Transcending the politics of division
Politics is like driving – if you steer too far to one side of the road or the other, you end up in the ditch. Historically, the strength of Wisconsin’s political system has been its ability to stick to the middle of the road. That course is in jeopardy today.
As a result, hard-working Americans who want both sides to compromise more and focus on improving people’s lives are increasingly without a say. Indeed, they feel like both major political parties are fish-tailing between political extremes instead of pursuing a steady course that prioritizes the overall good of Wisconsin, the country, and its citizens.
Today, the politics of division stand in the way of Wisconsin’s progress, which has been built over a century, and defines who we are as a state. The values that make Wisconsin such a special place to work and live and have led to a strong, competitive economy—the rule of law, small businesses, public education, and conservation of our natural resources—have taken a back seat to partisan hyper-polarization.
This problem won’t self-correct. It’s time for a reset! How do we fix this so that centrist voters have a say in their government again? How do we advance bipartisan cooperation, compromise, and problem-solving?
United Wisconsin is seeking to be a “fusion political party” that will nominate major party candidates who reflect and uphold our values. We want to give voters in the middle a constructive way to influence the process so that more politicians listen to them rather than the extreme left or extreme right.
Learn more and get involved! Be part of a team across Wisconsin that will help lower the political temperature, give voice to common sense, and put Wisconsin back on its traditional course at the political center. Together, we can shape Wisconsin’s future for the better.
Meet the Leadership
Dale W. Schultz
Co-Chair
Dale Schultz, a Republican, was elected to the State Assembly in 1982, and then to the State Senate during a special election in the fall of 1991 where he remained until his retirement in 2015. During his legislative tenure, he was elected Senate Majority Leader in 2003, and served on numerous committees, including the Joint Finance Committee. Senator Schultz, who is known as a consensus leader, continues to remain engaged by promoting reforms for public schools, encouraging appropriate funding for education, and promoting participatory citizenship. He, along with Senator Tim Cullen, were active in the recent successful redistricting reform. Senator Schultz believes bi-partisan collaboration is the best way to accomplish change that will be long lasting.
David J. Mahoney
Co-Chair
David Mahoney, a Democrat, served four terms as Dane County Sheriff, starting in 2006, and as the President of the National Sheriff’s Association from 2019-2021. David served on the Board of Directors of the Wisconsin Professional Police Association (WPPA), the largest police union in WI, for 12 years, including 5 years as State President. He also served 5 terms as a regional Vice President of the National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO), the second largest national organization representing police unions across the U.S. David spent 40 years of his law enforcement career with the Dane County Sheriff’s Office where he worked in the Security Services (Jail), Support Services, and Field Services (Patrol; Special Teams) Divisions. Before joining the Sheriff’s Office, David worked for a short time for the Village of Cross Plains Police Department and City of Middleton Police Department.
Kristine D. Andrews
Executive Director
Andrews is the President of Kris Andrews Consulting LLC. Her clients include a statewide technology advocacy organization, statewide K-12 public education advocacy organization, and pro-democracy organizations. Andrews has over 40 years of experience working in the public and private sectors building relationships and coalitions of mutual interest and respect. Andrews served as the key federal advisor to the Board of Regents and the president of the University of Wisconsin System, and as chair of advocacy for the national Council on Research. She served as chief of staff to two Republican members of Congress from Wisconsin, including staff to the Tuesday Group, a coalition of moderate Republican Members of Congress. She also served as a top assistant to a Wisconsin governor and cut her teeth in politics working for a public-sector trade union.
Meet the Committee Members
Mary Ann Gerrard
Mary Ann Gerrard served as legal counsel and Director of Government Affairs for a large Wisconsin business trade association. She worked as Deputy Commissioner in the Office of the State Commissioner of Transportation and served in several roles for the University of Wisconsin System. She resides in La Crosse.
Pete Christianson
Pete Christianson has 40 years of legal experience and decades as a lobbyist. He served as Board Chair of the Wisconsin Alumni Association national board of directors. He has a law degree from the UW-Madison.
Naomi Bodway
Naomi Bodway is the founder and owner of The Source House, a full-service Branded Merchandise Agency, with expertise in product knowledge, trends, imprinting techniques, program implementation, e-commerce, targeted marketing, and vendor relations. She was Director of Scheduling for a Republican Wisconsin governor and has been active in the political arena at the local, state, and national levels. Bodway was a double major in Communication Arts and Political Science at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Heather Galloy
Heather Galloy is an American Sign Language (ASL) instructor in the Eau Claire Area School District, one of the largest and top-rated public school districts in Wisconsin. Galloy worked as a teacher for deaf and hard of hearing students. In 2006, she helped write and create the Eau Claire District’s ASL program. She has taught for 26 years, and is a member of the Wisconsin Education Association Council (WEAC). Galloy studied at UW-Richland and graduated with a B.S. degree in Deaf Education & Elementary Education at Augustana University, Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Joseph Heim
Dr. Joe Heim is former chair of the Department of Political Science/Public Administration at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and was Director of the Public Administration Program at the University and acted as the University’s Legislative Liaison. He is committed to helping many local, regional and statewide organizations and can be regularly seen and heard as a political analyst on radio and TV, including Wisconsin Public Radio and TV.
Scott Froehlke
Scott Froehlke spent fifteen years as staff working for a State Representative, State Senator, Governor and a U.S. Senator – three Republicans and a Democrat. He served for 20 years as a Madison-based contract lobbyist representing a range of clients, including the Towns Association, Trial Attorneys, and Land Trusts. He has also served on the board of three non-profit conservation organizations, including organizing citizens in Central Wisconsin, where he grew up and currently lives, in support of legislation to protect groundwater.
Russ Barcelona
Russ Barcelona is the co-founder of the business psychology firm Ascend Talent Strategies, (ATS) Inc. and functioned as the President until his semi-retirement in December 2023. Russ has a Ph.D. from the Illinois Institute of Technology. As a business psychologist, Russ leveraged rigorously developed individual, team, and organizational assessments as a backdrop to understanding and improving decision-making in the space of human capital. Currently, Russ is highly engaged in conducting a team coaching process (developed internally with his partners at ATS) with current and potential clientele. For fun, he travels the planet with his wife Jennifer, reads Nordic Noir, grows heirloom tomatoes, and hikes the national parks (current count is twenty-three).
Matt Rothschild
Matt Rothschild was the executive director of the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign from 2015 through June 2023. He’s the author of 12 Ways to Save Democracy in Wisconsin, published by the University of Wisconsin Press (2021). Prior to joining the Democracy Campaign at the start of 2015, Matt worked at The Progressive magazine for 32 years – for most of those, as editor and publisher. His opinion pieces have run in the Chicago Tribune, the LA Times, the Miami Herald and a host of other newspapers, and he’s appeared on Nightline, NPR, C-SPAN and WISC-TV, where he does election night commentary. In Wisconsin, you may have heard him on The Devil's Advocates, WOJB, WORT or Wisconsin Public Radio.
Masood Akhtar
Masood Akhtar is an inspiring figure whose life and work have made a significant impact on both local and national levels. His journey from being an Indian-born American Muslim entrepreneur to a renowned activist demonstrates his dedication to fostering peace, inclusivity, and understanding across different communities.
The We Are Many - United Against Hate movement he founded is a powerful testament to his belief in forgiveness, peace, and unity. The initiative addresses the root causes of hate, bigotry, and racism, aiming to build stronger, more inclusive communities while empowering youth to actively contribute to the cause. Akhtar's efforts in this regard are a reflection of his commitment to promoting harmony in an increasingly polarized world.
In addition to his community-driven initiatives, Akhtar’s involvement in the Immigration and Refugee Task Force showcases his focus on bridging divides between local law enforcement and immigrant communities, working to reduce fear and build trust.
His recognition from various organizations, including the Southern Poverty Law Center, the FBI, and Governor Tony Evers, underlines the impact of his work and the positive influence he has had on both his local community and beyond. His acknowledgment by President Biden as one of the 16 "Uniters" at the United We Stand summit at the White House highlights the national recognition he has received for his efforts in promoting unity and combating extremism.
Akhtar’s role as a keynote speaker, panelist, and media guest further amplifies his reach, allowing him to continue sharing his message of peace, tolerance, and unity on broader platforms. His work is truly shaping a future where people come together, not in opposition, but in mutual respect and understanding.