Meet Your Instructors
Organizational Development Staff
Amy Deming
Leadership & Organizational Development Specialist
ademing@cityofmadison.com
LinkedIn: LinkedIn.com/in/amy-deming
Amy brings extensive experience in organic leadership, inclusive facilitation, public speaking, and community engagement to her training and day-to-day work. Prior to joining the Organizational Development team, Amy was at Madison Water Utility for over a decade. Amy is an active member of the Latinx Community Engagement Team, Multicultural Affairs Committee, and Racial Equity and Social Justice Initiative. She is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership at Arizona State University and has a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature with a minor in Ethnic and Women’s Studies.
Kara Kratowicz
Performance Excellence Specialist
kkratowicz@cityofmadison.com
She is a lifelong Wisconsinite and UW-Madison graduate with over ten years work experience at state and local levels in Wisconsin. Kara is a change leader who delivers innovative solutions by incorporating data driven process to monitor service delivery in order to demonstrate measurable progress on the outcomes that matter most for residents. Kara served as the Data Projects Coordinator for four years in the Finance Department, supported the Mayor’s Office as Interim Deputy Mayor in 2020, and is now back in her role as Performance Excellence Specialist in Human Resources. In this capacity she oversees systems change efforts across the organization to help the city meet our Vision and Mission.
Human Resources Services Staff
Emaan Abdel-Halim (She/Her)
HR Services Manager
eabdel-halim@cityofmadison.com
(608) 267-8707
Emaan Abdel-Halim is a driven human resources partner with 15 years’ experience in recruitment, selection, classification analysis, training and consultation, performance management, and equity and inclusion initiatives. After graduating from the University of Wisconsin – Madison with Bachelors’ degrees in Management/Human Resources and Social Psychology. In 2008, Emaan took a front line role with City of Madison and by 2012 returned to her HR roots as a Human Resources Analyst for the City. Over the last nine years, Emaan has provided strategic direction to 20 agencies on creative recruitment strategies with the highest quality of customer service. Emaan is committed to building community partnerships which help develop career pathways for applicants. Emaan also served as the interim Labor Relations Specialist focused on employee performance management, investigations, discipline, and collective bargaining negotiations. Emaan is motivated to consult and support City hiring managers and employees with the goal of providing greater opportunities to create a more inclusive City workforce.
Tameaka Bryant
Human Resources Analyst
tbryant@cityofmadison.com
(608) 267-1136
Tameaka Bryant is a human resources professional who delivers high-energy presentations that challenge audiences to leverage their focus and pay attention to what matters most in hiring and retention. Hiring managers love her practical strategies they can apply to recruiting at all levels in the organization. Employees love working with Tameaka, often describing her as their “career coach” as they move up the ladder in an organization. Tameaka earned her Master’s in Counseling Psychology from University of Wisconsin-Platteville and was awarded the Lifetime Pioneer Award. Her strong background in human resources, adult learning and reorganizing large public sector team makes her the perfect fit for this talk.
Julie Trimbell
Human Resources Analyst
jtrimbell@cityofmadison.com
(608) 267-4616Julie is responsible for recruitment, position studies, and supporting employee engagement and Racial Equity and Social Justice initiatives. Julie provides consultation to managers, supervisors and employees on human resources policies, procedures and practices, and serves as a strategic HR partner for various City agencies. Julie has been with the City for over 10 years and has 24 years of Human Resources experience.
Bill Wick (He/Him)
Human Resources Analyst
wwick@cityofmadison.com
(608) 267-4616
Bill has been the City's Benefits Analyst for over six years and brings nearly a decade of HR experience to the position. Bill earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Western Governors University after graduating from Madison College with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Finance. We are excited for Bill to bring his lifetime of experience in being helpful and knowledgeable about a variety of subjects, and his constant desire to learn new things.
Employee and Labor Relations Staff
Brooke Gillitzer (She/Her)
Employee & Labor Relations Specialist
bgillitzer@cityofmadison.com
Brooke Gillitzer manages the City’s processes related to drug and alcohol testing, FMLA and leave management, and supports the Benefits section of Human Resources. Brooke has been with the City since June of 2020, and grew up in the Madison area. In her off time, Brooke enjoys gardening, thrifting, and her two cats Daisy and Rip.
Erin Hillson (She/Her)
Employee & Labor Relations Manager
ehillson@cityofmadison.com
(608) 267-6530
Erin Hillson is an Employee and Labor Relations Analyst with the City of Madison. She has been with the City for approximately 24 years, and loves seeing individuals and agencies achieve their highest potential. Erin regularly works with individuals and agencies to resolve concerns and disputes, and provides coaching on performance management. When not at work, Erin loves spending time with her family and traveling whenever possible.
Victoria (Tory) Larson
Occupational Accommodations Specialist
vlarson@cityofmadison.com
(608) 266-4618
Tory graduated with a degree in Social Work and Political Science from UW-Superior. She went on to work for nonprofits doing domestic violence advocacy including some time spent supervising an Emergency Shelter Program. In that work Tory has extensive experience working with individuals with disabilities, people with addiction and addiction related impacts, and people who need support to fully thrive and achieve their goals. Tory also worked for the YMCA in Madison, WI for several years. Tory started with the City in 2010, and moved into Human Resources in 2015, where she has been a Program Assistant, HR Analyst, and effective May 1, became the Occupational Accommodations Specialist. As the Occupational Accommodations Specialist, Tory works with individuals and agencies to provide job accommodations and ensure equal opportunities for all.
Denise Nettum (She/Her)
Benefits Analyst
dnettum@cityofmadison.com
608-266-4615
(608) 267-1115 fax
Denise Nettum is a Benefits Analyst with the City of Madison. She has worked for City Human Resources in a variety of roles since 2008. She is passionate about being a resource to employees and getting them the information they need to make the most of their benefits both before and after retirement. In her off time, Denise is an avid bicyclist and environmentalist, and loves any opportunity to visit the ocean.
City Partners
Sara Carrizal (She/Her/Hers)
scarrizal@mononaterrace.com
(608) 261-4005
Sara has been with city at Monona Terrace for 15 years, starting as a Receptionist, and is now the Office Administrator. Nerdy, artist, introvert with the acting chops to make you think she’s an extrovert. Background in customer service and graphic design. Caregiver for a little anxious dog and an apathetic cat.
Mary Eldridge, MSW, LCSW, CA (She/Ella)
EAP Specialist
meldridge@cityofmadison.com
(608) 266-6561
Mary Eldridge, MSW, LCSW, CA (She/Ella) joined the EAP team in October 2021. Mary has a Master’s in Social Work and brings expertise in areas like trauma treatment, violence prevention, anti-oppression work, and trainings and education due to her work at higher education institutions like UW-Madison and the University of Iowa. She is passionate about sustainability in the workplace like exploring ways in which employees’ various needs can be met alongside organizational expectations including but not limited to safety, inclusion, equity, work-life balance, and sense of belonging as well as healthy relationships. Mary is also committed to offering services in both English and Spanish as requested.
Melissa Gombar (She/Her/Hers)
Affirmative Action Division Manager
mgombar@cityofmadison.com
(608) 266-6510
Melissa Gombar (she/her) has worked for the City of Madison since 2009 and has dedicated her career to transforming the city in roles held in both the Department of Civil Rights and Human Resources Department. Her areas of expertise include leadership, work planning, people-centered process improvements, and racial equity and social justice. She is currently the Affirmative Action Manager in the Department of Civil Rights. Melissa believes that equitable organizations are the fabric of equitable communities and is passionate about developing practices and policies to achieve transformative, equitable, inclusive, and thriving organizations. Melissa stays busy with her 5 and 2-year-old girls, is rehabbing a home from 1906, and is mom to a sweet rescued dog named Lola and an old lady cat named Medusa. Melissa holds a Master’s of Science in Organization Development and is a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt.
Arlyn Gonzalez, MSW, LCSW, CEAP (She/Her/Hers)
EAP Specialist
agonzalez@cityofmadison.com
(608) 267-6561
Arlyn has worked at the City of Madison since 2019 as the Employee Assistance Specialist. Arlyn has a Masters in Social Work, a Bachelors in Psychology and a certificate in criminal justice. She was previously working as a therapist, crisis responder, and doing outreach/prevention work for different organizations including UW-Madison and UW-Health. For fun she loves spending time with her growing family and friends, playing games, cooking, and having new experiences.
Patricia Lauten (She/Her/Hers)
Deputy City Attorney
plauten@cityofmadison.com
Patricia Lauten is the Deputy City Attorney for the City of Madison. She is the primary attorney representing the City on employment law, labor-management relations, grievance and interest arbitrations and other employment and personnel issues. Patricia became Deputy City Attorney in August, 2010. Prior to beginning work at the City, Patricia was in private practice for 10 years representing employees, unions, employers, small businesses, and non-profits in employment and labor law matters. Before Patricia began her legal career she spent 10 years in human resources for a large retail chain. She obtained a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Southern Illinois University, a bachelor’s degree in Allied Legal Services (Paralegal) from the University of Central Florida, and her law degree from Marquette University Law School in 2000.
Brad Lovell (He/Him/His)
Safety Coordinator
blovell@cityofmadison.com
(608) 266-9128
Brad is the City's Safety Coordinator. He handles all OSHA/DSPS compliance, Workers Compensation, and Safety Trainings. He is based in the Risk department of Finance where he and his team protect all assets of the City such as: Workers, Vehicles, Buildings, and Equipment.
Tresa Martinez, MSSW, CEAP (She/Her/Hers)
EAP Department Head
tmartinez@cityofmadison.com
(608) 266-6561
Tresa has worked at the City of Madison since 2005 as the EAP Coordinator, now EAP Manager. Prior to her employment with the City she worked at the DOT as an EAP Specialist for 13 years. For fun, she likes to bike, read, workout, spend time with her family and take walks with her German Shepherd Lulabelle. She has a Master's Degree in Organizational Social Work with Certificates in Corporate Consulting and Critical Incident Response in the field of Emergency Services. Tresa has two adults kids, Marissa and Riley and she recently became a very happy grandparent.
Adriana Peguero (She/Her/Hers)
Assistant City Attorney
apeguero@cityofmadison.com
608 266-4511
Adriana is an Assistant City Attorney and has been with the Attorney's Office for 15 years. She is the Public Records Law Attorney for the City.
Stacie Reece (She/Her/Hers)
Sustainability Program Coordinator
sreece@cityofmadison.com
(608) 261-9823 Stacie is the Sustainability Program Coordinator for the City of Madison. Prior to working for the City, Stacie was the sustainability coordinator for the City of Middleton as well as the director of sustainable business initiatives for the nonprofit Sustain Dane. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Management from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and is an alum of Leadership Greater Madison. Stacie has also been a resident member of the Sustainable Madison Committee. Her current position with the City coordinates and builds collaboration across the City to achieve shared goals while also helping build a more sustainable and resilient community.
Leslie Starczewski (She/Her/Hers)
City Records Manager
lstarczewski@cityofmadison.com
608 266-4454
Leslie is the City Records Manager. She is responsible for maintaining the City's records retention schedule and records policies. She also assists with e-discovery of email records.
Terrence Thompson, CPM, CPRP
Warner Park Facility Manager
TThompson@cityofmadison.com
(608) 245-3691Terrence Thompson serves as the Warner Park Facility Manager and holds a Bachelor of Science in Recreation Management from Appalachian State University with 17 years of progressively responsible experience in public and non-profit Park and Recreation, focusing on advancing racial equity and social justice the last eight years. Thompson is a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP) with National Recreation and Park Association and Certified Public Manager (CPM) with the Wisconsin Certified Public Manager Program. Thompson created and leads the Parks Racial Equity Change Team, Co-Leads the Brentwood/Northport Neighborhood Resource Team (NRT), and participants on several other Racial Equity and Social Justice Initiative workgroups.
Vendors
Sagar Awate
Sandhi Systems
Sagar Awate is a consultant to the City of Madison. He has accumulated an enriching experience of over two decades through implementing solutions addressing complex business processes, and leading multiple projects with competing priorities simultaneously. He has formed professional relationships with cross-functional Business Leaders, Clients and Vendors while spending over a decade in project management as an employee and a consultant/contractor working for various state agencies in Wisconsin as well as several organizations in the private sector. Sagar has proven experience in serving stakeholders at all levels within an organization through strategic planning and effective project execution to integrate well governed solutions with an Organizations goals and objectives. He has taken his exhaustive field experience in program and project management and combined it with his deep desire of teaching and coaching by serving as an Adjunct Instructor at University of Wisconsin, Madison to teach various aspects of project management. Overall, nothing excites Sagar more than fueling breakthrough results by enhancing an Organization’s services, performance, and competitiveness.
Reeshemah Davis, MA
EMBOLDEN Action, LLC
Equipped with 20 years of senior executive leadership experience, Reeshemah Davis (she/her/hers), founder and principal consultant for EMBOLDEN Action, works with executives in the development of diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies. Prior to EMBOLDEN, Reeshemah was senior manager of leadership development at YMCA of the USA, coaching C-suite executives in change management. She also led a national multicultural executive career advancement program, increasing the number of multicultural staff in key leadership positions across the country. She’s respected among peers as qualified to effectively manage complex operations, connect with diverse key leaders, and advocate for system change.
Nina Ferraro
Boldly + Co.
Nina graduated from UW-Madison in 2005 with a degree in Business Administration and enthusiastically began her career working for Epic Systems Corporation. She later became an Executive Director, helping eight Wisconsin-based hospitals and their presidents create business, work, and funding plans for needs that required the support of information systems and resources. After living and breathing the corporate world for 13 years, Nina became an entrepreneur. She invests in real estate throughout the country and specializes in leading workshops and coaching teams through Boldly + Co. She lives in Kenosha, WI, with her husband, two children, and dog Tank.
Tiffany Hamilton, Ed.D. (She, Her, Hers)
CultureSync
Dr. Tiffany Hamilton is a passionate, committed, and driven leadership development and DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) leader with over 20 years of experience as an educational professional and adult learning specialist. Creating and implementing leadership development and change management strategies requires vision and ongoing stewardship. As author of multiple curricular and programmatic offerings, Dr. Hamilton understands how to provide inclusive leadership coaching and development to empower people and organizations.
With 15 years in online education and distance learning, Dr. Hamilton’s expertise in virtual training and curriculum design combined with her public speaking skills make her a phenomenal trainer and facilitator. She facilitates groups using the Learning Through Discussion technique to take difficult and challenging topics and support learning through focused discussions. Tiffany has extensive experience working with educational, publicly funded, and non-profit organizations. In addition to many professional accolades, Tiffany has held notable positions such as Chair of the Leadership Development Institute and the Chair of DEI at the Junior League of Los Angeles (JLLA). JLLA is volunteer-based organization of women committed to empowering civic leaders through promoting service, developing the potential of women, and improving the community through effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Tiffany is a certified Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) coach and a Certified Diversity Executive (CDE)®. She received her BA in communication studies and sociology as well as her Doctorate of Education (Ed.D.) in educational leadership from the University of California, Los Angeles.
Lisa Hammonds, EdD
Dove Training & Innovations
Dr. Hammonds is an educator, training, and development expert. She has worked with clients across a broad range of industries including technology, education, non-profits, health & science. She has consulted with organizations to create transformative learning experience. With proven methods for empowering and engagement, her philosophy is grounded in the principle that everyone has the capacity and capability to realize growth and development. She has successfully partnered with organizations to create and offer training in areas including Train-The-Trainer, Team and Leadership Development, Curriculum Design/Development & Change Management.
Randall Kratz, MS, LCSW, LPC (He/Him)
rkratz@feinet.com
(414)359-6631
Randy is a licensed clinical social worker and professional counselor in the state of Wisconsin. He has worked as both a counselor and a supervisor in outpatient and hospital settings for over 15 years. He has been a workplace consultant for over 20 years providing employers and employees with assistance for critical incident stress, conflict management, organizational change, substance abuse, and other organizational challenges affecting people. Randy is an experienced adult educator. He’s presented at many conferences and workshops regionally and nationally. His presentation style and story-telling ability utilizes his vast experiences with people.
Sylvia Larrass (She/Her)
voice@sylvialarrass@com
613-447-6428
https://www.sylvialarrass.com/
Sylvia has been the director at Voice and Presentation Excellence, Ottawa, since 2005. With over 15 years of experience as a facilitator and trainer in Leadership, Public Speaking, and Executive Communication, she has successfully helped hundreds of professionals across Canada, the US, and Europe lead and inspire through effective communication. Her approach is highly collaborative and experiential, allowing clients and teams to explore and apply best practices for presentations, meetings, debates, difficult conversations, and consultations in an authentic, respectful and impactful way. Sylvia has facilitated close to 100 training sessions on Effective Presentation Skills and Meetings over the past 16 years.
Nathan Mack
Employee Trust FundsNathan Mack is a Trust Funds Specialist Advanced with Employee Trust Funds (ETF). He enjoys the opportunity to meet with Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) employees and share his knowledge regarding a variety of employment benefits. During the course of his career, Nathan has helped many people understand a variety of products and services regarding retirement needs throughout the communities he served. He brings a breath of customer service and retirement planning experience with him, which includes over 15 years of experience from the financial industry. It is Nathan’s goal to make every encounter with him a positive and meaningful one.
Mary Manthei
Boldly + Co.
A Wisconsin native and former Badger, Mary graduated from UW-Madison in 2005 after studying Graphic Design and Women’s Studies. She began her career working in several types of corporate settings before venturing into the entrepreneurial world. She has dedicated her spare time to numerous non-profit organization boards, developing experience on issues such as youth programs, housing insecurity, and community relations. Since 2018, Mary has brought her creative and organization skills, as well as her corporate experience (the good, bad, and ugly), to Boldly + Co. She resides in Kenosha, WI, with her husband, three children, and golden retriever.
Bruce Nelson
Precision Retirement Group, Inc.
Bruce Nelson is a founding partner of Precision Retirement Group, Inc., which was established in 2001. Mr. Nelson is responsible for qualified plan design, implementation, and ongoing monitoring of all client plans. Mr. Nelson assisted in the development of all PRG’s current plans and has implemented plans nationally. In addition, Mr. Nelson has over 27 years of experience in providing 403(b) and 457 plan services.
Carolina Romero-Morgan
CultureSync
Carolina is a Managing Director at CultureSync. She has over 20 years’ experience as a talent and organizational development professional. She is an exceptionally skilled trainer, program and curriculum developer, leadership and career coach, and change leader. Carolina is passionate about fostering diverse, inclusive, and equitable environments where teams and organizations flourish through individual development, partnerships, and purpose. She specializes in working with organizations in technology, health care, allied health, education, non-profit, and institutions of higher learning
Andrew Seaborg
Andrew Seaborg holds an MS in Finance, Investment & Banking from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Since 2007, he has served as Adjunct Professor at the University of Wisconsin Law School, where he teaches Law 771: Asset Management & Financial Planning to third year law students. He advises families, trusts and institutions on investment management, employer-sponsored retirement plans, and financial planning.
Brad Smith
MissionSquare Retirement (Formerly ICMA-RC)
Brad has been with MissionSquare Retirement (Formerly ICMA-RC) since 2017. Prior to working with MissionSquare Retirement he worked at Disney, Voya, Thrivent, and Fidelity Investments. Brad holds individual meetings (in-person & virtual) to assist with: enrollment questions, Roll-ins into your MissionSquare account, investment strategy, and pre-retirement catch-up. Brad lives in Waunakee and enjoys spending time with his family (wife, 17 year old twin son and daughter) and his Goldendoodle Finnegan.
Kai Stowers (He, Him, His)
CultureSync
Kai is an inclusion builder, intercultural developer, and breakthrough coach. He blends pragmatic solutions with audacious daring to enable individuals and teams to achieve their own greatness through their next transformation. He is an International Coaching Federation (ICF) Professional Certified Coach (PCC) and has a master’s degree in Organizational Psychology and Change Leadership from Columbia University. He leverages evidence-based methodologies including the Intercultural Development Inventory, Hogan Personality Assessments, and mindfulness practices to foster greater self-awareness and facilitate change.
In his former life, Kai had a career as a chemist. While he was fascinated by the technical challenges of analyzing complex molecules, he became increasingly interested in becoming a catalyst for change and learning what makes individuals and organizations great – resilience, empathy and compassion, and a growth mindset.
Scott A Webb, MSE, (He/Him)
scott.webb@dhs.wisconsin.gov
(608)266-3610
Scott Webb is a trauma survivor himself who has worked in the behavioral health field for 35 years. His career has included clinical, administrative and consultative work. He is currently the Trauma-Informed Care Coordinator at the State of Wisconsin Department of Health Services. He holds a Master of Science in Education degree from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. Since 2014, Scott has provided training and technical assistance on trauma-informed care principles to more than 15,000 clinicians statewide. His insights on trauma-informed care have been featured in articles published by Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism and Isthmus. He also has presented at numerous conferences and acted as keynote speaker for the UW-Madison School of Social Work, the National Alliance on Mental Illness Wisconsin Conference, and the Wisconsin Personal Services Association.