2025 Conference on Servant Leadership
Passion & Purpose
For the past 22 years, Viterbo University has held a Conference on Servant Leadership for individuals who aspire to be servant leaders in nonprofit organizations, small and large businesses, government, health care, ministry, and education. This year's conference will examine how leaders can align their passion with purpose, fostering environments of trust, collaboration, and growth that benefit both individuals and organizations as a whole.
Rooted in the principles of empathy, humility, and ethical stewardship, servant leadership emphasizes a leader’s responsibility to serve others. This year’s theme, Passion and Purpose, highlights the critical connection between inspiration and vision, inviting participants to reflect on how these elements shape leadership practices and influence team dynamics.
Throughout the conference, attendees will engage with thought leaders, researchers, and practitioners from diverse sectors who will share cutting-edge research, practical strategies, and real-world case studies that exemplify servant leadership in action.
With a focus on actionable insights and professional development, this conference offers a unique opportunity for leaders at all levels to connect, learn, and build networks with others who are committed to leading with a servant’s heart. Whether you are new to servant leadership or an experienced practitioner, you will leave inspired, equipped, and ready to make a difference by leading with both passion and purpose.
Join us for an engaging conference held at the Weber Center for the Performing Arts, located on the banks of the beautiful Mississippi River in La Crosse, Wisconsin.
Registration Information
Standard Rate - $249
Student Rate - $149 (current students only)
Group Discounts are available, please contact Nicole Van Ert at nmvanert@viterbo.edu or call 608-796-3616 to inquire.
Hotel Accommodations
Hotel information and rates can be found here!
Thank You to Our 2025 Conference Sponsors:
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Sponsorship Opportunities Available Here
Speakers
Tom Thibodeau, Conference MC & Distinguished Professor of Servant Leadership
Tom Thibodeau is Distinguished Professor of Servant Leadership at Viterbo University and voted the best professor in La Crosse. He is a nationally recognized speaker who provides leadership and organizational culture development consulting to health systems, college systems, school systems, large cooperatives, communities, and organizations of all sizes across the U.S. He has been actively serving the La Crosse community for more than 20 years through his leadership on several community boards and committees and as founder and active member at Place of Grace, a local Catholic Worker House.
Heather Schimmers, MBA, RN, Gundersen Region President
Heather Schimmers is an experienced clinical and administrative leader who serves Emplify Health’s patients, staff and community partners as Gundersen Region President. Heather is responsible for all operational and strategic efforts in the region and connection to the same in Emplify Health’s Bellin Region. Heather has led strategic projects at the local and national level; developed multidisciplinary practice councils to bring stakeholders together to improve care; and she has been a key clinical leader working with clinicians, clinical staff, and fellow executives to drive success.
Prior to bringing two decades of healthcare leadership experience to what was then Gundersen Health System in 2021, Heather served as chief nursing officer for Ascension Wisconsin. Heather also served as the vice president of Patient Care Services for St. Elizabeth Hospital in Appleton, Wis., and has deep experience with nursing practice, specialty care services, patient experience best practices and building corporate culture.
Heather leads to make sure voices are heard and that staff are exceptional and compassionate as they care for patients. She also strives to be inclusive in gathering a broad range of perspectives and data to make decisions. Heather has been honored for this work as a Corporate Woman of Excellence by Insight Magazine and with an Athena International Leadership award.
Heather also understands the importance of engaging with partners to ensure health and well-being for patients, their families, and neighbors in the communities in Emplify Health’s care. Heather makes certain that the time she spends engaging with other organizations aligns to her values, an example being her board seat with Special Olympics of Wisconsin.
Lucas Herro, USA Para Archer
On June 30th, 2013, at the age of 23, my life changed forever. A diving accident broke my neck (C5), leaving 85% of my body paralyzed and bringing me to the brink of death. I was miraculously resuscitated, but left with an injury that would forever alter the course of my life.
Prior to the accident, I proudly served as a firefighter and EMT, finding purpose in helping others during their hardest moments. In an instant, I became the one in need of help. I lost my purpose. Today, I rely on the support of others to keep me alive.
The past 13 years have been filled with mental and emotional challenges: chronic pain, neuropathy, PTSD, depression, anxiety, thoughts of suicide, social challenges, and opioid addiction from prescribed medications. About five years ago, I hit my lowest point and nearly surrendered to despair. But that day, as I looked into the mirror, I chose life.
Since then, I’ve committed to living each day to the fullest, embracing the present, and finding joy in small victories. As I searched for a new purpose, I discovered ways to contribute and inspire others despite my physical limitations. I became a motivational speaker, an adaptive athlete, and have had the honor of representing the United States around the world in the sport of archery. My true purpose lies in service to others. The experiences I've had in the last 13 years, while not what I had envisioned, have given me a profound rejuvenated sense of purpose and desire to impact and touch as many lives as possible.
Jon Greendeer, President, Ho-Chunk Nation
Jon Greendeer is a graduate of UW-Marathon County and went on to complete his Bachelors in Political Science from UW-Stevens Point in 2004. Upon completion, he was appointed as the Executive Administrative Officer for the Ho-Chunk Nation overseeing the administrative and financial day-to-day operations. With his Workplace Mediation Certification, Jon worked with employees and employers to implement effective conflict resolution strategies. Jon was elected President of Ho-Chunk Nation and served from 2011-2015, was appointed as the Executive Director of Heritage Preservation, worked as the Nation’s Health and Wellness Coordinator focused on culturally informed diabetes and obesity prevention approaches through models of community-integrated indigenous and sustainable food systems. Jon is now serving his second 4-year term as the President of the Ho-Chunk Nation.
Ryan Crain '24, Executive Director of Education, Ho-Chunk Nation
Ryan John Crain, Sr., is an energetic, positive-energy-sharing leader who serves as the Executive Director of Education for the Ho-Chunk Nation. Ryan empowers his employees to find or create new resources that benefit students and to make decisions that are in the best interest of Ho-Chunk scholars. Ryan holds a B.S. in Business Management from the University of Wisconsin- La Crosse and a master's in Servant Leadership from Viterbo University. He and his wife, Cassidee Crain, are the proud parents of two boys, Ryan John Crain II "RJ" (5 years old) and Cameron Anthony Allen Crain (3 years old). Ryan serves on numerous boards that provide educational and economic value to communities in the Driftless Region and beyond. Ryan enjoys family adventures to children's museums, zoos, waterparks, and hiking trails. He also plays in rec league sports and coaches youth sports.
Carolyn Colleen Bostrack, PhD ’07, ’10, Founder, FIERCE Foundation
Dr. Carolyn Colleen Bostrack, Ph.D., is an award-winning author, international speaker, executive leader, and humanitarian whose work inspires transformation and resilience. She is the founder of the FIERCE Foundation, a platform dedicated to empowering individuals to overcome challenges and achieve personal and professional success.
Carolyn is the author of F.I.E.R.C.E: Transform Your Life in the Face of Adversity, 5 Minutes at a Time! and co-author of Academic and Educational Entrepreneurship, works that have impacted thousands globally. As a UN Delegate for the Commission on the Status of Women, Carolyn champions overcoming adversity and bridging divides through communication and leadership.
Her mission is to foster respectful dialogue and collaboration through effective communication and leadership. Carolyn's FIERCE Action Framework equips individuals and organizations to tackle adversity with courage and clarity, turning challenges into opportunities for growth.
With over 15 years of experience in healthcare, leadership, and executive coaching, Carolyn's work has touched lives around the world. Her impact is seen not only in her leadership initiatives but also in her ability to spark transformation, inspiring others to thrive against all odds.
Christopher Laurent '24, President, Cinnaire Solutions
Christopher Laurent joined Cinnaire in 2015 and serves as President of Cinnaire Solutions, the real estate development affiliate of Cinnaire. In this role, Chris leads an inclusive and mission-driven team working across Cinnaire’s nine-state footprint to transform communities through impactful real estate development. Cinnaire Solutions partners with community stakeholders, executes projects, and provides financial capacity to create equitable and lasting change in the built environment.
With a broad and purpose-driven real estate career spanning three decades, Chris is deeply engaged in community development and education. He serves on the board and as a course instructor for LISC Milwaukee’s Associates in Commercial Real Estate (ACRE) program and is an adjunct lecturer at both the Milwaukee School of Engineering and Marquette University. His civic and professional leadership includes roles as Vice President and Lending Committee Chair for Forward Community Investments, President of Do Good Wisconsin, Director of the Viterbo University MBA/MASL Alumni Chapter Board, and director of the Clarke Square Neighborhood Initiative. He serves as Commissioner and Treasurer for the Dane County Housing Authority.
Chris holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and a Master of Arts in Servant Leadership from Viterbo University (‘24).
Neal Zygarlicke '11, '12, President, Badger
Neal Zygarlicke is the President of Badger, a fifth-generation family and employee-owned building materials supply and distribution company. Beginning this role in September 2024, he oversees the executive leadership team for its 175 employees, guiding Badger into its sixth generation of family ownership. Neal is also the owner and founder of The Full Court Vision, specializing in strategic planning, culture assessments, and inspirational speaking engagements. Previously, he served as CEO of the La Crosse Area Chamber of Commerce, where he united 600+ businesses to address workforce issues, advocate legislation, and develop future leaders. He also spent time as the Property Executive and Internal Audit Manager at First Supply, LLC, notably implementing a culture audit across 47 midwest facilities. Neal holds an MBA with an emphasis on Servant Leadership from Viterbo University. A dedicated community member, he is an Emeritus Board Member for the Viterbo Alumni Association, is the President of the Habitat for Humanity La Crosse Board, and is an active committee member helping to fundraise for the Life & Workforce Readiness Center at the Boys & Girls Club. Neal, wife Whitney, and fur-children Sata Mae & Reika, reside in the City of La Crosse.
Lauren Journot, Impact Director, La Crosse Area Community Foundation
Lauren Journot joined the La Crosse Area Community Foundation in 2023, and with her brought over a decade of experience in nonprofit work. She started in direct service working with youth in out-of-school-time spaces and managing large teams of staff and volunteers. In 2017, Lauren began her journey in nonprofit leadership, landing her in La Crosse in 2019 as the Executive Director of YWCA La Crosse. Lauren would never refer to herself as an “expert” and enjoys that life gives us frequent opportunities to learn, grow, and do better.She joined the foundation hoping to lean on her experiences to support and make connections with other nonprofits and charitable humans. Lauren understands the scarcity mindset that plagues nonprofits, has experienced the burnout that comes with a lack of resources and recognizes barriers to accessing funding and mutually beneficial collaboration between organizations. She works to continue expanding her understanding and nonprofit expertise to empower our local nonprofit sector to be healthy, collaborative, and impactful. She understands that charitable organizations are where big ideas, and incredible needs meet modest budgets and challenging compliance requirements. Outside of work, Lauren enjoys spending time volunteering with and supporting her daughter’s show choir team (Go River City Revolution!), nurturing and enjoying her plants, going on local adventures with her family, and creating art of all kinds.
Jake Bowe '20, Owner/Operator of Culver's
Jake Bowe is the Owner/Operator of the Culver’s restaurants located in Onalaska, Wisconsin and Winona, MN. Jake started working in the Culver’s franchise in 1997 and has worked in 8 Culver’s locations in every restaurant capacity. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse in 2006 earning a BS degree in Finance and a BS degree in Management with Human Resource Emphasis, and most recently, Viterbo University’s Master of Arts in Servant Leadership in 2020. Jake and his wife, Emily, have four boys. They enjoy traveling and outdoor activities.
Dr. Julio Bird, Interventional Cardiologist
Dr. Julio Bird is an Interventional Cardiologist with Emplify Health by Gundersen. He previously served as Executive Vice President and Director of Medical Research at Gundersen Health System, where he is now recognized as Emeritus Director. A veteran of the U.S. Army Medical Corps, Dr. Bird was also selected as a nominee for the Army Astronaut Program’s NASA space shuttle crewmember board.
Beyond medicine, Dr. Bird is an accomplished mountaineer and made history as the first Puerto Rican to summit Mount Everest. He resides in La Crosse, Wisconsin, with his wife, Maribel. Together they have two children, Julio Jr. and Denise, and are proud grandparents to six grandchildren.
Dr. Jeff Thompson, CEO Emeritus of Gundersen Health System
Dr. Jeff Thompson is CEO emeritus of Gundersen Health System, pediatrician, and author of Lead True: Live Your Values, Build Your People, Inspire Your Community. He is a retired Neonatal pediatrician, and as CEO of Gundersen Health System for fourteen years he was responsible for measurably improving quality, lowering cost and advancing care into the community. He served a staff of seven thousand and hundreds of thousands of patients in the local and regional community. Dr. Thompson received the Practice Green Health Visionary Leader Award and was the only U.S. provider to speak in the Blue Zone at the Paris Climate talks. He received the White House Champions of Change award and continued his service with NAM, IHI and HCWH. Dr. Thompson’s focus is to teach, mentor and build our next generation of leaders.
Derek Cortez, PhD, Chief Executive Officer, Chileda
Derek is the CEO of Chileda, Inc in La Crosse, Wisconsin, where he has served since 2017. Prior to Chileda, Derek served as Division Chair and Assistant Professor in the Dahl School of Business at Viterbo University.
Chileda is an organization whose mission is to improve the quality of life for children and adults with severe and profound autism as well as other cognitive challenges. Chileda’s residential, day school and community-services programs serve individuals in southwest Wisconsin as well as the Fox River Valley area.
Derek earned his Ph.D. in Communication Studies from The University of Texas, Austin. His primary area of research was employee commitment, specifically the intersection of communication as it relates to employee commitment. He also has a Master of Science degree in Management Communication from the University of Portland.
Misty Lown, Entrepreneur & Founder of Misty's Dance Unlimited
Misty Lown is the founder of More Than Just Great Dancing® - a licensed dance studio affiliation program that reaches over 100,000 dance students each week. She also has owned Misty’s Dance Unlimited in Onalaska, WI, for 27 years. She currently serves as President of Ensemble Schools. Misty has been recognized as “Outstanding Businesswoman of the Year” by the YWCA and awarded the “Pope John XXIII Award for Distinguished Service” by Viterbo University. She is the author of One Small Yes an Amazon #1 Bestseller that has been translated to Korean and Indonesian. Misty will present on The Gift of Feedback.
James A. Bowey, Documentary Artist
James A. Bowey is a Chicago-based documentary artist whose work explores issues of human rights and social connection. He has spent his career covering a wide range of global and national stories from the war in Bosnia to Hurricane Katrina. His photography and writing have been featured in The New York Times, Time Magazine, the Associated Press, as well as in numerous exhibitions. Building on his career as an international photojournalist, editor and professor of art and media, Bowey creates what he calls “interactivations” that combine documentary storytelling, visual art and live programs in an art form that promotes empathy and bridges social divisions. His current projects about refugees and race in America are being presented in venues around the country.
Valerie Savage '22, Author
Savage is the author of the book, Transcending through Servant Leadership, which guides readers to explore what is known within themselves. She is currently working to create 10 books for children based upon the 10 characteristics of servant leadership. It will have stories and illustrations geared toward children and probing questions for parents.
Martha Boehm '23, Author & Marketing and Communications Leader
Martha Boehm is the author of the recently released book, Just Keep Growing: 25 Servant Leadership Lessons. She began her career as an award-winning journalist and later shifted to communications and marketing in addition to leadership development. She received a Servant Leader Award from Viterbo University, where she earned a Master of Arts in Servant Leadership. She also earned a Master of Arts in Media Studies and a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee.
Dennis Dean Ondrejka, PhD, Author
Dr. Ondrejka received his BSN from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, his MSN from the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, and his Ph.D. in Higher Education from the University of Denver, Denver, Colorado.Dennis is a professor, researcher, clinician, author, and consultant. He is an expert in group work, psychodrama, weekend retreats for men, Hakomi-Shadow clinician, and has provided Servant Leadership programs in Vietnam nine times for one university and 20 hospitals from 2005 to 2025. He is the President and Education Consultant of D & T Services, LLC. Dennis' latest books include: AIs in Search of Jesus and Servant Leadership: Good work, Sacred work, Our work, co-authored by Tom Thibodeau.
Dan Sebranek, Mary Cortesi, and Tim Kolek, Musicians
Dan Sebranek has been playing music professionally since he was 14. He is a founding member of both String Ties and Phoenix. A friend wrote, "Dan is a great musician and even better person." Mary Cortesi is a counselor by day and a singer, performer, and animator by night. She is compassionate and courageous in all she does. Tim Kolek is a multi-talented musician and leader in the banking industry. He serves and plays with goodness and grace. Music brings us together and helps us celebrate.
We look forward to seeing you in June!
