advanced tools and analytics that simplify loan processing and improve decision-making. Their mission\u200b<\/a> is to expand access to reliable financing while empowering businesses and communities to thrive.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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Session Speakers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Kevin Bahr<\/strong>
Chief Analyst, Center for Business and Economics Insight, Sentry School of Business and Economics, UWSP\u200b<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Professor Emeritus, Sentry School of Business and Economics, University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point
Investment Banker (Vice President – Corporate Finance) at Robert W. Baird for 10 years<\/p>\n<\/div>

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Jim Bannantine <\/strong>
P.G., Kapur & Associates\u200b<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Kapur Inc.<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

B.S. Geology University of Wisconsin Oshkosh M.S. Geology Northern Illinois University 35 years of environmental consulting experience Completed hundreds (maybe thousands!) of Phase I ESAs of sites all over the country. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u200bRyan Black<\/strong>
Vice President:\u00a0SBA Lending<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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First Business Bank<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Ryan Black brings 20 years of banking experience to the SBA Lending team at First Business Bank. He specializes in helping businesses of $25 million in revenue or less with acquisition financing, partner buyouts and recapitalization loans. He has experience in many industries, including professional services, medical practices, franchise lending, the trades and owner occupied real estate purchases with little to no down payment.\u200b\u200b\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Janet M.\u00a0Dery\u200b<\/strong>
Esquire<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Starfield & Smith, P.C.<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Janet M. Dery is a Shareholder of Starfield & Smith, P.C. based in its Plymouth Meeting, PA office. Assisting bank and non-bank lenders in hundreds of commercial lending transactions nationwide, she has extensive experience as closing counsel for various financial transactions, with an emphasis on those including SBA lending programs. Janet is also a NADCO certified closing attorney for certified development companies located in or with projects in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Maryland.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Mckayla Garski<\/strong>
Tax Manager<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Wipfli<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Mckayla Garski is a Tax Manager at Wipfli, based in Wausau, Wisconsin, and has been with the firm for over four years. Her experience includes federal and state tax compliance for financial institutions, its shareholders, and individual taxpayers. She works on tax returns for clients ranging from community banks to multi state, SEC registered banks.\u200b\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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John Gossett\u200b<\/strong>
Assistant Center Director Fresno Commercial Loan Service Center Post Servicing Actions<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

John started out in the banking world while in college. He has worked on both sides of SBA lending \u2013 As a lender within a bank and as a loan specialist and supervisor within the SBA \u2013 He knows and understands the issues from both sides of the SBA and wants to help you smoothly navigate through SBA lending. I want to help you to avoid Bills from the SBA. <\/p>\n<\/div>

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Kevin Graff\u00a0<\/strong>
President of Integrity Loan Review LLC, CPA, CRC<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Integrity Loan Review<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Kevin Graff founded Integrity Loan Review with a focus and commitment to community-based financial institutions. With over 30 years of banking experience, Kevin saw an opportunity to serve as a trusted advisor to those financial institutions that may be overlooked or underserved. Since 2009, Kevin has been providing loan reviews, loan due diligence, credit administration, and other related services. Kevin, along with Integrity Loan Review\u2019s team, has over 125 years of experience in banking with a focus on commercial lending.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Brent Halfwassen<\/strong>
Founder & Owner, MKE Business Coach<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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MKE Business coach<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Brent Halfwassen is an experienced business owner and operator, and possesses invaluable first-hand experience with the challenges and successes of business ownership. As a four-time business owner himself, Brent understands the critical importance of aligning vision, implementing effective processes, and building the right team to drive business growth.\u200b\u200b\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Kate Halfwassen<\/strong>
Owner of MKE Business Coach<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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MKE Business Coach<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Kate Halfwassen is a proven thought partner, having held key operations and finance roles throughout her career. Her C-Suite experience provides her with a deep understanding of business from the inside. She is known for championing empowerment and guiding teams toward achieving their growth goals. Kate excels at navigating the challenges of overwhelm by offering clear, actionable insights that align strategic vision with action steps across all levels of the organization.\u200b\u200b <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Joseph Hastreiter<\/strong>
Business Trainer<\/strong>\u200b<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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EWH University for Small Business<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Joseph Hastreiter grew up in a family business and spent nearly 15 years helping lead and grow it as a partner and Sales and Marketing Director. Along the way, he saw how many business to grow. After doubling his own family business, and working with thousands Joseph created EWH University to help business owners and teams successfully grow there businesses and go from Burnout to Breakthrough\u2122.\u200b <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Andrew Hendricks<\/strong>
Assistant Vice President, SBA Lending<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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First Business Bank<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Andrew Hendricks is an Assistant Vice President with the First Business Bank SBA Lending team based out of Brookfield, WI.\u00a0 Andrew brings over 10 years of banking experience to his role within the SBA Lending team at First Business Bank. Andrew has held numerous roles in his career, ranging from commercial loan underwriting to portfolio management. In his current role Andrew focuses on helping entrepreneurs access the right financing structures to support growth, expansion, and long term stability via the SBA 7(a), SBA Express, and SBA 504 lending programs. He specializes in acquisition financing, franchise lending, and owner occupied real estate transactions across industries such as professional services, skilled trades, and assisted living facilities. Andrew earned his B.S. in Economics from the University of Wisconsin\u2013Madison, and outside of work he enjoys golfing, playing tennis, and spending time outdoors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Corie Hoffman<\/strong>
Leadership Coach + Culture Consultant\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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The Perk<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Corie Hoffman is dedicated to transforming workplace experiences & empowering teams to reach new heights. Corie equips individuals to confidently tackle challenges & elevate their impact both personally & professionally. Corie\u2019s mission is to help organizations prioritize their most valuable asset\u2014their people\u2014& to drive success through a culture of continuous learning & growth. Join her to explore how you can move from ordinary to extraordinary & make a positive difference on your team.\u200b\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Nick Jellum<\/strong>
President, Jellum Law<\/strong>\u200b<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Jellum Law, P.A.<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Nick focuses his practice on advising the firm\u2019s lending institution clients throughout the Country on all aspects of commercial loan transactions, from loan documentation and loan workouts to collections and liquidation, specifically focusing on U.S. Small Business Administration lending programs. Nick is an active member of a number of banking and lending organizations and associations and is a frequent speaker on a wide variety of SBA and conventional commercial lending issues. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Kyle Kuntz<\/strong>
Senior\u00a0Vice President, Loan Origination<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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WBD, Inc.<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Kyle Kuntz serves as Senior Vice President – Loan Origination at WBD, Inc., one of the nation\u2019s leading Certified Development Companies (CDCs) delivering the SBA 504 loan program. As a mission driven nonprofit, WBD is dedicated to expanding access to capital for small businesses, fostering economic growth, and supporting job creation in the communities we serve. The organization consistently ranks among the top 10 SBA 504 lenders in the country and is widely recognized for its expertise, reliability, and commitment to partnership.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A member of WBD\u2019s Senior Leadership Team, Kyle oversees WBD\u2019s loan officer team and leads sales and market development efforts across all regions. He plays a central role in strengthening relationships with lending partners, deepening engagement with economic development organizations, and expanding WBD\u2019s reach through education and outreach initiatives. He is responsible for ensuring WBD\u2019s high service standards are delivered consistently throughout Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Michigan\u2019s Upper Peninsula.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With more than 15 years of experience in SBA lending\u2014and having been part of the WBD team since 2010\u2014 Kyle is instrumental in advancing WBD\u2019s mission and supporting lenders and small businesses in structuring effective financing solutions.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Christopher Lewis\u00a0<\/strong>
Senior Examiner<\/strong> – Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago\u200b<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Chris has been with the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago since 2006 as a senior examiner. Prior to joining the Federal Reserve was an Assistant Vice President with LaSalle Bank in the Global Securitization Trust Department.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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Brandon Marriott<\/strong>
Assistant Deputy Comptroller<\/strong> – Comptroller of the Currency<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Brandon Marriott is the Assistant Deputy Comptroller for the Milwaukee Office of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC).\u00a0 In this role, Mr. Marriott is responsible for the supervision of 20 nationally chartered institutions and supervises a staff of 20 examiners.\u00a0 He took on these responsibilities in May 2024 following the same role in the OCC\u2019s Peoria Office for 7 years. He has served the OCC in a variety of bank supervision and leadership roles during his 20+ year career.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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Keith Schlegel<\/strong>
Expor\u200b\u200b\u200bt Finance Manager, Office of Manufacturing & Trade<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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SBA<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Keith Schlegel is a Finance Manager with the SBA Office of Manufacturing and Trade, whose mission is to enhance the ability of small businesses to compete globally. Based in Chicago, Keith works with banks and SBA Resource Partners throughout WI to increase the access to capital for small businesses. He brings experience in int’l trade, commercial lending, and supply chain finance. Prior to joining the SBA, he worked 20 years in banking & earned his degree from DePaul in International Studies.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Alan\u200b\u200b\u200b\u00a0Sisson<\/strong>
Financial Examiner Supervisor, Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions<\/strong>
Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Alan has 41 banks in the southwestern region of the state under his supervision with assets totaling over $30 Billion along a team of eight examiners focusing on the areas of safety and soundness, IT, and BSA\/AML. Alan has a Degree in Accounting from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. He is a graduate of the Graduate School of Banking \u2013 Madison, WI where he is also on the faculty for the GSB’s FiSim course. He is also an instructor for the CSBS Credit Evaluation School.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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Ben Udell<\/strong>
Founder, Ben Udell Consulting, LLC<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Ben Udell consulting<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

With nearly 30 years of experience in financial services, Ben helps professionals and organizations translate GenAI into actionable outcomes. Through Ben Udell Consulting, he partners with leadership teams to move organizations from curious to confident. He serves on faculty at the American Bankers Association\u2019s Stonier, Graduate School of Banking at WI, and is featured at major industry events, including The Financial Brand Forum, ABA programs, state and national conferences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Scott Wallace<\/strong>
Director of UWSP’s Center for Buisness & Economic Insight<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Dr. Wallace joined UWSP in 2000. He is a tenured full professor and brings ten years of business experience to the SSBE. He has a B.A. in Economics from Drew University and has earned both a M.A. and Ph.D. in Economics at the University of Connecticut. He currently serves as the Director of UWSP’s Center for Business and Economic Insight. \u200b<\/p>\n<\/div>

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Wes\u200bley Walsh<\/strong>
Vice President & Loan Officer<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Business Lending Partners (BLP)<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

In his role as Vice President & Loan Officer with BLP, Wes is an expert in navigating the SBA 504 program. Serving formerly as a commercial lender at a community bank, Wes leverages his experience to guide borrowers and lenders through SBA 504 financing on projects throughout the state of Wisconsin.\u200b\u200b\u200b\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Hunter Weckerly<\/strong>
Tax Manager<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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WIPFLI<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Hunter is a Tax Manager based in Wipfli\u2019s Madison, Wisconsin office. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin\u2013Whitewater, Hunter has been with Wipfli for over four years, serving clients primarily in the Financial Institutions industry. In addition, Hunter works with Wipfli\u2019s National Tax Office, supporting firmwide tax initiatives and technical efforts.\u200b\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Treva Wetherell<\/strong>
Head of Coaching Services<\/strong> – LIFT Consulting\u200b<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Treva brings over 20 years of experience supporting people and organizations across industries like healthcare, higher ed, non-profit, finance, construction, law, and tech. She\u2019s known for her warm and curious approach, along with a process-driven mindset that helps create environments where people feel supported, empowered, and ready to grow. When she\u2019s not helping leaders and teams unlock their potential, you might find Treva traveling and spending time with family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Ben Woodward<\/strong>
Vice President, Business Development Officer<\/strong> – Banc of California\u200b<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Ben Woodward is a Vice President and Business Development Officer with the Banc of California National Small Business Lending team, where he partners with business owners to deliver Small Business Administration (SBA) financing solutions that support growth, transitions and long-term success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mr. Woodward brings more than 20 years of commercial lending experience, with deep expertise in SBA lending. He entered small business lending driven by a passion for helping owner-operators achieve their goals, whether through acquisitions, expansions, equipment purchases, debt restructuring, commercial real estate or startup financing. He works closely with clients to navigate the SBA 7(a) and 504 loan programs and bring their business plans to life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over the past decade, Mr. Woodward has supported more than 100 entrepreneurs and facilitated more than $150 million in financing. Prior to joining Banc of California in 2026, he served as Vice President and Senior Business Development Officer at First Internet Bank. Earlier in his career, he was a Vice President at Byline Bank, a nationwide preferred SBA lender.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mr. Woodward is active in professional organizations and serves on the planning committee for the Chicago chapter of the Midwest Business Brokers and Intermediaries. He earned a bachelor\u2019s degree from Iowa State University.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family in the mountains and long-distance cycling.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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Wisconsin lenders conference page<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. 
Please contact Continuing Education at 715-346-3838 or uwspceweb@uwsp.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Keynote Presenter Opening Speakers Frank Demarest – District Director, U.S. Small Business Administration Wisconsin District Office Frank Demarest is the District Director for the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Wisconsin District Office. As the District Director, he is responsible for the day-to-day management of SBA programs throughout the state. He also is the Veteran Representative for the District and […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":73,"featured_media":0,"parent":1416,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1564","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.uwsp.edu\/continuing-education-and-outreach\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1564","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.uwsp.edu\/continuing-education-and-outreach\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.uwsp.edu\/continuing-education-and-outreach\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.uwsp.edu\/continuing-education-and-outreach\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/73"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.uwsp.edu\/continuing-education-and-outreach\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1564"}],"version-history":[{"count":13,"href":"https:\/\/www.uwsp.edu\/continuing-education-and-outreach\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1564\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1696,"href":"https:\/\/www.uwsp.edu\/continuing-education-and-outreach\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1564\/revisions\/1696"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.uwsp.edu\/continuing-education-and-outreach\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1416"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.uwsp.edu\/continuing-education-and-outreach\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1564"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}