Four locals to be honored at first Excellence in Business Leadership Awards

The recipient of the 2025 James J. McIntyre Cornerstone Award, sponsored by the Greenheck Group, is Dr. Kristine Gilmore. Dr. Gilmore served as the Superintendent of the D.C. Everest Area School District for more than two decades, leading with a visionary focus on student achievement, innovation and community partnerships. Under her leadership, the district expanded educational opportunities, enhanced facilities and earned statewide recognition for academic excellence. A respected leader in public education, Dr. Gilmore spent time at the Greenheck Group as the Senior Director: Employer of Choice before taking a national position as the Chief Leadership and Learning Officer at AASA, The School Superintendents Association.

The recipient of the G. Lane Ware Innovator Award, sponsored by Ruder Ware LLSC, is Ryan Gallagher. Gallagher is the President and CEO of Rocket Industrial, a nationally recognized Wausau‑based packaging equipment and supplies company dedicated to helping manufacturers ‘package with less.’ Gallagher is also the co-host of the Wausau Business Show, interviewing a variety of leaders in the region each week. Under his leadership, Rocket Industrial developed Packlytics hardware and software that retrofits onto existing systems to 'Make Dumb Machines Smart,' helping measure and reduce packaging materials and expenses. Recognized locally and regionally, Gallagher spearheaded the relocation of Rocket Industrial’s national headquarters to downtown Wausau in 2020, reflecting his commitment to urban revitalization, innovative workplace design and community engagement. Gallagher also has an ownership interest in Marathon Cheese Corporation with hopes of keeping the company in the family and locally-owned, as an industry leader in cheese packaging.