Nov. 5 Lunch Speakers

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Tech Council showcases new leadership and celebrates entrepreneurial excellence at Early Stage Symposium

Maggie Brickerman, the newly appointed president of the Wisconsin Technology Council, will take the stage over lunch Nov. 5 at the Wisconsin Early Stage Symposium to share her vision for Wisconsin’s innovation economy.

She will be joined for a fireside chat by Tech Council board chairman Gary Frings and vice chairman Mark Ehrmann, who will discuss the organization’s future direction and priorities under her leadership.

Following the conversation, conference attendees will vote for the recipient of the rebranded Triple E Award, now called the Excellence in Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Award. The honor recognizes individuals that strengthen Wisconsin’s startup and innovation communities through their work in entrepreneurship, economic development and collaboration. The six nominees reflect the spirit of innovation and community that defines Wisconsin’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Representing the Eau Claire region, Elaine Coughlin brings a strong background in entrepreneurship, investment and ecosystem development. She has managed a coworking space, led investment and entrepreneurship initiatives and served as head of platform for a regional venture fund. With experience spanning founder support, capital connections and community building, Coughlin plays a key role in advancing innovation and economic growth across western Wisconsin.

Representing central Wisconsin, Patrick Gatterman serves as economic development manager for the city of Wausau, drawing on a strong background in small-business support and regional growth. Before joining the city, he directed the Small Business Development Center at UW-Stevens Point, where he advanced no-cost business consulting and entrepreneurial programming across the region.

Representing the New North region, Jacob Miller leads Startup Wisconsin Week and related programs that connect and inspire entrepreneurs statewide. Drawing on his marketing and brand management experience at Green Bay-based Headway, he focuses on expanding Wisconsin’s innovation ecosystem through events, content and community building beyond the major metro areas.

Representing the Milwaukee region, Joe Poeschl leads the MKE Tech Hub Coalition as executive director. He previously served as the organization’s director of engagement and co-founded The Commons in 2014, developing programs that connect entrepreneurs, students and corporate partners. In his current role, Poeschl focuses on building strategic networks, amplifying innovation stories and accelerating tech talent growth across the region.

Representing the southwest Wisconsin region, Nora Roughen-Schmidt is a business consultant with the Wisconsin Small Business Development Center. Her experience includes serving as executive director of the Viroqua Chamber Main Street and later overseeing the entrepreneurial hub StartingBlock Madison.

Representing the Madison region, Peter Welch serves as executive director of the Wisconsin Startup Coalition, which he co-founded to amplify early-stage entrepreneurship and influence state policy. With a decade of experience leading associations, advocacy efforts and strategic operations across healthcare, energy and nonprofit sectors, Welch now focuses on building alliances, shaping legislative reform and increasing investment in the state’s founders.