15 Oct URP welcomes new board members
University Research Park, Inc., a 501(c)(3) supporting the University of Wisconsin – Madison announced the election of three new board members: Steve Dickmann, Laurie Benson, and Paul Shain.
“University Research Park is a vital component of the University of Wisconsin – Madison’s economic development mission,” Chancellor Rebecca Blank, the president of the board, said. “I’m delighted we attracted this talented group and appreciate their willingness to help fuel the economic engine that is the University of Wisconsin.”
The new board members’ experience extends to IT, biotech, healthcare, finance, banking, manufacturing, and entrepreneurship:
Steve Dickmann
Steve Dickmann is currently the Chief Administration Officer at Epic in Verona. He is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater and the University of Wisconsin – Madison’s law school. Steve has extensive business management, finance, technology, and facilities development experience. Prior to joining Epic in 1999, he had leadership roles at Affiliated Bank Corporation, Nelson Industries and Digisonix.
Laurie Benson
Laurie Benson, LSB Unlimited, is an entrepreneur who co-founded and led Inacom Information Systems as Chief Executive Officer until their successful acquisition was completed in 2009. She is active on numerous corporate boards and as an advisor to senior executives. A nurse by training with a BS from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, Benson gives back to the community through service and leadership roles at the University of Wisconsin and other community organizations.
Paul Shain
Paul Shain is an entrepreneur and technology leader and currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of Singlewire Software. Shain previously helped sell Berbee Information Networks to CDW while serving as CEO of Berbee. Prior to joining Berbee, he was a Managing Director at Robert W. Baird. Shain holds an MBA and BBA from the University of Wisconsin – Madison.
Retiring board members include Carol Toussaint, Doug Timmerman, and former Chancellor and University Research Park founder, Irving Shain.
Established in 1984, University Research Park is an internationally recognized research and technology park that supports early-stage and growth oriented businesses in a range of sectors including engineering, computer, and life sciences. Over 125 companies call University Research Park home employing approximately 3,800 workers and generating $43 million of local and state tax revenue annually and an economic impact over $825 million each year.