The Leadership Collective

11/04/2026

Thank you, Lisa Hurda, for all you do for our community!

Preliminary election results indicate the School District of Janesville’s operating referendum was approved by voters Tuesday, Nov. 3.

The approved referendum authorizes the district to exceed its revenue limit with a $4 million step-up from the current taxpayer investment, beginning with the 2027-28 school year.

The district will provide additional information about implementation and the use of referendum funds as details are finalized.

Thank you to the Janesville community for participating in the election!

10/21/2026

Additional magazines can be purchased at the following website though Impulse Printing & Promotions.

We plan to do a second run of the magazine in two weeks, so be sure to place your order by then!

Here is the link!

10/20/2026

https://Oliviaactonphotography.pixieset.com/leadershipcollectivegala/

At this link, you'll be able to download your gala photos.
If you screenshot, it will be low res and pixilated, so I recommend downloading (you can download individual images).

The download PIN is 8743

10/16/2026

Last night was the Leadership Collective 2026 gala. It was a wonderful evening with great speakers, networking, and celebrating local leaders and business owners.
Thank you to everyone who attended and all of the 2026 participants!

10/16/2026

If you got a magazine last night that has a couple of swapped pages in the beginning, let me know and I’ll replace it!

10/15/2026

Welcome to the Leadership Collective Jamie Lee Karns!
Jamie is the Executive Director and Facilitator of the Leadership Development Academy (LDA) of Rock County, a role she stepped into in August 2022 after returning to the area with her family following 15 years in Houston, Texas.

With experience spanning the corporate, public education, and nonprofit sectors, Jamie has built her career around strengthening individuals and communities through leadership, learning, and service.

Through LDA, Jamie brings emerging and established leaders together to build relationships, broaden their perspectives, and better understand the community they serve. Her work creates opportunities for individuals to grow as leaders while discovering meaningful ways to make an impact throughout Rock County.

Outside of her professional life, Jamie and her husband are busy raising four young children.

While she jokes that her hobbies may have to wait a few more years, she's embracing this season of family life.

We are proud to feature Jamie in the Leadership Collective and recognize her commitment to developing the next generation of community leaders.

10/13/2026

Welcome to the Leadership Collective Katrina Christine.
Katrina has been a hair and makeup artist for the last 27 years. In that time, she has built Allure Artistry Pro as an instructor for those who want to become professional hair and makeup artists or enhance their existing hearing and make up skills.
Katrina absolutely loves makeup, hair styling, and cooking. She is a proud mom to four kids, and is happily married.
Katrina is the primary hair and makeup artist for Olivia Acton photography, and every woman participant in the leadership collective has had the honor of Katrina doing their hair and makeup!
We are honored to have her!

10/07/2026

Welcome to The Leadership Collective — Karlene Walters, representing the agricultural banking and finance industry through Sauk Valley Bank.

Karlene serves as Vice President Agricultural Lender at the bank’s Janesville location, helping farmers, agricultural businesses, and members of the ag community navigate financial decisions and plan for the future. She began her career five years ago with the Farm Service Agency in the public sector before transitioning into private-sector banking.

Born and raised in Wisconsin, Karlene earned her degree in Agricultural Business with an emphasis in International Business and a minor in Spanish from UW–Platteville. Her background, combined with her passion for agriculture, allows her to understand the unique needs of the people and businesses she serves.

Outside of work, Karlene loves farming, animals, and spending time outdoors. She enjoys traveling, hiking, fishing, and kayaking—and is currently enjoying life with Haven, her Lab puppy

09/30/2026

Welcome to The Leadership Collective — Lisa Hurda, M.Ed., representing the nonprofit coaching and consulting industry.

With more than 20 years of experience in nonprofit executive leadership, board development, and philanthropy, Lisa helps organizations strengthen teams, design strategic growth plans, and create meaningful change. Her approach is grounded in the belief that nonprofits thrive when people, purpose, and strategy are aligned.

Throughout her career, Lisa has partnered with community leaders, foundations, and boards to build high-performing teams, strengthen organizational infrastructure, and cultivate the relationships and resources that drive lasting community impact. She has served on the Janesville School District Board of Education since 2018 and currently serves as Board President, advocating for students, supporting families, and helping shape a strong future for the community.

Outside of work and volunteering, Lisa loves adventure and connection. She enjoys pickleball, kayaking, hiking, exploring new places, spending time with family and friends, and getting completely absorbed in a good psychological thriller.