Board of Visitors

Tom Bach DVM’94
Madison, Wisconsin

Tom is a 1994 graduate of UW-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine. He had a 30 year career as a small animal veterinarian owning two clinics and retiring at the end of 2023. He has been an adjunct professor at the UW Veterinary School for over two decades, actively involved in the recent curriculum revision, and a former board president of the Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Association. He is most proud of all the students he has had the good fortune of teaching and mentoring during his career.

Mitch Breunig
Sauk City, Wisconsin

Mitch Breunig is owner of Mystic Valley Dairy, LLC, which is located near Sauk City.  The farm milks about 450 cows and raises crops on 1050 acres.  His duties on the farm include managing the farms eight employees, overseeing the breeding and health care of the herd, analyzing the finances, and marketing the milk, cattle, and crops for the farm.  Mystic Valley Dairy focuses on breeding high type cattle with longevity and profitable production.  The farm’s prefix is Jenny-Lou and is recognized worldwide for breeding Toystory, the world’s only 2 million unit of semen sold sire. The current rolling herd average is 33,946 lbs. of milk 1466 fat and 1099 protein per cow.

Mitch graduated from UW-Madison in 1992 with a degree in dairy science.  Before returning home to the family farm, he spent one year working for Land’O Lakes in their feeding division.

Mitch is a member of the Dairy Business Association and a Past President of the Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin. Mitch is also the Past chairman of the Dairy Innovation Hub advisory council in Wisconsin. Mitch also serves on the WVDL board representing animal agricultural producers.

Mitch and his wife Jacquie were married in 1994 and have two daughters, Allison, who is a 25-year-old graduate of UW-Madison and works in AG Marketing and Lauren, is a 20 year old Junior at UW-Madison studying Life Science Communication, and a son, Brayden who is 14.  Away from the farm Mitch enjoys spending time with his family and watching The Badgers and The Packers. He also enjoys broadcasting football and basketball for Sauk Prairie High School.

Debbie Cervenka
Santa Rosa Beach, Florida

Ms. Cervenka was Executive Vice President of Phillips Plastics Corporation and an officer on its Board of Directors until the Cervenkas sold the company in December 2010. She was educated at UW-Eau Claire, graduating with a major in journalism and communications.

Currently Ms. Cervenka is chair of the Board of Trustees for The Nature Conservancy – Wisconsin Chapter; serves on the North American Cabinet for The Nature Conservancy; and is on the following boards: Ecumen (Shoreview, Minn.), Safe Haven Women’s Shelter and Resource Center (Duluth, Minn.), and Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees for Northland College (Ashland, Wis.).

Her interest in the Board of Visitors stems from her love of animals and the understanding that it is important to have a teaching college in Wisconsin to train veterinarians and treat our pets with new and innovative procedures that may extend their quality of life. Additionally, the Cervenkas are Badger fans, as Bob is an alumnus of UW-Madison.

Margo Edl
Middleton, Wisconsin

Mrs. Edl believes in being a “champion” for the UW School of Veterinary Medicine (SVM). Beginning with her first experience when she brought a seriously ill pet to the small animal hospital, she has seen the amazing things that its dedicated veterinarians and students can accomplish. She has worked to establish the “Mac the Miracle Dog” scholarship to help ease the financial burden for SVM students and supports additional programs within the school. Margo lives in Middleton, Wisconsin with her husband, Jack, and their collection of Brittanies.

Susan Shannon Engeleiter
Minneapolis, Minnesota

Susan Shannon Engeleiter is Chief Executive Officer and President of Data Recognition Corporation (DRC), a company headquartered in Minneapolis/St. Paul Minnesota that provides services to global businesses, the United States government, and state departments of education. DRC offers assessments for the pre-K, K–12, and adult education markets.

Ms. Engeleiter previously served as Vice President of Government Markets at Honeywell, Inc. from 1992 to 1998. She was appointed by President George H.W. Bush to direct and manage the Small Business Administration in Washington, D.C. from 1989-1991. Ms. Engeleiter also served as a State Senator for Wisconsin’s 33rd District from 1984 to 1988 and served as the Senate Minority Leader during these years. She holds a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Wisconsin Law School and a Bachelor of Science degree in English and Communications from the University of Wisconsin.

Ms. Engeleiter has served on the boards of various nonprofits and currently serves on the Wisconsin Foundation & Alumni Association (WFAA) and the Eisenhower Health Board of Trustees in southern California.  She also served as the national chair and in other leadership positions at the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, the largest organization in the country for treating substance abuse. Past board affiliations include Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota and Aurora Health Care.

Colleen Goggins
Princeton, New Jersey / Pewaukee, Wisconsin

Colleen Goggins graduated from UW’s CALS (The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences) in 1977 and subsequently received her MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. She currently serves as a Non-Executive Director for public and private companies across a variety of industries. Prior to her board service, she was a member of Johnson & Johnson’s Executive Committee for 10 years and served as Worldwide Chairman of the company’s Consumer Group, providing strategic leadership for the $16BN personal care and healthcare portfolio.

Colleen is actively involved with a number of non-profit organizations, reflecting her interests in food sufficiency and higher education. She is a member of the University of Wisconsin Foundation and a trustee of the International Institute of Education. She also serves as Board President of New York City’s Citymeals-on-Wheels.

A native of Wisconsin, Colleen and her cat split their time between Princeton, NJ and Pewaukee, Wisconsin. She hopes that one day her cat will give her permission to add a dog to their family.

Charity Gottfredsen ’02, MS’07, DVM’07
Chicago, Illinois

Dan Grimm
Waterford, Wisconsin

Dan Grimm is the Senior Vice President of Global Solution Consulting for BluJay Solutions. He holds a BS in industrial engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville and an MBA from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. His interest in the UW School of Veterinary Medicine (SVM) stems from the positive interactions he and his wife, Kim, have had with the staff over the past 15 years in caring for two of their canine family members that received world-class cancer treatment at the school. Dan is an active supporter of several animal-related organizations, including the SVM, Humane Animal Welfare Society of Waukesha County, and Desert Labrador Retriever Rescue of Scottsdale, Arizona.

Pam Jahnke
Madison, Wisconsin

Growing up on her family’s 200-acre dairy farm just north of Green Bay, Wisconsin, Pam Jahnke was surrounded by agriculture. She has remained dedicated to agriculture throughout her life, being actively involved in both 4-H and FFA activities. Pam happily served as a 4-H camp counselor, was a dairy exhibitor in county fairs, and even reigned as Oconto County’s Dairy Queen.

At the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, Pam studied broadcast journalism and broad area agriculture. She started that campus’s first ever “Farm Show” on radio, and received the top national scholarship from the National Association of Farm Broadcasters (NAFB). After college, Pam moved into her chosen field, doing farm broadcasting, radio and television, from Green Bay to Eau Claire, Wisconsin — and she’s never looked back. Since then, the Wisconsin Farm Report network has grown to encompass 26 stations in Wisconsin and Minnesota, and daily appearances on the CBS TV affiliate in Madison.

Pam is a past president of the National Association of Farm Broadcasting, and was named Farm Broadcaster of the Year 2013. In 2022, Pam will be inducted into the NAFB Hall of Fame. She’s received several other honors, including the “Honorary Recognition” award from UW-Madison’s College of Agriculture, her honorary “American FFA Degree,” and citations from the Wisconsin State Senate. Pam’s been named “Friend of Agriculture” by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture for her assistance in raising awareness of the “Harvest of Hope” program.  She’s been honored as “Agri Marketing Person Of The Year” by the Badger chapter of the National Agrimarketing Association.

In her spare time, Pam is active farming in partnership with her brother, sister and mother on the family farm.

Phil Jennings JD’93
Madison, Wisconsin

Phil Jennings is the president and general counsel of Next/Partners, Inc., a private equity real estate development firm he founded in 1999 in San Diego, Calif. Phil is a graduate of Boston College and the University of Wisconsin Law School. In addition to his business interests, Phil is a retired U.S. Army Aviation Warrant Officer and served as a UH-60/Blackhawk standardization instructor pilot and instrument flight examiner. Phil maintains his professional interest in aviation as a pilot for UW Med Flight, the critical care transport team of the University of Wisconsin Hospital. It was during his various overseas military deployments that Phil developed an appreciation for the mission-critical role military veterinarians play in ensuring the integrity of food supplies for deployed personnel. A resident of downtown Madison, Phil and his trusty Black Labrador, Tricky Mother Tucker, Version 2.0, and his White Labrador, Kostas, can be found walking on State Street and the Lakeshore Path, rain or shine.

Kim Kratt DVM’00
La Crosse, Wisconsin

Kim is a 2000 graduate of the UW School of Veterinary Medicine, returning promptly to her hometown in La Crosse, WI.  She and her husband, Doug (SVM 1998) own Central Animal Hospital  – a small animal private practice providing general medical, surgical, and emergency care for animals in the Coulee Region.  She also teaches veterinary ultrasound imaging since 2008; most often with Universal Imaging, Inc. in Bedford Hills, NY.

Kim has served the veterinary profession through local, state, and national veterinary organizations.  She served the American Veterinary Medical Association’s Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA), the accrediting body for veterinary technician programs in the US and Canada for six years; three as Chair.  She most recently completed another six year term developing and implementing the CVTEA Selection Committee.  She served the Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Association as a District Board representative from 2012-2015, and now serves as the WVMA President-elect in 2024.

Kim enjoys being a servant leader and ambassador to the La Crosse and Coulee Region area through Oktoberfest USA as a Festmaster Frau as well as being active in the Gemütlichkeit Foundation.  She has served on campaign committees and several initiatives through the YMCA and the Boys and Girls Club of Greater La Crosse.

Diane Larsen ’80, DVM’90, PhD’99
Duluth, Georgia

Dr. Larsen is head of Pharmaceutical R&D Projects at Merial, where she is responsible for planning and supervising national and international research projects. She is a former practicing veterinarian and received both her veterinary medical degree in 1990 and PhD in 1999 from UW-Madison. Prior to joining Merial in 2001, she completed a post-docorate at South East Poultry Research Facility in Athens, Georgia.

Jane Mandula ’86
Lakewood Ranch, Florida & Canton, Georgia

Jane is a 1986 graduate of the UW-Madison College of Engineering. She also holds an MBA from Santa Clara University and is a Directors College graduate of the Terry College of Business – University of Georgia.

Jane worked as a manufacturing and industrial engineer in several technology corporations before entering the management consulting industry. The latter part of her career was spent as co-owner, CFO, CTO and Board Director of a private electrical equipment manufacturer until the company was sold to Generac in 2012.

She has served on for-profit and non-profit boards for over 20 years. For the University of Wisconsin, Jane has served as a director of the Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association board, member and chair of the College of Engineering Industrial Advisory Board, member and chair of the Industrial Engineering Board of Visitors, and member of the Women’s Philanthropy Council.

With her husband Jack, she has owned several manufacturing, service, and real estate development companies in addition to starting a private IB-accredited school serving grades K-8.

Jane and her husband are founding trustees of the Mandula Family Foundation, which provides support and funding for global/local education, public health, economic relief efforts, and innovation endeavors in the USA and abroad.

Outside of board and philanthropic work, Jane owns and manages a private horse farm and rides competitively, teaches group fitness classes, and enjoys world travel and outdoor adventures. Both Jane and Jack as well as their 3 daughters and their husbands own and care for a variety of rescued/adopted dogs, cats, and other animals…all of which seem to need constant veterinary care of some kind!

Linda Nelson

Linda is a 1982 graduate of the UW Madison business school with a masters in accounting. She practiced for more than 30 years in the Madison area, retiring from the State of Wisconsin investment board.Linda and her husband have been involved with the UW VMTH from its earliest days and have recently established a professorship to honor its founding Dean, Dr. Easterday. Their long line of rambunctious golden retrievers have had superb primary and critical care at the VMTH.

Jeffry A. Neuenschwander ’82
Detroit, Michigan

Becky Pinter

Becky Pinter is a seasoned nonprofit executive with two decades of leadership in research fundraising for pediatric cancer and related blood disorders. As president and chief executive officer of the Midwest Athletes Against Childhood Cancer (MACC) Fund, Becky leads strategic partnerships major health care institutions including with Children’s Wisconsin, Medical College of Wisconsin, UW Carbone Cancer Center and Marshfield Clinic, builds lasting donor relationships and oversees all operational, human resources and board governance functions.

Starting her MACC Fund journey in 2007, Becky rose through the ranks holding roles as development officer and chief operating officer, before assuming the top leadership position. Her tenure is marked by a clear vision for mission impact, thoughtful stewardship of donor funds and a strong presence in community engagement. She has also served in advancement roles at Cardinal Stritch University, Milwaukee, and the Milwaukee Catholic Home.

Becky holds a Master of Science in management and a Bachelor of Arts from Cardinal Stritch University, Milwaukee. She also completed executive leadership training at the Harvard Kennedy School, Cambridge, Massachusetts. A recognized community leader, she was honored as one of Milwaukee Business Journal’s “40 Under 40.” Becky has served as an adjunct instructor in nonprofit and leadership studies for nearly two decades.

Suzy Shain BS’87, MBA’90
Verona, Wisconsin

Suzy is a double Badger, having graduated in 1987 with a bachelor’s degree in retail management and in 1990 with an MBA in marketing. Suzy spent nearly 30 years in marketing and management roles at Target Corporation, Kimberly-Clark and SC Johnson. Today, Suzy volunteers as the Race Director for Madison’s largest Thanksgiving Day Race, the Berbee Derby, which supports the Technology Education Foundation. Suzy and her husband, Paul, have a 12-year-old Cockapoo, Cooper, who has been fortunate enough to be in the care of the UW School of Veterinary Medicine for many years. In her spare time, Suzy cheers enthusiastically at Badger sporting events and is a five-time Ironman Wisconsin Finisher and a four-time Boston Marathon qualifier.

Timothy J. Speaker
Germantown, Wisconsin

Timothy J. Speaker serves as Co‑President of J.W. Speaker Corporation, a family‑owned manufacturer of high‑performance vehicular lighting solutions headquartered in Germantown, Wisconsin. In his leadership role, Tim oversees Engineering, Sales, and Product Development, helping guide the company’s continued focus on innovation and emerging lighting technologies. A lifelong enthusiast of product design, he carries forward the legacy of the business founded in 1935 by his grandfather, John W. Speaker, and remains committed to advancing high‑quality lighting solutions for OEM and aftermarket customers around the world.

Tim earned his business degree from Valparaiso University in 1979. In addition to his professional leadership, he supports several organizations, including the Wisconsin Humane Society, Fox Point Lutheran Church, and the Gary Sinise Foundation. His involvement with the UW–Madison School of Veterinary Medicine began as a way to support education, research and the wellbeing of animals—an interest that closely aligns with his family’s long‑standing appreciation for animal welfare.

Outside of work, Tim enjoys life with his wife, Nancy, and their seven-year-old dog Auggie. Together, they cherish time with their four children, son‑in‑law, two daughters‑in‑law, but—most importantly—their four grandchildren.

Karen Walsh ’81, MA’89
Madison, Wisconsin

Karen Walsh is director of the BerbeeWalsh Foundation, a family foundation dedicated to human and animal health and welfare. Since 2006, the foundation has awarded more than $8 million dollars in grants in the State of Wisconsin, including a gift to the University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics that created the BerbeeWalsh Department of Emergency Medicine.

Karen is also a member and current president of the University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents.

Karen was a newscaster and reporter for news outlets including Wisconsin Public Radio prior to serving for 23 years in a variety of public information and communications positions at UW-Madison. She retired in 2005 as the assistant dean for external relations in the College of Engineering, directing alumni and donor communications, news media relations, and industry communications. She also directed the college’s undergraduate student invention and prototyping competitions, the Schoofs Prize for Creativity and Tong Prototype Prize. Her honors include publications awards with the National Association of Government Communicators, the university’s Bollinger Academic Staff Achievement Award, and Philanthropist of the Year from the Dane County Humane Society.

A native of Columbus, Wisconsin, Karen holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in journalism from UW-Madison. She serves on a number of nonprofit boards, including the Madison Cat Project and the Access Community Health Centers Community Partners Board. She is also a past president of the Madison Opera Board of Trustees.

Karen has more than 20 years of experience as a cat foster, with a special interest in socializing litters and working with medical and behavioral issues. More than 200 cats have “graduated” from her foster rooms to new homes. She is also a fiction writer, especially short stories set in Wisconsin.

Ewan Wolff DVM ’11
Portland, Oregon

Dr. Wolff obtained their DVM degree from the University of Wisconsin’s School of Veterinary Medicine in 2011. They stayed as a rotating intern, then completed a small animal medicine residency and ACVIM Foundation Advanced Clinical Training Fellowship in nephrology/urology at Purdue University. They have been an internist since 2018 and started medicine services at two practices.  They were an internship director, house officer mentor and resident research advisor.  They also serve on the BluePearl scientific design review committee and institutional review board.  For several years they worked on innovation and strategy around the BluePearl University Partnership program, which launched as a hybrid university-private practice faculty program in 2023.  As an ACVIM volunteer, they have contributed on the membership committee, and multiple DEI-B efforts. They are a published author of scientific articles, chapters and briefs on internal medicine, paleontology and DEI-B subjects.  They are currently on the board of directors for the Pride Veterinary Medical Community as industry liaison and co-authored and led the drive behind the Gender Identity Bill of Rights.  They are also a research assistant professor at University of New Mexico, where they continue to work on paleopathology.

Jeffery R. Zuba
BS’81, DVM’87
San Diego, California

Dr. Zuba obtained his DVM degree from the University of Wisconsin’s School of Veterinary Medicine in 1987 as a member of the school’s charter class. Following graduate school in virology and immunology, he completed his residency in Zoo and Wildlife Medicine at San Diego Zoo Global. Dr. Zuba then received an appointment as clinical professor in zoo medicine at Colorado State University.  For the next 31 years, he was privileged to be a staff veterinarian at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park and San Diego Zoo Global until his retirement in 2021. Professional highlights included being a faculty member for the EnviroVet Institute (an ecosystem veterinary health program); an affiliate instructor at the Wildlife Health Center at the UC-Davis; the director of veterinary programs for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s California Condor Reintroduction Program; veterinary coordinator for the Condor Release Program in Baja, Mexico; and the veterinary advisor for both the AZA’s California Condor and White Rhinoceros Species Survival Plans. Dr. Zuba consults and lectures internationally on a wide range of subjects including mega-vertebrate anesthesia and conservation medicine and serves as a scientific advisor for several conservation and educational institutions. He serves on the boards of two charitable organizations dedicated to funding humanitarian and animal health and welfare efforts. Dr. Zuba is founder of a company that manufactures specialized mega-vertebrate anesthetic equipment.  In “rewirement,” he continues with his consulting business in zoo and wildlife anesthesia, lecture opportunities, conservation projects and philanthropic efforts.