Marquette University is prominently represented on the Milwaukee Business Journal’s annual list of “Power Players,” individuals recognized for their influence and impact across southeast Wisconsin. The 10th edition of the list, released this month, highlights leaders “spotlighting individuals who are getting things done — connecting people, winning deals, defining the conversation, and generally moving and shaking,” according to the publication. This recognition underscores Marquette’s deep ties to the Milwaukee community and the contributions of its leaders, faculty, and alumni.
Leading the Marquette contingent is President Kimo Ah Yun, elected as the university’s 25th president in November 2024. His path to the presidency began in 2016 when he joined Marquette as dean of the Diederich College of Communication. He subsequently served as acting provost in 2018 and permanent provost and executive vice president for academic affairs in 2019. Beyond the campus, President Ah Yun actively engages with Milwaukee through board positions with organizations including the Greater Milwaukee Committee, Seton Catholic Schools, Children’s Wisconsin, The Water Council, and Scaling Wellness in Milwaukee (SWIM). He is also involved with the American Cancer Society’s CEOs Against Cancer Wisconsin Chapter, the Northwestern Mutual Data Science Institute, and Near West Side Partners.
Joining President Ah Yun on the Power Players list are several other members of the Marquette community. Tammy Belton-Davis, an adjunct instructor of strategic communication in the Diederich College of Communication, was recognized for her function. Belton-Davis is also the founder and CEO of Athena Communications, a firm specializing in brand management, government affairs, equity, and inclusion practices. Derek Mosley, director of the Lubar Center for Public Policy Research and Civic Education, also earned a spot on the list. Mosley, a 1995 graduate of Marquette Law School, has led the Lubar Center since 2023, expanding its programming to include events focused on Black History Month, unconscious bias, and community engagement through “Heritage Dinners.” Teig Whaley-Smith, an adjunct associate professor at Marquette University Law School, was also included.
Trustees and Alumni Recognized for Regional Impact
The Milwaukee Business Journal’s list also acknowledged the contributions of Marquette trustees and alumni. Nancy Hernandez, a 2002 graduate, and president of the Hispanic Collaborative, was named a Power Player, as was Derek Tyus, a 1991 business administration alumnus and executive vice president and chief financial officer at Versiti. Trustee emeritus Jon Hammes, managing principal of Hammes Partners, also received the honor. These individuals demonstrate the lasting impact of a Marquette education and the university’s commitment to developing leaders who serve the broader community.
Beyond these key figures, thirteen additional Marquette alumni were recognized for their influence in various sectors. Griselda Aldrete, founder and CEO of Aldrete Law and Consulting; Danielle Bergner, a real estate attorney at Michael Best & Friedrich LLP; Meg Brzyski Nelson, president of the Children’s Wisconsin Foundation and chief development officer for Children’s Wisconsin; David Caruso, president and creative director of Dynamic Events by David Caruso; Coreen Dicus-Johnson, president and CEO of Network Health; Kristen Hardy, assistant general counsel and assistant secretary at Rockwell Automation; Mike Knapek, CEO of Yaskawa America; James Madlom and Lori Richards, co-CEOs of Mueller Communications; Annemarie Scobey-Polacheck, president and CEO of the United Performing Arts Fund; Jim Villa, CEO of NAIOP Wisconsin; Andy Wronski, managing partner at Foley & Lardner; and Scott Yauck, president and CEO of Cobalt Partners, all made the list.
Long-Standing Leadership Honored as ‘Power Player Pillars’
Earlier this month, the Milwaukee Business Journal also unveiled its “Power Player Pillars,” individuals who have consistently been named to the list over the past decade. Among those recognized for their sustained impact were Linda Gorens-Levey, executive in residence in the College of Business Administration; Mary Ellen Stanek, an alumna and trustee emerita who served as chief investment officer emeritus at Baird; and Anne Zizzo, an alumna and trustee emerita and founder and CEO of Zizzo Group. The full list of Power Player Pillars is available on the Milwaukee Business Journal website.
The widespread recognition of Marquette individuals on this year’s Power Players list reflects the university’s commitment to community engagement and its role in developing leaders across a wide range of fields. As Marquette continues to evolve and adapt to the changing needs of the region, its leaders and alumni are poised to play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of southeast Wisconsin. The university is currently focused on adapting its recruitment strategy to address enrollment challenges, as reported in November 2025.
Readers interested in learning more about Marquette University’s initiatives and community involvement are encouraged to visit the university’s official website. Share your thoughts on Marquette’s impact in the comments below.
