James Wolter, President

What do you do as President of the Milwaukee Chapter?
My role as President of the Milwaukee Chapter is, I believe, multi-faceted. Essentially I lead a great team of professionals dedicated to furthering the mission of the Chapter. I take the lead in creating the strategic vision for the Chapter's program year and work with each chair to develop and execute the necessary tactics. In some cases I also play the part of Chapter Ambassador as well as the 'face' of the organization.

How long have you been a member of BMA?
I joined BMA in 2005 after having been a long time member of Sales & Marketing Executives of Milwaukee, rising to President of that organization. I spent a part of my first year as a member familiarizing myself with the chapter and the other members. To me, the greatest benefit of belonging to an organization such as BMA is the opportunity to get involved. I've worked on the Bell Awards committee as well as the Golf Outing committee, which I lead for three years.

Tell us about your background in marketing.
To be perfectly honest, my career has been more sales focused with a peripheral involvement in marketing, as so often happens in smaller companies. That being said, marketing is an area I find to be absolutely fascinating and I have enjoyed learning a lot these past few years from speakers and colleagues alike.

What is the most valuable part of your BMA membership?
Without question the most valuable aspect of my membership has been the relationships I've formed with other members through being involved in the organization. But I would also add that I have gained much both personally and professionally by way of all the learning, networking and leadership opportunities afforded me through membership in this chapter.

What do you do when you're not busy being President?
Apart from running a company with my wife, I also serve as a board trustee at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music as well as at the Arthritis Foundation. I enjoy cooking, golfing, reading (particularly History) and playing with our standard poodles. And sometimes I sleep.