Dr. Jacob Thebault-Spieker
Assistant Professor
UW Madison School of Computer, Data & Information Sciences

Dr. Jacob Thebault-Spieker is an Assistant Professor in the iSchool at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he studies why systemic information gaps emerge in digital platforms and how they shape real‑world outcomes. His research examines how underrepresentation – especially in rural, geographic, and socioeconomic contexts – affects everything from online visibility to the fairness of crowd and gig‑work systems. He builds tools and frameworks to help communities and platforms fill these gaps, ensuring their needs and perspectives are accurately reflected in the digital landscape. 

Sheila Nyberg
Executive Director
Clark County Economic Development Corporation

 a native of central Wisconsin, has served as the Executive Director of Clark County Economic Development Corporation and Tourism Bureau for nearly 21 years. She specializes in driving business development and job growth as a partner with the entire county, its communities, and its leadership.  Her passions include protecting our agriculture, dairy and manufacturing leadership positions while enhancing and diversifying our markets and improving our Quality of Life.  Other crucial focus areas are marketing, downtown (city center) redevelopment, and tourism growth. 

Sheila is a seasoned economic developer with years of experience and expertise in Downtown & Community Development, Comprehensive Planning, Bank Management, Operations, Marketing and Business Development. 

Steve Jahn
Executive Director
Momentum West

Steve is the executive director of Momentum West, one of nine regional economic development organizations covering the state of Wisconsin.  Steve is also one of two representatives from Wisconsin on the Mid-America Economic Development Council, and a past chair of the Regional Economic Development Leadership Council, the association made up of the states nine regional economic development organizations.  He has over 40 years of leadership experience in economic development, business information, and newspaper and magazine publishing. 

Previously Steve was a vice president at Dolan Media, and the publisher of Finance & Commerce, Inc., a business information and publishing company in the Twin Cities, publishers of Finance & Commerce, Capitol Report/Politics in Minnesota, and Minnesota Lawyer.  He was the operational vice-president for Chippewa Valley Newspapers, and the publisher at various media operations in Wisconsin and Minnesota.

Jackson Koverman
Intern
Momentum West

Jackson is an intern with Momentum West, where he has created and worked on a regional initiative to improve the digital visibility of businesses and communities across western Wisconsin. His work focuses on helping local businesses gain visibility on platforms such as Google Maps and Apple Maps. Through direct outreach and collaboration with local governments, county economic development organizations, and rural businesses, Jackson has helped expand the digital presence of businesses across multiple counties. He is interested in economic development and is focused on creating practical solutions that support rural communities.