2025 Emerging Leaders of Waukesha County

The Waukesha County Business Alliance is proud to announce the 2025 Emerging Leaders of Waukesha County! This award celebrates up and coming professionals who have shown personal initiative, determination and commitment to their careers and their community. Tomorrow’s leaders are taking steps today to build a dynamic and meaningful path toward a better future for our community. They are taking strides to further themselves personally and professionally.

Congratulations to the 2025 Emerging Leaders of Waukesha County!

Dave Beeler
President & Owner, Beeler Construction
Dave began his carpentry apprenticeship at Beeler Construction at 18, rising through the ranks to journeyman, foreman, superintendent, and ultimately shifting to project management and safety in 2011. In 2018, he became president and part-owner, leading a strategic transformation that doubled staff and tripled revenue between 2020 and 2024. He also founded Beeler Capital LLC at age 19, investing in and remodeling properties to help fund his stake in the company. Passionate about community impact, Dave launched the “Breaking Clays for LLS” fundraiser in support of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, raising over $100,000 in three years—an effort inspired by personal connections to cancer. He also champions local causes, including food drives for the Falls Area Food Pantry and consistent support for the Froedtert Menomonee Falls Hospital Foundation, demonstrating his deep commitment to both industry and community.

Julia Boss
IT Principal Program Manager, GE HealthCare
Julia Boss is an accomplished IT Principal Program Manager at GE HealthCare and a dedicated community leader who has called Waukesha home since 2014. A Marquette University graduate with honors in Information Technology and Entrepreneurship, Julia has led GE HealthCare’s largest post-pandemic volunteer efforts and actively contributes to organizations like Impact100 Greater Milwaukee, 100 Women Who Care – Waukesha County, and the United Way’s Technology United Council, where she serves as co-leader. She also lends her expertise to the WCTC Applied AI Learning Lab Advisory Board and supports workforce development through resume workshops with i.c.stars | * Milwaukee and Revitalize Milwaukee. A Distinguished Toastmaster since 2016, Julia has held multiple leadership roles within Toastmasters International.

Alex Gehl
Controller, BREAKTHRU Family of Companies
Alex Gehl, a graduate of Hamline University with a degree in Accounting, began his career as an intern at Johnson Controls before joining Xiogenix—part of the BREAKTHRU Family of Companies—as a general accountant and support specialist. At just 24, he became Finance Lead for the $5 million biotech firm, quickly mastering key financial functions through self-learning and mentorship. His role soon expanded to include Operations, where he implemented inventory systems, automated workflows, and led efficiency-focused Kaizen events. Over four years, Alex supported capital raises, improved employee benefits, secured project funding, and led cross-functional improvements in finance and operations. In 2024, he was named Controller for the BREAKTHRU Family of Companies, where he now drives financial and operational strategy across Xiogenix, Ardent Animal Health, and Vendura.

Lauren Ruff
Vice President & Director of Marketing, Ixonia Bank
Lauren Ruff is a dynamic marketing professional with over 17 years of experience in brand management, communications, and content creation. As Vice President and Marketing Director at Ixonia Bank, she leads multi-channel marketing efforts—including digital, traditional, and event marketing—that drive awareness and support the bank’s growth. A key contributor to the bank’s Strategic Plan team, Lauren plays an active role in shaping long-term business success. Beyond her work at the bank, she serves on the Board of Directors for the Women & Girls Fund of Waukesha County and volunteers on several of its committees. She’s also involved with the Oconomowoc Area Chamber of Commerce and the Carroll University Alumni Council. A graduate of Carroll University and the Waukesha County Business Alliance’s Leadership program, Lauren enjoys exploring Wisconsin with her husband and two children, gardening, golfing, and cheering on her favorite sports teams.

Dan Semrad
Operations Manager – Self-Perform, Boldt
Dan Semrad began his career with The Boldt Company in 2012 as an intern and steadily advanced to his current role as Operations Manager for the self-perform group, where he leads projects across Milwaukee, Madison, and Chicago. A University of Wisconsin–Madison graduate in Construction Management, Dan has played a key role in major initiatives like the Froedtert Hospital Birth Center and a high-profile data center project in southeastern Wisconsin. Known for his ability to lead cross-functional teams and deliver complex projects safely, efficiently, and on budget, Dan also mentors students through Catholic Memorial High School’s STEM program and supports causes like Make-A-Wish and the Veterans Community Project—personally raising over $260,000 for the latter. His leadership, technical expertise, and passion for giving back earned him the prestigious John Koga Nickel Award in 2024. Above all, Dan remains grounded by his dedication to family, mentorship, and service to others.

The 2025 winners will be celebrated at the Alliance’s 107th Annual Meeting on Thursday, September 11, 2025 at the Brookfield Conference Center. Registration for the event is now open.