Center for Growth Welcomes New Board Members 

The Waukesha County Center for Growth, Inc. has added five new members to its board of directors: President & CEO of Xiogenix Rachel Bahr, Director of Technology Strategy & Systems for American Transmission Company Christopher Burg, Regional Chief Financial Officer for Wintrust/Town Bank John Hazod, CEO & President of Bank Five Nine Tim Schneider, and Director of Operations for Milwaukee Tool – Mukwonago Jeff Searl.

Rachel is President & CEO of Xiogenix and brings 20+ years of leadership experience, including international sales, business development, marketing, acquisitions, and general management in the automotive, aerospace, architectural, and biosciences industry verticals. She has worked in traditional, family-owned, start-ups, publicly owned, and employee-owned businesses. Rachel is drawn to high-cultured high-growth companies seeking new market development and providing custom-engineered solutions for complex programs and partnerships. She leads with extreme autonomy, high sociability, an extreme sense of urgency, and a high level of creativity. 

As the Director of Technology Engineering & Operations at ATC, Christopher brings nearly two decades of strategic leadership and innovation in the electric utility sector. With a foundation in the finance and hospitality industries, he transitioned to the forefront of technology management, supporting ATC’s evolution as the first transmission-only electric utility in the United States. Christopher’s key responsibilities include overseeing a statewide fiber optic network and managing technology service delivery for a multi-billion-dollar company.

As the Regional Chief Financial Officer for Wintrust Financial Corporation (Town Bank), John oversees the Wisconsin market. He has an extensive background in banking and has held several executive officer positions throughout his 30+ years in the industry. Prior to joining Wintrust in 2016, John started a de novo financial institution in 2004, initially as Chief Financial Officer. He later was appointed President and CEO of Foundations Bank and held that position until he completed the sale and merger of the bank with Wintrust Financial Corporation. 

Tim currently serves as the CEO and President of Bank Five Nine in Oconomowoc. His journey in the banking profession began after earning a degree in business management from UW-River Falls. Tim started his career at Farm Credit Services in Fond du Lac, where he gained valuable insights into the financial sector. Tim’s notable career includes a pivotal role as the CEO and Co-Founder of Investors Community Bank in Manitowoc. Founded in 1997 with three other partners, Investors Community Bank became a prominent institution known for its commitment to community values. 

After serving for 23 years in the Wisconsin Army National Guard, including two tours with the 82D Airborne Division, four years of service in the Pentagon, an Instructor at the MP School, and two overseas assignments, Jeff and his family returned to Southeastern Wisconsin where he was hired by Milwaukee Tool. Jeff initially provided the team with crucial leadership skills and developed several development programs for key business segments critical to the success of the organization. Most recently, Jeff assumed the role of plant leader for the Milwaukee Tool – Mukwonago Operations leading a team of 400 employees.