WCTC Foundation names Robyn Ludtke new executive director

PEWAUKEE, Wis. (Monday, May 13, 2024) – The WCTC Foundation, which secures charitable resources to help Waukesha County Technical College (WCTC) students achieve their educational goals, has named Robyn Ludtke, a 2012 WCTC Marketing graduate, as its executive director.

 “Robyn’s impressive experience and unwavering commitment to educational excellence align perfectly with the Foundation’s mission to empower our students and enrich our community,” said Sandy McGee, chair of the WCTC Foundation Board. “Under her leadership, we are confident that the Foundation will reach new heights, forging impactful partnerships and expanding opportunities for growth and innovation. Robyn's vision for the future resonates with our core values and we are excited for the journey ahead. We are thrilled to welcome her as the new executive director of the WCTC Foundation.”

Building relationships, expanding partnerships

With a heart for service and a penchant for building relationships and expanding partnerships, Ludtke brings solid experience from a number of areas, including her extensive work in talent development, volunteerism with local nonprofits, representation on community boards and through other roles.

“Making the decision to lead the WCTC Foundation was an easy one for me because WCTC is so much a part of who I am,” said Ludtke, who benefited from Foundation scholarships as a student. “I believe deeply in this institution and have had opportunities to advocate for the College as the leader of a student organization, as a district board member and as a voice of the business community.  Now I’m looking forward to serving current and future students in this capacity.”

Having spent 10 years at the Waukesha County Business Alliance in positions of increasing responsibility – most recently, as the senior vice president of Strategic Initiatives and Workforce – Ludtke has spearheaded initiatives that nurture talent pipelines and advance growth and prosperity in the region. She was integral in expanding the Business Alliance’s Schools2Skills program, in which WCTC is a partner, and she was involved in the Waukesha County Center for Growth, which is tasked with expanding the county’s economic base by ensuring businesses and communities have access to resources they need to grow.

Strengthening the region's workforce

A lifelong learner with a passion for strengthening the Waukesha County and Southeastern Wisconsin workforce, Ludtke has earned credentials concentrated on leadership and talent development. This includes a Talent Pipeline Management Academy certificate from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, an Organizational Leadership certificate from MRA – The Management Association and other credentials from the Wisconsin Economic Development Association and Leadership Waukesha.

She broadened her community network and knowledge of important local issues during her time on the Hartland Village Board and the WCTC District Board. Additionally, she has supported efforts to increase opportunities for women by serving as co-chair of the Women United Leadership Council for United Way of Greater Milwaukee and Waukesha County, and by serving on the board of the Women and Girls Fund of Waukesha County. She is also currently a member of the Hartland Library Board.

Ludtke has been honored for her commitment to community service and volunteerism, most recently with a 2023 Emerging Leaders Philanthropic 5 (P5) Award from United Way and a 2022 Community Leader Award from Waukesha TEMPO.

A personal connection to WCTC

As a graduate of WCTC, Ludtke remains a champion of the College, thanks in part to her own personal, and positive, experience. She returned to college in her late 20s, as a wife and mother to a young son (and welcomed a daughter while in school), used all the resources available to her to ensure academic success and immersed herself in WCTC activities. She was president of the Student Government Association, helped launch new initiatives on campus and served as student commencement speaker. Because of her contributions, she earned the Outstanding Student Award for the Marketing program and School of Business plus an Outstanding Student Award from the National Association for Campus Activities (NACA)--Northern Plains Region.

Rich Barnhouse, Ph.D., president of WCTC, said Ludtke’s professional background, along with her steadfast support of and commitment to WCTC, make her a natural fit for the Foundation position.

“Robyn is an exceptionally talented leader who is deeply connected to WCTC as an alumnus, former student leader and former member of the College’s Board of Trustees,” Barnhouse said. “Her leadership and community relationships through the Waukesha County Business Alliance will be a true asset for the WCTC Foundation. Robyn is perfect for this essential role.”

 Ludtke officially begins her new role on June 3, and she is looking forward to working more closely with College staff and students and taking the Foundation to the next level.

 “I’m really excited about the direction of the Foundation and ensuring that we’re delivering the needs of the College moving forward,” Ludtke said. “I’m fortunate to have the relationships with so many people at the College already. The chance for (the Foundation) to be hands-on with College leaders and walk alongside them is important to me.”