Gina Madrigrano Friebus elected chair of Carthage board

KENOSHA, Wis. – Moved by her extensive experience as a civic leader and businesswoman, the Board of Trustees at Carthage College elected Gina Madrigrano Friebus as chair for the next three years.

After graduating from Carthage in 1976, Madrigrano Friebus enjoyed an impactful 33-year business career at 7-Up Bottling Co./Kemmerer Bottling Group, Jockey International, and W.O.W. Distributing Co. She retired in 2009 as vice president of administration at W.O.W., then one of Wisconsin’s largest beverage distributors.

A tireless advocate for women, Madrigrano Friebus was instrumental in the creation of Tempo Kenosha and a similar women’s professional network in Waukesha County. In 2019-20, she co-chaired the 150 Years of Carthage Women celebration, which amplified the contributions of influential women in the school’s long history.

“We are extremely fortunate to have Gina Madrigrano Friebus’ forward-looking leadership and wisdom in the years ahead,” said Carthage President John Swallow. “In her capable hands, the board will be stronger than ever before.”

Madrigrano Friebus joined the Carthage Board of Trustees in 2011 and became first vice chair in 2018. Among her extensive service with other local nonprofits, she sits on the boards of Tempo Kenosha, Saint Joseph Catholic Academy Foundation, and the Pleasant Prairie Police Appreciation Association.

Together with her husband, Bill Friebus, she has also continued a multigenerational legacy of philanthropy to Carthage. The Madrigrano name adorns multiple campus facilities, symbolizing this long-running relationship.

For lifting up both her alma mater and her community, Madrigrano Friebus received Carthage’s Distinguished Alumni Service Award in 2011.

“I am humbled and excited to be elected to this position,” she said. “I look forward to continuing the outstanding work of our board as we collaborate with President Swallow to move Carthage forward.”

As board chair, Madrigrano Friebus succeeds Jeff Hamar, a retired California entrepreneur and 1980 Carthage graduate. Hamar recently completed a second successful stint in that seat and will continue to serve as a trustee.

The Board of Trustees has ultimate governing and fiduciary responsibility for the college. Members elected three other officers:

• VICE CHAIR: Fred Krull, a retired executive from financial services firm EY and a 1983 Carthage alumnus
• SECRETARY: David C. Wiers (re-elected), a 1998 Carthage graduate and president of Satori Energy
• TREASURER: Thomas Martinez, a Kenosha native and strategic vice president of revenue operations for Chainguard

About Carthage
Carthage College is raising expectations for a private college experience. It blends the best liberal arts traditions with desirable degree programs, transformative learning opportunities, personal attention from distinguished faculty, and a focus on career development, which makes its graduates competitive in the workforce. Carthage has undertaken a $100 million fundraising campaign, “Light that Travels,” to deliver a radiant future for students through access, program innovation, and sustained excellence. Founded in 1847, Carthage is located on an idyllic shore of Lake Michigan in Kenosha, Wisconsin, in the thriving corridor between Milwaukee and Chicago. Grow with us: www.carthage.edu

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.