2022 Emerging Leaders of Waukesha County

The Waukesha County Business Alliance has announced the five winners of its Emerging Leaders of Waukesha County awards program. These awards celebrate young professionals who live or work in Waukesha County and who have shown personal initiative, determination and commitment to their careers and their community. Tomorrow’s leaders are taking steps today to build a dynamic and meaningful path toward a better future for our community. They are taking strides to further themselves personally and professionally by showing initiative, determination and commitment.

Congratulations to the 2022 Emerging Leaders of Waukesha County!

Austin Carlson
Divisional Controller, MLG Capital
As Divisional Controller, Austin oversees MLG Capital’s Fund Accounting Department focusing on investor reporting, property and fund distributions, valuations, partnership accounting, and treasury management. He also serves as Treasurer on the MLG Cares committee which in the past year has raised more than $12,000 for local nonprofits. Austin graduated Summa Cum Laude from Marquette University and is a Certified Public Accountant in the state of Wisconsin. In addition to excelling in his field, Austin shines on the ice as an international long track speedskating competitor. Every week, he balances his demanding career with the intense dedication of an Olympic caliber athlete, devoting more than 20 hours in early morning and late night practices.

Craig Cerbins
Vice President of Commercial Banking, First Business Bank
Craig started his career in financial services at First Business Bank, progressing from Credit Analyst in 2010 to Vice President – Commercial Banking in 2017. After leaving for almost four years, he rejoined First Business Bank in 2022 as Vice President of Commercial Banking. As a commercial banker, Craig partners with manufacturing and distribution companies, and has developed a niche working with food and beverage companies. Craig is also a very active member of the community serving as a member of the Board of Directors at Meta House, as well as Treasurer and member of Meta House’s Finance Committee, and previous Chair of the Meta House Young Leaders Board. In addition, Craig is a member of the Board of Directors at The Women’s Center, a member of The Women’s Center Finance Committee, and a former co-chair of the organization’s Advancing Advocates Council (AAC). He is a former Loaned Executive for United Way in Waukesha County and was recognized by United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County in 2017 as a Philanthropic 5 Award winner. Craig is also a hockey coach for his son’s youth team, and as a Trained Weather Spotter, he enjoys tracking the next storm.

Stephanie Stromberg
Director of New Product Development, Wildeck
Upon joining Wildeck in 2019, Stephanie took charge of its Engineering Drafting & Detailing Department and successfully improved processes while retaining and adding staff. She took the department from being a process bottleneck to delivering quality designs on time. Most recently, Stephanie has been promoted to Director of New Product Development where she is building a team of engineers and introducing new products to continue fueling Wildeck’s growth. She is also currently attending the organization’s internal leadership development program, Holden Leadership Academy. After graduating with her Bachelor’s Degree in 2004, Stephanie returned to school in 2011 to get her MBA while working full time. For the last several years Stephanie has been actively involved in her children’s sports, coaching second and third grade boys soccer and baseball.

Krista Suhr
Marketing & Business Development, Innovative Signs
Krista joined Innovative Signs in 2021 and from the start didn’t just see it as another job. Her role in Marketing & Business Development fit seamlessly into the collaborative culture of the organization and she spent a great deal of time understanding each team members’ role. Over the last year and a half, she has assisted Innovative in finding a successful SEO provider, provided visibility to the organization on social media, and has brought new and ideas to the team that have driven results. In addition to her work at Innovative, Krista is actively involved in the community and spends a great deal of time giving back. She is currently an Ambassador for the Waukesha County Business Alliance – greeting members with open arms and making connections within the business community. She also participates in a variety of other groups, including the Brookfield Chamber of Commerce, Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce (MMAC), International Facility Management Association (IFMA), and Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA). If anyone needs a hand, Krista is the first to offer, and works to find a way to fit it into her already busy schedule..

Jerad Wegner
Executive Team Member, Team Leader & Project Manager, Ruekert & Mielke, Inc.
Jerad joined Ruekert & Mielke, Inc. as an intern in 2004 and accepted a full-time position with the firm after earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee. Currently, Jerad serves as an Executive Team Member, Team Leader & Project Manager where his contributions to Waukesha County infrastructure improvement projects include street and highway design, boating and recreational facilities, transportation facilities, storm sewer design, storm water management planning and review, sanitary sewer design, and more. Beyond his work as a civil engineer, Jerad actively participates in the American Public Works Association, the Wisconsin Rural Water Association, the Collection System Committee, and the American Council of Engineering Companies.  Jerad is committed to the wellbeing of Waukesha County, offering his time and resources to a variety of charitable organizations and non-profits, most notably acting as the Treasurer for the Pewaukee Lake Chapter of Walleyes for Tomorrow.

The 2022 winners will be celebrated at the Alliance’s 104th Annual Meeting on Wednesday, October 12, 2022 at the Brookfield Conference Center. Registration for the event is now open.