Leadership Lessons & Future Perspectives: A Panel Discussion
Date and Time
Wednesday Nov 18, 2026
7:30 AM - 9:00 AM CST
Connect & Caffeinate | 7:30–8:00 AM
Start your morning with coffee or juice and a grab-and-go breakfast bites, and casual networking before we head into the theater for the panel presentation at 8:00 AM.
CEO Panel | 8:00-9:00 AM
Hear firsthand from regional executive leaders as they discuss leadership lessons, emerging opportunities, and what’s next for business in our region.
Location
Franciscan Center for Music Education & Performance
6751 Calumet Avenue
Manitowoc, WI 54220
Fees/Admission
Chamber members: $25 per person
Non- Members: $50 per person
Cancellations within 48 hours of event are non-refundable.
Contact Information
Shannon Pelky
Send Email
Event Sponsors
Description
Leadership Lessons & Future Perspectives: A Panel Discussion
Gretz Harrison Johnson
Panelists Include:
Shawn Gretz, President, Americollect
Ben Harrison, CEO, Kaysun Corporation
Diane Johnson, District Administrator, Two Rivers Public School District
What does it take to lead through change, uncertainty, and opportunity?
Join us for an engaging conversation with a diverse panel of local and regional CEOs, leaders and executives as they share the experiences that shaped their leadership journeys, from early career lessons and pivotal decisions to the challenges and obstacles they've overcome along the way.
The discussion will also look ahead, exploring today's economic landscape, emerging workforce trends, and the growing impact of artificial intelligence on business and leadership.
Whether you're just beginning your career, developing as a leader, or bringing years of experience to the table, you'll gain valuable insights from executives who have navigated both success and adversity while helping shape the future of our business community.
Come prepared to learn, ask questions, and leave with perspectives that can help guide your own professional journey.
About the Panelists:
Shawn Gretz: Since being promoted to President of Americollect, Shawn has resided over $1.6 billion in revenue recovery and providers have entrusted Americollect with over $10 billion in placements of accounts for recovery during that same period. Shawn leads the Senior Leadership Team in direction and strategy for the organization with the Sales & Marketing, Human Resources, and Finance functions reporting directly to him. Prior to his role as President, Shawn was responsible for the sales and marketing functions of Americollect for 15 years, helping grow Americollect by 4000% during that time.
Ben Harrison: Ben Harrison is the CEO and owner of Kaysun Corporation, a global leader in highly engineered plastic injection molded products, where he has championed a culture of employee wellness, engagement, and continuous improvement for more than two decades. His leadership reflects a strong commitment to investing in people, building a successful business, and making a positive impact throughout the Manitowoc community and surrounding region. A graduate of the University of Iowa (BBA) and DePaul University (MBA), Ben is passionate about health and wellness, enjoys an active lifestyle with his wife and three sons, and is dedicated to advancing Kaysun’s vision of positively impacting lives through the products it makes and the exceptional experience it provides.
Diane Johnson: Diane has served as District Administrator for the Two Rivers Public School District for the past six years, focusing on student success, expanding educational opportunities, and strengthening partnerships within the community. With 33 years of experience in education, she previously served as District Administrator in the Birchwood School District, a principal in the Port Washington-Saukville School District, and a classroom teacher. Beyond her career in education, Diane and her husband have four children and served as foster parents for six years.
