MADISON – Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC) announced several promotions on Monday. These midyear promotions recognize Robert Baker, David Bartscher, Cory Fish, Michelle Grajkowski, Rich Laufenberg and Nick Novak for their commitment to WMC and ability to consistently exceed expectations.
“We have an exceptional team at WMC, and I could not be prouder of the work we do each and every day,” said Kurt Bauer, WMC President & CEO. “These six individuals have helped advance our mission and serve our diverse group of members. We are excited to have them on the WMC team, and look forward to their continued growth with the organization.”
WMC staff members have been promoted to the following positions:
Robert Baker, Senior Director of Insurance Services
Baker joined WMC Insurance as an Account Executive in early 2018 and was quickly promoted to Director of Insurance Services. Following the launch of multiple new product lines and rapid growth within the department, he has been promoted to Senior Director of Insurance Services. Baker has two decades of experience in the insurance industry, most recently with Ameritas and Humana.
David Bartscher, Senior Manager of Video Production
Bartscher has served as Video Production Manager at WMC since joining in early 2017. His promotion to Senior Manager reflects his increased output of high-quality videos and a more senior role in messaging, production and direction of all videos released by WMC. Prior to joining WMC, Bartscher was a photojournalist at WKOW 27 News, the ABC affiliate in Madison. He earned his B.S. in Life Sciences Communication and a Digital Studies Certificate from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Cory Fish, General Counsel and Director of Tax, Transportation & Legal Affairs
Fish joined WMC in 2017 as Director of Tax, Transportation and Legal Affairs. As a licensed attorney in Wisconsin, he has recently expanded his role to serve as WMC’s General Counsel. This will include advising WMC leadership on legal matters and taking a primary role in holding government agencies accountable when they fail to follow the law. Before his time with WMC, Fish worked in the state legislature. He earned his B.A. from UW-Eau Claire and a J.D. from the University of Wisconsin Law School.
Michelle Grajkowski, Director of Wisconsin Business World
Grajkowski became Manager of Wisconsin Business World in the summer of 2018. Since joining the WMC Foundation program last year, she has exponentially expanded its impact. The program – which provides high schools students with economic and financial literacy education, while teaching the importance of free-market enterprise – hosted over 20 “Mini” camps this past school year and is getting ready to host two summer camps this June. Grajkowski has run her own business for nearly two decades and earned her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Rich Laufenberg, Associate Director of Insurance Services
Laufenberg was promoted from Employee Benefits Administrative Manager to Associate Director of Insurance Services following an exceptional year for customer retention. His customer service management resulted in a 95 percent retention rate for WMC’s insured members year over year. Laufenberg has been with the organization for 20 years and has three decades of experience in the insurance industry. In his new role, he will continue to oversee customer service for the growing team at WMC Insurance.
Nick Novak, Senior Director of Communications & Marketing
Novak joined WMC in 2016 as Director of Communications & Marketing. His promotion to Senior Director of Communications & Marketing reflects his increased responsibilities for messaging, brand strategy, public relations and marketing. Novak’s expanded leadership role will include the continued management of these efforts for WMC, WMC Foundation, Wisconsin Safety Council and WMC Insurance. He will continue to serve as Editor of Wisconsin Business Voice and Wisconsin Safety Voice – WMC’s quarterly publications. Novak has nearly a decade of experience in communications, marketing and public policy and earned his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
