2022 Professional Development
Meet our Guest Speakers
MG Paul E. Knapp
The Adjutant General
Maj. Gen. Paul Knapp is Wisconsin’s Adjutant General. He commands the Wisconsin National Guard and is responsible for Emergency Management. He also serves as the Wisconsin’s Homeland Security Advisor, chairs the Wisconsin Homeland Security Council, and serves as the senior state official for cyber matters. Maj. Gen. Knapp holds a master’s degree in technology management from the University of Maryland and a political science degree, with Japanese minor, from the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Maj. Gen. Knapp entered the Air Force in 1992 as a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy. He served two operational tours as an F-15E Strike Eagle weapon systems officer and one as an Air Liaison Officer to the U. S. Army in South Korea. Maj. Gen. Knapp has over 3,000 flight hours, including 681 combat hours, and more than 262 combat sorties supporting operations Allied Force, Northern Watch, Southern Watch, Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom and Joint Task Force Horn of Africa.
Betsy Allen-Manning
Motiv8u Enterprises
Betsy Allen-Manning has been featured on FOX, CBS, ABC, NBC and TEDx. She is founder of the consulting firm, Motiv8u Enterprises, and is one of the best motivational speakers in the country; known for inspiring people with her story of going from failure…to worldwide singer…to global impactor.
With an expertise in human behavior and experience working as a manager for Disney and 5-star hotels, Betsy is honored to have trained over 7,500 leaders and teams for small businesses, franchises and associations, to multi-billion-dollar corporations, such as Toshiba, Fidelity, Six Flags and the U.S. Department of Defense. An author of three books, Betsy’s mission is to develop the “Impact leader” in everyone, so they can live a more successful and significant life.
Betsy will be the key-note speaker for our Saturday evening banquet.
Paul Krismer
The Happiness Experts Company
Paul Krismer is a noted public speaker and trainer. His company is called “The Happiness Experts Company.” He teaches the practical application of positive emotions to achieve personal and organizational excellence. His authentic and passionate commitment to his subject matter shines through his work. Playful and captivating storytelling compliments his intelligent and accessible presentation of the science of success. His teaching is powerful, authoritative, and convincing. At the same time, Paul is exceptionally practical, providing tools that audiences can use immediately. Paul has a proven track record as an inspirational leader. For over twenty years, he has served in senior management roles – overseeing hundreds of employees, multi-million-dollar projects, and cheerfully growing future leaders. As a Certified Executive Coach, Paul is appreciated for his kind-hearted, yet relentless pursuit of the client’s best life. Helping individuals and organizations reach greater success in his trademark promise. He is the best-selling author of “Whole Person Happiness — How to be Well in Body, Mind and Spirit”.
COL (Ret) Mike Hadley
NGAUS Legislative Director
COL (Ret) Mike Hadley serves as the Legislative Director for the National Guard Association of the United States. Following his retirement from the Army, he worked as a consultant within the defense industry assisting companies with marketing, business development and strategic planning primarily in the aerospace sector. Mike’s extensive legislative liaison experience includes serving in the Office of Legislative Liaison for the Secretary of the Army and the Office of Legislative Affairs for the Secretary of Defense as well as working as a Defense Fellow for Senator Barbara Mikulski. Mike worked closely with Congress on aviation system procurement, research and development as well as operations and maintenance accounts. He also served as the primary advisor to the Army Chief of Legislative Liaison on Army plans, programs and policies as they relate to the Army National Guard and Army Reserve and developing strategies for advancing the Army’s legislative objectives on Capitol Hill.
Mike will share legislative initiatives for 2021 during the Saturday Joint Session.
Dan Newberry
Lift For The 22
Dan Newberry joined the US Army in 2002 as an Airborne Indirect Fire Infantryman. He participated in two combat deployments to Operation Iraqi Freedom. In 2005, he was awarded the Purple Heart from being wounded in action when a roadside bomb struck his HUMVEE. He deployed a third time to Iraq in 2007. Upon leaving the Army as an E6, he battled severe PTSD, depression and anxiety. After losing his brother to suicide in 2015, he became an advocate for people suffering from mental illness. In 2016, he started an annual 22 mile walk and developed 22Fitness. 22Fitness is a free fitness program open to the entire community dedicated to those who struggle with depression, anxiety and PTSD. Dan now oversees “Lift For The 22”, a national non-profit organization designed to connect the veteran community, aid in their transition to civilian life and reduce military suicides. Dan serves as the Co-Director of the Veterans Business Outreach Center for Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation for WI and MN. In 2020, he was recognized by the Milwaukee Bix Times as one of Milwaukee’s notable Veteran Executives. Mr. Newberry will be our Saturday luncheon speaker.