Meet Your Ambassadors

Ambassadors are a crucial link between the Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce and our members. They help foster an active business climate and leverage the strengths of our membership through active engagement

Through a diverse network of members and community partners, we prioritize accelerating business growth. Acting as a matchmaker, we facilitate connections through support, strategic networking, collaboration, and educational workshops, ultimately uniting businesses to grow our community.

Aaron J. Armstrong

Aaron J. Armstrong is a West Point–educated systems engineer, business consultant, AI Ethics, Theology & Sociotechnical Decision Systems Scientist who combines military precision with entrepreneurial vision. After serving as a U.S. Army officer overseeing PATRIOT missile‑system operations and later earning recognition as a business consultant as a civilian, he built a real‑estate portfolio and founded The Venture Project—a HUBZone‑certified coworking and start‑up center whose mission is to provide professional resources and support to remote workers, entrepreneurs and innovators HQed in Oshkosh, WI .

He co‑founded the Vetrepreneur Project, partnering with Salute the Troops and the Wisconsin Veterans Chamber to offer veteran entrepreneurs a fully funded weekend accelerator that includes training, networking and a live pitch contest awarding up to $5 000 in seed funding , while advising organizations on AI‑enabled decision‑making and strategic growth.

Kyle Arneson

Kyle Arneson is an entrepreneur and philanthropist for veterans’ causes. A decorated United States Marine Corps Veteran, Kyle has held numerous leadership positions within the financial services industry such as private banking, wealth advisory, capital funding, and corporate debt restructuring over the last 30 years. He is the founder of World Leadership Partners, a business coaching and consulting practice that engages exclusively with entrepreneurs, business owners, corporate clients and philanthropic organizations. The practice is accredited by Dr. John C. Maxwell, the world’s foremost authority on leadership and growth, and The John Maxwell Team, allowing him to pour into clients via an incredible intellectual property reservoir. Kyle continues to actively support programs that empower and enrich the lives of our veterans. In addition to founding Objective: Veterans’ Smile, Kyle is also a co-founder of The Chicago Marines Foundation. He has worked on multi-million-dollar fundraising campaigns for veterans and their families at RUSH University Medical Center and The Lone Survivor Foundation.

Georgia Lee Arts

Georgia Lee Arts is a 24-year U.S. Air Force veteran with a career spanning active duty, civil service, and the Air National Guard, specializing in training, leadership, and air and space operations. During the Gulf War, she served as an airborne surveillance technician on the E-3 Sentry AWACS aircraft, executing deep-look surveillance operations that provided critical tactical control beyond enemy lines. Her exemplary performance in or near hostile airspace earned her the prestigious Aerial Achievement Medal. Following her military career, Georgia founded Deep Spaces Identity Coaching, an innovative framework designed to help individuals explore and align their identities with their professional endeavors. In 2022, she established Elysian Dream®, a venture that takes clients on a self-discovery journey into Elysium – a place that empowers clients to overcome barriers, create authentically aligned lives, careers, brands, and legacies. Her 2024 publication, Dream Journey: Breaking the Dream Barriers™ – A Guide to Bridging Identity Gaps in Life and Career, encapsulates her approach to personal and professional development. Georgia Lee Arts serves as an ambassador for the Wisconsin Veterans Chamber of Commerce (WVCC) to support fellow veterans and veteran-friendly businesses. In this role, she is dedicated to fostering collaborative environments that provide career and business support, ensuring that the contributions of veterans are recognized and valued within their communities.

Jae Dominguez

Jae Dominguez is a U.S. Army Combat Veteran and a first-time business owner recently recognized as 100% disabled by the VA. After a career serving in government roles, Jae transitioned into entrepreneurship and now leads Vet Capital Holdings, the parent company of Brix & Mortar Coworking and Creative Exchange Studios in downtown Madison, WI. Through Brix, Jae has built a hub where professionals, entrepreneurs, and creatives connect, while Creative Exchange Studios provides a space for media production, music, and storytelling. His mission is to create opportunity, community, and growth for others—especially fellow veterans and underrepresented entrepreneurs—by blending business, creativity, and service.

Connor Freimuth

Connor Freimuth, is the Founder and Soil Regeneration Specialist at NEW Compost. An Agricultural Biotechnology Company focused on producing biological living soil amendments and biofertilizers for Wisconsin Agriculture. Studying the Foremost Soil Biologist Dr. Elaine Inham’s soil research through the Soil Food Web School. He went on to study many soil luminaries in the field of biological agriculture. Connor is dedicated to helping growers of all scales from small backyard gardeners to large scale farmers break their dependence on chemical fertilizers and pesticides; in favor of utilizing living biological additives that accelerate and enhance fertility in the soil, leading growers to higher plant health, yield and nutrition. While not a veteran himself, Connor is dedicated to helping Veteran Owned Business and other small businesses make safer holistic decisions for their own spaces and educate other organizations on the importance of Soil Health. Simply stated, Connor mission is to supply, educate and lead growers to maximize the profitability and sustainability of their operations to impact the very landscape of the Midwest. NEW Compost is also a member of many of our partner organizations including the Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce.

Dannelle Gay

Dannelle Gay is a Wisconsin native who has been writing about travel for over a decade under the moniker “The Traveling Cheesehead.” As a professional chef who had her own restaurant, she loves discovering different locations through their unique food. She helps others live a champagne life on a beer budget and thinks travel should be a huge part of that. Dannelle recently wrote the book “World War II Dispatches to Madison: Letters home from an Army Air Corps Soldier.” 100% of the proceeds to that book go to The Wounded Warrior Project. The book is available on Amazon.com. She is a local legend in SC Wisconsin and her collaborative nature makes Dannelle a great resource!

Kris O'Kane

Kris O’Kane is a dedicated business professional with a passion for relationship-building and community engagement. As the New Business Development Sales Manager at the Best Western Premier Park Hotel, located on Madison’s Capitol Square, Kris specializes in creating tailored hospitality solutions for her clients. With a strong background in sales and customer service, she takes pride in fostering connections that support business growth and enhance the local economy.

As an Ambassador for the Wisconsin Veterans Chamber of Commerce, Kris brings her enthusiasm for networking and collaboration to the veteran business community. She is committed to supporting veteran-owned businesses, advocating for their success, and providing resources to help them thrive. Her expertise in business development allows her to serve as a valuable bridge between the hospitality industry and the veteran entrepreneur network, ensuring meaningful opportunities for growth.

Beyond her professional role, Kris is deeply invested in building relationships that make a lasting impact. Whether she is connecting business owners with key resources, assisting clients with their event and lodging needs, or representing the Chamber at networking events, her dedication to service shines through. She is excited to contribute her skills and passion to the Wisconsin Veterans Chamber of Commerce and looks forward to making a difference in the lives of veteran entrepreneurs.

Theresa Irving

I’m a veteran, builder, and mission-driven leader who believes service doesn’t end when the uniform comes off — it evolves. As the Director of Development at Owners in Honor, I help U.S. veterans transition into purposeful business ownership through acquisition, not startups. We provide the roadmap, mentorship, and community veterans need to take the helm of existing small businesses with customers, cash flow, and a legacy worth preserving. With a background in entrepreneurship, nonprofit development, and military service, I bring tactical execution and creative strategy to every opportunity. From raising six-figure funds to launching national veteran entrepreneurship events, I lead with urgency, empathy, and clarity. I’ve seen firsthand how business ownership changes lives — not just for the veteran, but for their families and communities.

Rhonda Reigstad

I have worked for the federal government for 20 years. A late friend of mine was a Colonel in the Army and persuaded me to try for my current position. I have several family members who have served. My father was a Korean War veteran who served in Japan for 18 months. One of my uncles is a Vietnam War veteran. I have the utmost respect for those who decide to serve, whether it’s four years or a career. Our men and women who are serving and have served should be receiving support. If it’s in conflict or once they return home, I feel we all have a part in helping them. I look forward to helping the Veterans Chamber of Commerce in the Fox Valley area.

John Reuter

As an Air Force Veteran turned experienced Realtor, I have been serving clients in Wisconsin’s Dane County and surrounding areas for several years. With a stellar reputation as one of the top real estate agents in the region, my military background has endowed me with valuable experience and skills that seamlessly apply to work in real estate, including attention to detail, organization, and clear communication. Excellence permeates every aspect of my work, evident in my meticulous attention to detail throughout the buying or selling process. Whether I am assisting clients in preparing their homes for sale, conducting comprehensive market analyses to determine optimal pricing, or skillfully negotiating on their behalf, I ensure that no detail is overlooked. My military training has ingrained in me a methodical approach, allowing to consistently deliver exceptional results for my clients, through the “Homes for Heroes” program. I am deeply committed to my community and am actively involved in various local organizations. I generously volunteer time and resources to support local businesses and initiatives. My passion for making the community a great place to live, work, and raise a family and it shines through in my efforts. In conclusion, whether you’re buying or selling a home in the area, my attention to detail, organizational prowess, clear communication, and unwavering dedication makes me the ideal choice for achieving your real estate goals in Dane County and its environs. I am ready today to share my passion for commerce as a member of the WVCC Ambassador Program!

Mary Rose

For over 20 years, I’ve had the incredible privilege of helping people turn their dream of homeownership into a reality. From VA mortgages to construction lending and first-time homebuyer education, and everything in between—and I love every minute of it. I’m proud to be part of The Federal Savings Bank, a veteran-owned bank where passion meets purpose.

Supporting our veteran and active-duty military community isn’t just part of my job—it’s personal. As the proud mom of a Marine turned newly promoted Sergeant in the United States
Army, my commitment runs deep. My family and I stay actively involved in the veteran community, and I’m lucky to give back in a way that truly changes lives—by opening the door to homeownership for those who’ve served.

When I’m not working with clients or spending time with my four sons and five dogs, you’ll probably find me at the gym. Fitness is my therapy and my reset button. It fuels my energy, sharpens my focus, and keeps me ready for whatever the day brings—both at work and at home.

Paula Severson

Paula Severson is a passionate Financial Wellness Specialist with a deep commitment to empowering individuals through education and resources. In her role at Summit Credit Union, Paula partners with employers to bring complimentary financial wellness programs directly to their employees—helping them build financial confidence, reduce stress, and achieve long-term stability. Her work reflects a strong belief in the power of proactive financial guidance to transform lives and strengthen communities. As an Ambassador for the Wisconsin Veterans Chamber of Commerce, Paula brings her dedication to service and relationship-building to the Veteran business community. With several Veterans in her family, she is personally invested in supporting those who have served. She advocates for Veteran-owned businesses and works to connect them with tools and opportunities that foster growth and resilience. Paula’s experience in financial wellness, combined with her collaborative spirit, makes her a valuable resource for both employers and entrepreneurs. Whether she’s hosting workshops, organizing events, or building strategic partnerships, Paula is driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact. She is honored to serve as a WVCC Ambassador and looks forward to contributing to the Chamber’s mission of supporting Wisconsin’s Veteran business leaders.

Brad Skinkis

Brad is Vice President of Confluence Graphics and has over 30 years of experience in the printing industry, managing all aspects of printing manufacturing and service. While not a Veteran himself, Brad is dedicated to helping Veteran Owned businesses thrive through effective networking, committed to excellence and fostering strong business relationships. Outside of the 80-hour work weeks, Brad enjoys spending quality time with family and disc golfing. Confluence Graphics is also a member of many of our partner organizations including the Northshore Chamber of Commerce.

Jason Turner

Jason Turner is a U.S. Army veteran who served in the Wisconsin Army National Guard from 2004 to 2016, completing three 12-month combat deployments to Iraq (2006, 2009) and Afghanistan (2014). In 2006, he deployed with B Battery, 1-121 FA as a Specialist and gunner on a convoy security mission, logging nearly 100,000 miles across Iraq. In 2009, he returned as a Sergeant and team leader on a detainee operations mission overseeing movements and security of nearly 400 Iraqi detainees. In 2014, Jason deployed to Afghanistan with A Battery, 1-121 FA as a Staff Sergeant and HIMARS Launcher Chief, where he helped earn the nickname “Bad Skies” for the 1/121 FA HIMARS battalion – later formalized as “Dark Skies” by the U.S. Army. His contributions shaped HIMARS doctrine and influenced its strategic use globally. After transitioning to civilian life, Jason applied his leadership and operational experience across both nonprofit and private sectors. He currently serves as Executive Director of Salute the Troops, a Fond du Lac–based nonprofit supporting veterans through advocacy, peer support, and entrepreneurship. Under his leadership, the organization launched the Vetrepreneur Project, which has helped launch 77 veteran-owned businesses and awarded nearly $70,000 in seed funding.

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