Concordia’s annual MBA Industry Leaders Seminar Series connects students with top business leaders who bring faith-driven insights, real-world examples, and case studies to inspire the next generation of ethical, impactful decision-makers.
Concordia University Wisconsin’s Batterman School of Business will kick off the next MBA Industry Leaders Seminar on September 17, 2025 with CEO of Cousins Subs, Ms. Christine Specht.
All events are FREE, though registration is preferred for some of the seminars. Click the “Register” button (if applicable) to sign up for individual events.
This year’s lineup includes a diverse group of executives, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders who will explore leadership, ethics, entrepreneurship, economics, and community impact:
Ms. Christine Specht
“Creating a Legacy of Better”
September 17 | 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. | Plaster Collaboratorium (RP127)
Christine Specht has spent her life shaping the family business, Cousins Subs, into the thriving brand it is today. Taking the reins as CEO in 2015 after her father’s retirement, she revitalized the company through bold rebranding, operational innovations, and a renewed focus on Midwest flavors, all while strengthening franchise partnerships and positioning the brand for growth. Beyond leading Cousins Subs, Specht is deeply engaged in her community, serving on multiple boards—including as Chair of Concordia University Wisconsin and Ann Arbor’s Foundation Board—and leading the Cousins Subs Make It Better Foundation. Her leadership and service have earned her numerous honors, including recognition as one of Wisconsin’s Most Influential Business Leaders.
Mr. David Casper
“How to Survive and Thrive for 45 Years at the Same Company: The Good and the Bad of ‘Being a Loyal Soldier'”
September 24 | 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. | Pharmacy Building (PH008)
David Casper leads BMO Financial Corp., BMO Harris Bank N.A., and their subsidiaries, overseeing performance and governance across all U.S. operations. A member of BMO Financial Group’s Executive Committee, he also chairs BMO’s U.S. Management Committee. David’s career with BMO began at Harris Bank in Chicago and has spanned leadership roles in commercial banking and investment banking. Most recently, he guided the strategic growth of BMO’s Commercial Bank. Beyond his executive work, David is deeply engaged in civic and community leadership. He serves on the boards of organizations including Kids First Chicago (where he is Board Chair), the Chicago Public Library Foundation, United Way of Metro Chicago, Northwestern Medical Group, and World Business Chicago. He also advises the Federal Reserve through its Federal Advisory Council. A Wisconsin native, David earned his BA from Dartmouth College and a master’s degree from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management.
Mr. Steve Forbes
“How Entrepreneurs, Not Government, Built America”
October 7 | 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. | Collaboratorium & Concordia Center for Environmental Stewardship
Steve Forbes is a renowned business leader and commentator. Twice a Republican presidential candidate, he remains a prominent advocate for free-market principles, including a flat tax, school choice, and Social Security reform. He continues to shape public policy through his writing and public engagement.
Mr. Jacob Sheets
“Becoming a Successful Entrepreneur in your 20s”
October 15 | 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. | Robert Plaster Collaboratorium (RP127)
Jacob Sheets, a two-time eXp ICON Agent and finalist for NAR’s 30 Under 30, began his real estate journey six years ago when he and his wife Rosie purchased their first duplex. What started with a single rent check has grown into a thriving team serving southeastern Wisconsin. After early success with the Jo Ferraro Real Estate Team, Jacob gained luxury experience in Milwaukee’s North Shore before returning to eXp Realty to launch his own team. Today, his group has closed more than $42 million in volume and helped over 130 families, while also contributing to the real estate community through leadership roles, panels, and events. Grounded in 12 core values, Jacob’s team focuses not just on production but on building a sustainable business rooted in service and joy.
Mr. Mark Meisner
“The Kwik Trip Mission”
October 29 | 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. | Robert Plaster Collaboratorium (RP127)
Mark Meisner is an experienced vice president of marketing and advertising with a demonstrated history of working in the retail industry. Skilled in budgeting, integrated marketing, advertising, sales, and event management. Strong marketing professional with a Master of Sports Management focused in Sports Marketing from United States Sports Academy.
Dr. Michael Munger
“Voluntary Exchange and Coercion: Locke’s ‘Venditio'”
December 2 | 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. | Robert Plaster Collaboratorium (RP127)
Dr. Munger is Director of Duke’s PPE Certificate Program and an expert in markets, regulation, and institutional economics. He has served as a staff economist at the Federal Trade Commission and taught at several major universities. His latest book, “The Sharing Economy,” explores evolving models of exchange and governance.
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Concordia University Wisconsin is a Lutheran higher education community committed to helping students develop in mind, body, and spirit for service to Christ in the Church and the world.
The Batterman School of Business enrolls the most students out of CUW’s six academic schools. The BSB offers a complete range of business education programs and degrees including bachelor’s degrees for undergraduate and adult accelerated students, as well as licensures and certifications. Graduate programs include our highly ranked Master of Business Administration program (with 12 concentrations), and master’s degrees in accountancy, business analytics, and more. The school also offers a Doctor of Business Administration degree, the only one of its kind in the Milwaukee area, as well as a Ph.D. in Business Administration.