The Board of Directors is the policymaking body for Forward Janesville, Inc., but many more individuals are involved in making sure the appropriate course is set and economic development efforts are carried out to a successful end.

Forward Janesville organizes it’s efforts through various “Councils”. Each is a specific group staffed with volunteers that have expertise and interest in a specific area of the FJI economic development strategy. By design these FJI Councils are interlocking and work together as many projects cross Council boundaries.

Government Relations Council:
Kayla Hiller (Nowlan & Mouat LLC) - Chair

Purpose:  Forward Janesville (FJI) is dedicated to the advancement of a pro-business agenda in Janesville, Rock County, the state of Wisconsin, and Washington, DC.   This involves lobbying at every level of government-from municipal to federal-on behalf of the business community.  The Government Relations Council, the group charged with charting the organization’s course on all legislative matters, will continue to coordinate FJI’s efforts to identify, research, and monitor legislative issues of interest to the Janesville area business community..

Education Council:
Steve Huth (School District of Janesville) - Co-Chair
Mary Willmer-Sheedy (M&I Bank) - Co-Chair

Purpose: Encourage economic diversity through its efforts to promote entrepreneurial growth and development. The Small Business Council will facilitate regular interaction with small business members to increase program effectiveness and member to member contact. The Small Business Council will advocate networking among members to promote small business growth.

Young Professionals:
Nick Fitzgerald  (Tricor Insurance) - Chair

Purpose: To engage professionals 21-35 years young through networking events, community service opportunities, and committee work, which is focused on the unique needs of this demographic.

Goodwill Ambassadors:
Kim Simmons (Lamar Outdoor Advertising) - Chair

Purpose: To maintain crucial connections between Forward Janesville staff and its members. The ambassadors support the FJI mission and support our members by attending ribbon cuttings, volunteering at FJI events, and making connections with business owners to ensure member satisfaction.