Carthage Business and Professional Coalition welcomes new chair, unveils 2025-26 season

Carthage College is kicking off an exciting new season of its Business and Professional Coalition with a new leader and a forward-looking program lineup. 

Nicole RyfNicole Ryf, president of the Kenosha Area Business Alliance, will serve as chair for the 2025-26 season, “Wisconsin Horizons,” which will explore emerging industries, shifting workforce needs, and economic opportunities in the decade ahead. Ms. Ryf succeeds Karla Krehbiel, retiring regional president of Johnson Financial Group Southeast, and Bob Lee, Jr., chairman of Lee Mechanical Inc. 

Ms. Ryf brings to the Business and Professional Coalition deep expertise from her roles in the Texas Governor’s Office of Economic Development & Tourism and as chief strategy officer for Virginia’s Hampton Roads Alliance, a regional economic development organization. 

“Nicole brings the same energy and ideas to our steering committee that she is known for at KABA,” says Carthage President John Swallow. “This is a wonderful opportunity for the coalition to focus on regional economic development and talent attraction, two topics of vital importance given the demographic challenges ahead.” 

Ms. Ryf sees close alignment of KABA’s work and the coalition. “Carthage College is a key strategic partner for KABA’s economic development efforts and is a critical talent engine for our region,” says Ms. Ryf. “I am continuously impressed with the College’s proactive approach to meeting employers’ evolving needs and preparing students for high-demand careers. It is a privilege to support Carthage College’s mission by chairing the coalition this year and helping foster meaningful conversations about our economic future.”

Ron HetrickMs. Ryf will be inducted as chair at the first event of the “Wisconsin Horizons” series, “Wisconsin’s Labor Forecast,” on Thursday, Sept. 11. Keynote speaker Ron Hetrick, a nationally recognized labor economist, will share insight on future job trends and coming demographic shifts in our regional workforce, and how employers and higher education can prepare. 

Mr. Hetrick, a former senior economist at the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, has nearly 30 years of expertise in labor force economics. He has provided analysis for prior Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan, The Council of Economic Advisers, Congress, and numerous Fortune 100 companies and trade associations. Frequently quoted by outlets such as CBS, CNBC, The Wall Street Journal, and Forbes, he is the author of numerous white papers exploring the future of labor demographics, including “Who is Going to Do the Work?,” “The Demographic Drought,” and “The Rising Storm.”

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Save the dates for the full series. All events are held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

• Thursday, Sept. 11 — “Ron Hetrick: Wisconsin’s Labor Forecast”
• Thursday, Nov. 13 — “Healthcare and Higher Ed: Partners for Life”
• Thursday, Feb. 19 — “Focus on Film: Innovation in the Creative Industries”

About the Series

For nearly 30 years, the Business and Professional Coalition has brought together regional civic, business, and professional leaders at Carthage College to explore pressing issues of regional and national significance. Through thought-provoking speakers, engaging panels, and meaningful conversations, the BPC fosters learning, connections, and collaboration to drive the region’s economic growth and prosperity. 

Want to get involved? Contact Katharine Keenan at kkeenan@carthage.edu or join our mailing list to keep informed.

Sponsoring Department, Office, or Organization:

Business and Professional Coalition

For more information, contact:

Kkeenan@carthage.edu