For the Gazette

STEVENS POINT — The Portage County Business Council (PCBC) Board of Directors recently welcomed new officers and board members.

PCBC’s priorities for its members and the community are retention and attraction of businesses and employees.  PCBC serves as the chamber of commerce, economic and talent development organization and is home to Ignite Young Professionals, Ambassadors and the Heartland Leadership Initiative.

Kaitlyn Budd

2019 Officers include:

President Jim Firminhac, WoodTrust Bank; Vice President/Co-Treasurer/Secretary Derek Nest, CliftonLarsonAllen; Co-Treasurer  Craig Aittama, Delta Dental of Wisconsin; Past President Deb Marten, Marten Machining; Ray Ackerlund, Skyward; Todd Schroeder, Sentry; Lisa Sobczak, ABR Employment Services and Kelly Zagrzebski, Wisconsin Public Service.

New members to the Board of Directors include:

Kaitlyn Budd is Ki Mobility’s Vice President of Production and leads a team of customer-focused managers to

support the daily production needs of a complex rehab manufacturer. Kaitlyn encourages a team approach focusing on improved process design and a commitment to quality. Kaitlyn knows that consistently exceeding customer expectations encourages trust and buying confidence to build loyal customers.

Andrew Halverson

Prior to her current position, Kaitlyn was the Director of Systems for Ki Mobility, with oversight of Customer Service and IT Systems. She holds a B.S. from the University of Wisconsin – Madison and a Professional Development Certificate focused in Project Management from Northwestern University. Before joining Ki Mobility, Kaitlyn worked in medical research and animal stranding response.

Andrew Halverson is the Executive Vice President and Co-Owner of Ellis Construction.  Andrew’s role at Ellis has

him spearhead efforts relating to Human Resources, Marketing, Workforce Development, as well as collaboration with Ellis’ Director of Estimating to lead Preconstruction efforts.  Andrew also works hand in hand with and supports Ellis’ President in running the day-to-day operations of the Company.

Craig Aittama

Prior to his current role with Ellis, Andrew served as Vice President of Business Development with the company.  He holds a B.A. from the University of Wisconsin- Stevens Point and 15 credits towards an M.P.A. from the University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee.  A Stevens Point native, Andrew is married to Shana, a third grade teacher at McKinley School and has three children:  Alex, Mason and Elise.  Prior to Joining Ellis in 2014, Andrew served as Mayor of the City of Stevens Point, and also currently serves on two other Boards of Directors.

Craig Aittama is the Vice President of Finance at Delta Dental of Wisconsin.  Prior to joining Delta Dental in April 2018, Craig spent 31 years working in health care. Craig and his wife Terry moved to Plover in 1992 where he held the position of Controller at Saint Michael’s Hospital and in 2012 was appointed Vice President of Finance and Treasury for Ministry Health Care.

Craig will assume the role of Co-treasurer on the Portage County Business Council and is also a board member of the United Way of Portage County.  Craig earned his Bachelor degrees in accounting and finance from the University of Michigan, Dearborn playing hockey on a scholarship.  Craig and Terry have two daughters, Kara and Lindsay.  They enjoy being active in the outdoors and visiting family back in Michigan.

JoAnn Rutta

JoAnn Rutta is Assistant Vice President, Banking Services Manager for Investors Community Bank. Leading the retail team in Stevens Point, JoAnn believes in providing excellent customer service and building long-term relationships. JoAnn joined Investors Community Bank in February of 2017, with 10 years of banking experience and 25 years retail management experience. JoAnn is the 2019 chairperson of the Portage County Business Council Ambassador Club.

Brian Formella graduated from Marquette University with B.A. degrees in English and Economics and from

Brian Formella

Marquette University Law School with honors. After graduating, he was a Law Clerk to Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Louis J. Ceci.

His areas of practice include employment and labor law, municipal law, environmental law, real estate and general business law. Brian has a strong legal background in employment, labor and municipal law. He works with employers to establish sound employment practices. He has also aggressively defended employers against discrimination accusations. Brian is married to Amy Formella and they have four children, the youngest of whom attends Pacelli Catholic Schools.