Cooperative Network – the trusted voice for cooperatives in Minnesota and Wisconsin – is excited to welcome Jennifer Badeau Wickman as Government Affairs Coordinator and Mykel Wedig as Cooperative Liaison to its corporate staff, while also announcing the promotion of Kristin Olson as Director of Communications.
“Cooperative Network’s mission is to advocate for the cooperative way of doing business,” said Daniel Smith, Cooperative Network’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “Our work ensures support for the cooperative business model in a changing economic, social and political environment. I am confident Cooperative Network’s accomplished staff will be further strengthened by these additions to the great benefit of our members.”
Jennifer Wickman brings more than 20 years of legislative and government affairs experience to Cooperative Network, having previously served in similar roles with the Wisconsin Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Association, as well as the Wisconsin Automobile and Truck Dealers Association. In her new role, she will join the government affairs team, working primarily on Wisconsin legislative issues.
“Jennifer is an accomplished attorney, lobbyist and government affairs professional with extensive experience and contacts across all levels of state government,” Smith shared. “I welcome her to Cooperative Network and know that our members will benefit greatly from her presence in the Capitol on their behalf.”
Also new to the staff is Mykel Wedig, who will join Cooperative Network on June 10th. Most recently, Wedig served as Legislative Assistant to U.S. Senator Richard Burr of North Carolina. Her work on multiple issues in Washington D.C., along with her experience in membership support with the National Pork Producers Council make her a valuable asset for Cooperative Network as she works closely with its member cooperatives.
“Mykel is uniquely qualified to serve our members in membership support, education and government affairs. She will be the primary liaison to ensure our members’ priorities are being represented to decision makers,” said Smith.
Meanwhile, Cooperative Network is pleased to announce the promotion of Kristin Olson to Director of Communications. In this role, Olson will be responsible for member communication, public relations, social and print media, marketing and promotion. Olson previously served as Cooperative Network’s Member Support and Education Coordinator.
“Kristin has the experience and talent to direct a multi-faceted communication and marketing program that will elevate Cooperative Network’s presence in government and the public square,” Smith explained. “She will ensure that our cooperative member voices are heard, understood and appreciated by elected officials and the general public, alike.”
Cooperative Network – the trusted voice for cooperatives – is committed to protecting and promoting Minnesota’s and Wisconsin’s cooperative businesses and their shared cooperative principles by providing advocacy, education, public awareness, and development services to a diverse variety of cooperatives. Visit cooperativenetwork.coop or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn or YouTube for more information.
