About Our Panelists: 
Secretary-Designee Kathy Blumenfeld is a leader with extensive experience in the financial services industry, business, and government. In January 2022, Secretary Blumenfeld was appointed by Governor Tony Evers to lead the Department of Administration.  As Secretary, she is committed to prudent fiscal management of the State’s budget, modernizing the State workforce, and improving government services for Wisconsin residents, partners, and State agencies. Secretary Blumenfeld currently serves on the Boards of the State of Wisconsin Investment Board (SWIB), The Wisconsin Center District and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC). She also co-chaired the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Commission on Veteran Opportunity. Prior to state service, Ms. Blumenfeld was the Executive Vice President of Special Operations at TASC – the Total Administrative Services Corporation, leading a federal contract modernizing the workplace charitable giving program for all federal employees and retirees. She previously served as Vice President of Lending & Payment Security at CUNA Mutual Group, where she​ worked for 26 years, co-founded the Women's Leadership Network, and served on the Diversity and Inclusion Council. She also served 10 years on the board of Summit Credit Union, culminating in the role of board chair, and recently served on the Unity Point Meriter Board of Directors. Secretary-designee Blumenfeld began her career as a Certified Public Accountant and holds a bachelor's degree in Accounting and Political Science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She is the author of three books, and is passionate about community service, philanthropy, and tennis.  ​​​ 

Nina VA Johnson is U.S. Bank’s Senior Vice President and Branch Banking Market Leader for the state of Wisconsin. She has worked in the banking industry for more than 35 years, holding several leadership positions in consumer, small business, computer operations, direct auto finance, private label, loss mitigation and government regulations. She has an M.B.A. in Global Business Management and Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Management. Nina is currently finishing her final year in Executive Banker School, an executive MBA program. She has served on more than forty nonprofit boards/committees, including Froedtert Hospital’s Advisory Board, LISC Milwaukee Advisory Board, SecureFutures Advisory Board, ACTS Housing Advisory Board, Children’s Hospital Anti-Bullying Advisory Board, M.A.T.C. “Promise” Cabinet, The Salvation Army Advisory Board, UWM Graduate School Advisory Board and more. She is a member of Professional Dimensions and Milwaukee Women Inc. Nina has received a series of awards for her work in banking and the communities she serves. She was also a 2021 Milwaukee Biz Times’ Notable Minority Executive recipient and 2015 Milwaukee Business Journal Women of Influence alumni for inspiring those within her sphere of influence.

Beth Ridley is a former corporate executive turned organizational transformation consultant, speaker and author. Beth combines 25 years of global leadership and management consulting experience with expertise in diversity and inclusion and positive psychology to partner with leaders to transform workplace cultures to better achieve their vision and goals. Beth’s work is featured in national publications and she frequently delivers keynotes and workshops at events around the world. Beth lives with her husband and three children in Whitefish Bay.

About Our Moderator: 
Kimberly Kane is the president and CEO of Kane Communications Group. She is an award-winning journalist and public relations practitioner. Kimberly is a mom of four. She grew up in Los Angeles where her father operated a gang prevention and juvenile diversion program. She and her twin sister spent years working with their dad in the city’s most dangerous housing projects. This experience inspired Kimberly to pursue a career in journalism where she saw an opportunity to do more than report on difficult news, but to share stories of hope and to empower viewers with well-researched, objective information. Today, Kimberly is not only involved with her firm and their clients, but is active on numerous boards, advisory boards and committees; regularly emcees events; and is a public speaker – on topics that include crisis management, reputation management, strategic communications and leadership. She has a degree in Broadcast Journalism and Urban Politics from the University of Southern California and is pursuing her Master’s Degree in Strategic PR and Political Management from George Washington University.