New State Bar Executive Director Jill Rothstein gives her report at her first Board of Governors meeting.
Sept. 24, 2025 – The 53-member State Bar of Wisconsin Board of Governors (Board) held its first meeting of the fiscal year (FY 2026), meeting in Wausau, and welcomed 11 new governors and two building bridges liaisons.
It was also the first Board meeting for new President Dan Gartzke and new Executive Director Jill Rothstein.
The meeting came after the annual Joint Leadership Orientation to assist new Board and section leaders in understanding State Bar operations. The start of the Board meeting also included introductions and basic instructions on governor duties.
Election Planning
As required by the bylaws, President Dan Gartzke appointed a five-member list for the Board’s approval to nominate candidates for positions open in the next State Bar election in April.
The Board approved the following Nominating Committee members: past president Jill Kastner of Milwaukee (chair); Krista LaFave of Milwaukee; Emil Ovbiagele of Milwaukee; Dennis Puzz of Crandon; and Dan Bestul of Monroe.
State Bar President Dan Gartzke gives his report, flanked by State Bar Executive Director Jill Rothstein (left) and State Bar President-elect Steven Sawyer (right).
Board Vacancies
Due to resignations since the last Board meeting on June 18, the Board voted in two new members.
Jay D. Jerde, Mitchell Hamline 2006, is a legal writer for the State Bar of Wisconsin, Madison. He can be reached by
email or by phone at (608) 250-6126.
Gov. Erin Block resigned effective Aug. 5 from her position in Waukesha County’s District 6. In a race of four candidates, Sarah Bondar of Waukesha won to complete Block’s term.
Gov. Elizabeth Stinebaugh resigned effective July 28 from representing District 15 in Racine County. In a race of two candidates, Mark Hinkston of Racine was elected to complete Stinebaugh’s term.
Consent Agenda
The Board approved a request from the Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section to amend its bylaws.
The Board approved requests from three State Bar sections to carry forward amounts of more than $25,000 each from the last fiscal year to the new 2026 fiscal year, which began July 1. The sections are Bankruptcy, Insolvency, and Creditor Rights (BICR); Elder Law and Special Needs; and Family Law.
The next Board meeting will be Dec. 5 at the State Bar Center in Madison.
Board of Governors Chair Jennifer Johnson speaks during the meeting.
