Wisconsin WOMEN Reception
SEPTEMBER 29, 2022
‘First Lady of Badger Sports’ to kick off
Sept. 29 W·O·M·E·N reception in Madison
Cindy Alvarez, who was a behind-the-scenes force in the rise of UW-Madison athletics over the course of three decades while also working on charitable causes, will speak Sept. 29 at the annual W•O•M•E•N reception in Madison.
Cindy Alvarez is the wife of Barry Alvarez, the retired UW-Madison athletic director and former head football coach who was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2010. Over time, Coach Alvarez has credited Cindy for keeping them from
becoming coaching “vagabonds” and for being a sounding board in good times and bad.
During a low point in his inaugural 1990 season in Madison, in which the Badgers were 1-10, Alvarez said he confided in Cindy: “I can never show weakness to anybody but you.”
Among her activities over time, Alvarez co-chaired an effort to bring a Gilda’s Club to Madison, where it continues to focus on helping people with cancer and their families.
Cindy Alvarez will share her memories of the couples’ 33 years in Madison during the annual reception, which over time has featured speakers such as Sue Marks, Eve Hall, Toni Sikes, Demetria Menard, Darcy Luoma, Dr. Susan Turney and a panel of women investors.
The W•O•M•E•N (Women, Opportunities, Mentors, Entrepreneurs and Networking) reception has been held in each of the last seven years. Open to attendance by men and women, the reception will begin at 5:30 p.m. at the J.H. Findorff & Son headquarters, 300 S. Bedford St. The presentation will begin at 6:30 p.m.
The cost is $25 for Tech Council members, $10 for students and returning veterans, and $50 for general admission. Sponsors of this year’s W•O•M•E•N reception are Findorff and Promega.
“We’re excited to shine a light on Cindy Alvarez, a familiar figure in Madison and Wisconsin as well as someone whose personality and stories will bring back memories for many people,” said Tom Still, president of the Wisconsin Technology Council. The Tech Council produces the event.
Past WOMEN Reception speakers include:
2015: Sue Marks, Cielo
2016: Eve Hall, African-American Chamber Commerce of Wisconsin
2017: Toni Sikes, CODAworx
2018: Demetria Menard, SwanLeap
2019: Darcy Luoma, Darcy Luoma Consulting
2020: Andrea Dlugos, Wisconsin Investment Partners; Dana Guthrie, Gateway Capital Fund; and Richelle Martin, Winnow Fund
2021: Susan Turney, Marshfield Clinic Health System.
2021 WOMEN Reception
Dr. Susan Turney, who is often ranked as one of the nation’s top healthcare executives, spoke Sept. 30 at the annual W•O•M•E•N reception in Madison.
Click here to read Alex Moe’s WisBusiness article on the evening.
Click here to view an online photo album.
Dr. Turney is the first chief executive officer of the Marshfield Clinic Health System, which serves major parts of Wisconsin through 1,200-plus medical providers in 90 specialties; more than 50 hospitals and clinics; a health plan; and world-renowned research and education programs. She is an internal medicine physician.
Dr. Turney is the first CEO of the Marshfield system, having previously worked as executive vice president of the Wisconsin Medical Society as well as president and CEO of MGMA-ACMPE, a national association for leaders of medical group practices.
The W•O•M•E•N (Women, Opportunities, Mentors, Entrepreneurs and Networking) reception, held in each of the last six years, features female entrepreneurs and industry leaders. Open to men and women, the reception will begin at 5:30 p.m. at the J.H. Findorff & Son headquarters, 300 S. Bedford St. The presentation will begin at 6:30 p.m.
Sponsors of this year’s W•O•M•E•N reception were Findorff, Perkins Coie and Promega.
“We’re excited to have a speaker of Dr. Turney’s reputation share her experiences, especially at a time of challenges and innovation within health care – especially in systems that serve predominantly rural populations,” said Tom Still, president of the Wisconsin Technology Council. The Tech Council produces the event with support from the Wisconsin Healthcare Business Forum.
Turney has served on committees for the National Quality Forum and the American Medical Association and fulfilled appointments by the Wisconsin governor and the U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary. She was recognized by Modern Healthcare earlier this summer as one of this year’s 50 Most Influential Clinical Executives.
