Nearly two dozen industry leaders from leading companies like Google, Reddit, Walmart, Medtronic, 3M, Accenture, and Bain & Company have joined the new advisory board of the Wisconsin School of Business’ AI Hub for Business.
Nine of the board’s 22 members are also alumni of the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
According to Matt Seitz, executive director of the hub, the board’s purpose is to bridge academic insight and industry applications to help WSB students, partners, and faculty lead confidently as artificial intelligence rapidly disrupts all aspects of business.
“AI is moving so fast that even the biggest companies are figuring it out as they go,” says Seitz. “The board gives us an insider view into those conversations, and brings that back to our students and partners. At the same time, we want these board members to be evangelists for how UW–Madison is leading in the AI space.”
The 22-member board is comprised of a broad coalition of leaders with expertise in technology, consulting, strategic leadership, entrepreneurship, and legal matters. Additionally, having board members who are Badger alumni themselves is a huge advantage, according to the hub’s assistant director, Emma Uren.
“Having attended UW–Madison, they really have a unique view,” says Uren. “They’re not just thinking about what’s happening in AI; they’re also thinking about how it affects the student experience.”
“I wanted to contribute my experience, insight, and dedication to help advance the AI Hub for Business’ mission, and in doing so, share a small part of what this remarkable university has given me.”
—Glenn Fung (MS ’01, PhD ’03), vice president of AI development and strategy, Exact Sciences
Board members have already begun giving talks and advising on talent needs.
The advisory board will officially meet once a quarter, but members will share guidance and expertise throughout the year, and both Seitz and Uren point to numerous opportunities for members to deepen their involvement with AI at the school.
“Some members might give a guest lecture or hire talent, while others might partner with us on research or sponsor an event,” says Seitz. “We want to give board members a canvas of options and allow them to choose what best matches their skill set, abilities, and passion.”
For Glenn Fung (MS ’01, PhD ’03), who was first introduced to the early practical applications of artificial intelligence and machine learning in a UW–Madison classroom, the decision to get involved with the advisory board was a personal one.
“I wanted to contribute my experience, insight, and dedication to help advance the AI Hub for Business’ mission, and in doing so, share a small part of what this remarkable university has given me,” says Fung, who is now the vice president of AI development and strategy at Exact Sciences. “I remain deeply indebted to UW–Madison—and always will.”
The UW–Madison alumni serving on the advisory board include:
- Denise Blomquist (BBA ’95), vice president, global controller, and chief accounting officer, Medtronic
- Max Bruner (BA ’08), founder and CEO, Anzen
- Patrick Burnton (BBA ’10), senior vice president of finance, Applied Systems
- Lillie Conrad (BA ’00, MFS ’01), director and assistant general counsel, 3M
- Ben Fiechtner (BBA ’07), president, UiPath
- Glenn Fung (MS ’01, PhD ’03), vice president of AI development and strategy, Exact Sciences
- Jonathan Kuether (BBA ’08), partner, Bain & Company
- Jay Laabs (BBA ’98), CEO and founder, Spaulding Ridge
- James Walker (BA ’99), co-founder and CEO, Centigrade
View the full roster of the AI Hub for Business advisory board. The board’s three executive chairs are Ben Fiechtner, Lillie Conrad, and Michael Costa.
The AI Hub for Business, which officially launched in 2025, provides practical knowledge, industry connections, and academic expertise to transform business and prepare the next generation of business leaders. You can join the hub’s mailing list to receive exclusive updates and invitations to upcoming events. Additionally, registration is now open for the hub’s forthcoming AI Summit on April 16–17 in Madison.