Editor’s note: The following news release was received from the City of Whitewater.
The Whitewater University Technology Park board of directors has appointed Elizabeth Thelen, M.S. as the Whitewater University Technology Park and Community Engagement Center’s Executive Director.
After an extensive nationwide search, the search committee narrowed the prospects down to three final candidates for in-person interviews. Kevin Kaufman, the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater Business Outreach Director and a member
of the search committee, feels great about the hire, saying, “Elizabeth brings a deep network and is known as a great leader in
entrepreneurial support in southeastern Wisconsin.”
John Weidl, city manager and the Vice President of the Whitewater University Technology Park, shares, “I look
forward to collaborating with Elizabeth to continue the partnership between the City of Whitewater and the University of
Wisconsin – Whitewater. We will be working closely to build on the Innovation Center’s successes to bring new
businesses and a new tax base to the industrial park.”
Elizabeth Thelen is a leader working at the intersection of technology, economic development and people. She has
dedicated her career to connecting people, leading projects and organizations, and getting things done. Elizabeth does
this by building trusted relationships, strong networks and a passion for technology. BDHS Consulting, AeroX Tech, The
Water Council, HRDC, Slinger Speedway, Midwest Innovation Exchange are all organizations she has founded, cofounded or led. She sits on a number of business advisory boards; including Wisconsin Aerospace Partners advisory board and Wisconsin Chapter leader of the national non-profit, Independent Women’s Network.
As an entrepreneur herself, Elizabeth has the experience of what it takes to build a team, manage financials, inspire vision
and implement for results. She has real world experience in technology projects, working with start-ups and researchers,
organizing and leading teams, and leading businesses through change. Acting as president, vice president, director,
network builder, coach, facilitator, or whatever title she has, Elizabeth brings energy, optimism and results to all her
assignments. Not only will she support the Whitewater entrepreneurial community, but also contribute to the broader
Wisconsin entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Elizabeth shares, “We all look forward to reigniting the Innovation Center’s vision with the City of Whitewater and
Technology Park. We need to dig deep and ask who do we want to be and how will we get there? Be bold! Be clear!”
Whitewater University Technology Park
The City of Whitewater, the Whitewater Community Development Authority, and the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater
partnered and founded the Whitewater University Technology Park and Innovation Center in 2011. As the cornerstone of
the 130-acre Whitewater University Technology Park, the Whitewater University Innovation Center is a mixed-use
incubator and serves as a community for entrepreneurs.
Community Engagement Center
The vision of the Community Engagement Center is unparalleled resources for successful meetings and events to help
move the community forward. It is a one-of-a-kind place, designed to combine great ideas and organizations with the
boundless energy of the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater campus. Located at 1260 Main St., the Community
Engagement Center opened in December 2019.
