SPEAKER BIOGRAPHIES
IT INFRASTRUCTURE, OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT AND CLOUD STRATEGIES – SPEAKER BIOGRAPHIES- OCTOBER 24, 2025
Heather Fransen, Director, Managed IT, Cloud and Infrastructure, RSM US LLP
Heather is a seasoned IT professional with a strong foundation in service desk leadership and a current focus on strategic account management and IT planning for a global client base of over 450 organizations. Her career has evolved from operational excellence in managed services to a more strategic role, where she now partners closely with clients to align technology solutions with business objectives.
Earlier in her career, Heather led the daily operations of the Managed IT Client Service Desk, where she applied her deep expertise in call center management to streamline workflows, enhance service delivery, and build high-performing support teams. Her leadership in this area laid the groundwork for scalable, client-centric service models that continue to deliver value.
Today, Heather leverages that operational insight to drive proactive account management, focusing on long-term client success through tailored IT strategies. She works closely with stakeholders to understand their evolving needs, translating them into actionable plans that support digital transformation, security, and operational resilience.
Her commitment to continuous improvement and innovation remains central to her approach. By staying ahead of industry trends and fostering strong client relationships, Heather ensures that her team delivers both responsive support and forward-looking solutions that help clients thrive in a dynamic technology landscape.
Mark Lagoa, SVP, Infrastructure, Security, Data, & IT, Copado
Experienced executive, partner, and advisor with a demonstrated history of successfully building/managing companies in Technology and Investments spaces. I have mostly been focused on SaaS companies built extensively leveraging Cloud based infrastructure and platforms, from Google Cloud to Salesforce to AWS. I pride myself on business & tech focused strategies that drive growth and build value. The cornerstone of this work is through the building of strong, organized, collaborative teams enabling the creation of class-leading products, technologies, and services.
Steve Liegl , Director Infrastructure and Operations, WEC Energy Group
Steve Liegl is currently the Director Infrastruture and Operations for WEC Energy Group, consisting of seven regulated gas, electric, and renewable energy utilities. WEC Energy Group was formed eleven years ago through an acquisition of Integrys Energy Group by Wisconsin Energy. WEC Energy Group is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin with major utility operations in Wisconsin, Upper and Lower Michigan, Minnesota, and the Chicago area.
At WEC Energy Group Steve is responsible for managing his group’s operating/maintenance budget, capital project budget, staffing, technical training, and outsourcing. Steve also has
responsibility for the strategic, tactical, and operational direction of multiple IT infrastructure and operations teams supporting IT infrastructure, exchange/messaging, service desk, client devices, software deployment, and IT asset management. Along with managing the IT teams, critical business relationships are required due to the unique systems within the various electric and gas utilities.
Since joining the organization twelve years ago he has held three different positions ranging from the leader of the network operations group, manager voice/data communications infrastructure, and his current role.
Prior to joining the utility industry Steve spent 17 years in the cellular industry working for companies such as Verizon Wireless, AT&T, T-Mobile, and BellSouth. While at these organizations Steve held roles in both network operations as well as core network engineering.
Along with six years of active service in the United States Marine Corps, Steve currently holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Wisconsin Lutheran College, Master of Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, and a Doctorate of Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.
In addition, Steve serves as an adjunct instructor at Liberty University and St. Norbert, providing education and influence to undergraduate and graduate students.
Steve also currently serves on the Pulaski Community School District Board of Education, executive committee/board for UTC (Utilities Technology Council), and the Greater Green Bay Economic Development Board. Each of these provide an opportunity to provide service in the community.
Patrick McGinley, Information Technology Operations Manager, Mecum Auctions
Bio to come!
Patrick Stefanski, Manager- IT Infrastructure & Support, Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company, LLC
Bio to come!