The Wisconsin Business Alumni (WBA) Board welcomes eight new members for the 2025-26 academic year. New leadership is also on tap for the board, with Rodrigo Stabio (MBA ’19) beginning a term as board chair and Michelle Bougie (MBA ’20) stepping into the vice chair role. Amy Jo Pedone (BBA ’96) assumes the role of chair emeritus.
The mission of the WBA Board is to connect Wisconsin School of Business alumni to the school and to each other. As some of WSB’s most dedicated supporters, board members expand the reach of the school by advancing key priorities for alumni engagement, including activating regional alumni networks, opening doors to industry, and engaging young alumni.
“I’m thrilled to serve as chair of the Wisconsin Business Alumni Board and work alongside such an accomplished and passionate group of leaders,” says Stabio, who was previously the board’s vice chair. “Over the past year, we’ve deepened alumni engagement and built stronger connections within the WSB community. Looking ahead, I’m excited to build on that momentum by expanding opportunities for alumni to connect with one another, strengthen their ties to the school, and grow industry relationships that support both professional development and WSB’s continued impact.”
The WBA Board has been a longstanding partner in helping the school advance its strategic priorities while also providing critical perspectives on a variety of topics and initiatives—and continues to evolve. In conjunction with WSB’s Alumni Relations team, board members recently redefined the board’s structure, priorities, and objectives: an effort that was recognized in 2025 with a national award from the Association of Business School Alumni Professionals.
In the year ahead, the WBA Board will focus on the launch of BOLD Circles for young alumni, the discovery and growth of Badger alumni networks within companies, and the development of industry-focused events.
More than 30 members from a variety of professional backgrounds and geographic regions make up the board’s roster, with several new faces joining the mix.
“It’s an honor to join the alumni board and give back to the community that helped shape my career,” says new WBA Board member Zena Stephens Joy (MBA ’17). “Not only does it allow me to stay connected with former classmates and colleagues, but it also provides an opportunity to support current students and help strengthen the network that continues to open doors for all of us.”
The eight new board members include:
- Matt Apps (BBA ’96, MBA ’06), president, SupraNet Communications, Inc.
- Olivia Asare (BBA ’24), associate consultant, Bain & Company
- Kevin Gannon (BBA ’01), director of product management – sanitary, Kohler
- Nik Nayar (BBA ’95), chief merchandising officer, Blain’s Farm & Fleet
- Aleja Ross (BBA ’16), manager, EY
- Zena Stephens Joy (MBA ’17), associate director, total rewards, Fortra
- Cassie Warton (BBA ’19), consumer offer manager, bp pulse
- Farin Williams (MBA ’17), senior buyer, seasonal snacks and candy, Target
View the full roster of the 2025-26 Wisconsin Business Alumni Board. You can also stay updated on what the WBA Board is up to by joining the Wisconsin Business Alumni LinkedIn group, or by joining the regional LinkedIn alumni group in your area.