Five new members have joined the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Foundation Board of Directors.

According to information released earlier this month, the new members each have pledging to “inspire philanthropic support for the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and ensure student success now and in the future through the administration of financial awards.” 

New board members include: Dave Adam, Todd Gray, Louise Hermsen, Ashley Johnson, and Tanika Murphy.

The release noted that each of the new members began serving their three-year term on July 1.

“Our foundation is comprised of steadfast and highly engaged members that drive longterm University support through strategic engagement and impactful giving. I look forward to working with them to build on our successes and achieve even greater impacts for Warhawks in the years to come,” Foundation President and Vice Chancellor for University Relations Katie Kuznacic was quoted as saying in the release.

Offering some background about each new members, the release noted that Adam is a financial consultant and “nonprofit leader,” holding an undergraduate degree from the UW-Whitewater. He serves as president of Argentarii Advisors, LLC, and as an advisory board member for MobCraft Beer.

“Adam also spent 11 years in senior leadership roles for Johnson Financial Group, including senior vice president of finance and treasurer,” according to the release.   

Gray, the release stated, is an adjunct professor at UW-Whitewater’s College of Business and Economics. He was formerly the interim superintendent of schools for the Palmyra-Eagle Area School District and superintendent of schools for the School District of Waukesha. Gray received his undergraduate degree in business education and master’s degree in school business administration and accounting from UW-Whitewater.

“Hermsen is a senior marketing and communication leader and women’s leadership advocate,” the release continued.

Additionally, she serves as a committee member with the Women and Girls Fund of Waukesha County and on the board of Present Music and the Waukesha County Museum. She has served as a marketing executive for DUECO Inc., Odyne Systems LCC and Joy Global’s P&H Mining Equipment. Hermsen received her master’s degree in Marketing from UW-Whitewater.

As noted in the release, Johnson is an audit director and accounting and auditing manager at Sikich LLP, specializing in nonprofit organizations. She received her Master of Professional Accountancy from UW-Whitewater.

“Murphy is the manager of inclusion and belonging (DEI and supplier diversity) at Harley-Davidson Motor Company,” the release stated.

She has worked as an HR manager at Harley-Davidson and SC Johnson. Murphy received her bachelor’s degree in public policy and administration, and human resource management from UW-Whitewater. 

To learn more about the UW-Whitewater Foundation and its work, visit https://www.uww.edu/foundation.