Board Members

Brian rowed for Wisconsin Men’s Crew from 1979 through 1983 and competed in the U.S. Olympic Festival in 1981 and 1983. He has remained actively involved with the University of Wisconsin through leadership roles including the UW Alumni Association Advisory Council, the UW Student Affairs Board of Visitors, and now the Stewards of 1874 Board of Directors.

Professionally, Brian is an independent contractor practicing neuroradiology and operates his own medical-legal consulting practice. As President of the Stewards, he provides strategic leadership while helping guide fundraising initiatives, alumni engagement, and the long-term direction of the organization.

Why I Serve

Times of challenge create opportunities- including the possibility of crafting a new way forward for UW Men’s Rowing in this era of a changing financial landscape for non-revenue sports. I’m at the point in my career where I have a uniquely flexible work schedule that allows me to give back to the program that gave me so much, and to ensure that same opportunity is available for current and future generations of Badger Rowers. Along with the other dedicated members of the Stewards Board, the UW Men’s Rowing coaching staff, and the support of alumni like you, I am confident that together we can realize our collective goal of getting Wisconsin back on the podium at IRAs.

Jason rowed for Wisconsin Men’s Rowing from 1993 through 1997 and was a member of the 1997 Ten Eyck Championship team. Following graduation, he served as Assistant Freshman Coach (“Crack Staff”) during the 1997–1998 season before reconnecting with the program during the Wisconsin Rowing 150th Anniversary celebration.

Professionally, Jason is President and CEO of Linwood Engineering, Inc., a California-based mechanical, electrical, and plumbing consulting engineering firm. His experience building and leading organizations supports the Stewards’ strategic planning, communications, technology initiatives, and long-term organizational development.

Why I Serve

Like many Wisconsin rowers, I knew nothing about rowing before arriving in Madison. I joined the team looking for a challenge, never realizing how much the experience would shape who I am today. It took me years to fully appreciate everything Wisconsin Rowing gave me, from the friendships and memories to the lessons in perseverance, leadership, and dealing with adversity. I serve the Stewards because I want to give back to a program that gave me so much and help make sure future generations of student-athletes have the opportunity to experience what I did.

Michael graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 2012 after four years with Wisconsin Men’s Rowing, serving as Team Manager on the Crack Staff. He credits the program with teaching him the importance of leadership, accountability, and teamwork, and proudly describes himself as a “Glue Guy”—someone who helps hold the team together.

Following graduation, Michael continued coaching rowing while remaining active within the Wisconsin Rowing community. As Secretary, he supports the Board’s governance and organizational initiatives while helping strengthen the Stewards’ mission of preserving Wisconsin Rowing for future generations.

Why I Serve

Wisconsin Rowing gave me more than a sport — it gave me lifelong friendships, unforgettable memories, and a community I’m grateful to still be part of. I serve because I want to give back to the program that gave so much to me.

I want to help today’s athletes have that same experience, while building a stronger foundation of alumni support that will carry Wisconsin Rowing forward for generations. Whether that means supporting the team, bringing alumni together, or simply getting more people back around the boathouse, I want to help keep this community strong.

And, of course, I’ll never turn down an excuse to get the crew together, tell some old rowing stories, and crush a few cold beers.

Ultimately, I serve because Wisconsin Rowing is something worth coming home to — and worth making sure is there for the next generation.

Pete rowed for Wisconsin under Coaches Randy Jablonic and Chris Clark before earning his degree in 2000. His Frosh 4+ boat was Coach Clark’s 1st IRA gold medal, and he won 2 Ten Eyck Team Championships in 1997 and 1999. In 2024, Pete served as Co-Chair of Wisconsin Rowing’s 150th Anniversary Celebration weekend alongside Bob Hougard. This event was the springboard that reconnected the alumni, parents, and supporters and paved the way for the success of Stewards helping the program in subsequent years. As Treasurer of the Stewards of 1874, Pete oversees the organization’s financial stewardship and long-term sustainability. He and his wife, Lisa, live in Middleton, WI, where they are raising their two sons – Will and Sam.

Why I Serve

It was an incredible honor to serve as Co-Chair of the 150th Anniversary celebration. The team really came together to put on a huge event that brought our alumni, parents, and supporters together. A spark was lit, and I continue to be humbled by everyone’s generosity. My reason for serving is simple – I want to ensure that future generations can experience the magic of Wisconsin Rowing that so many of us experienced. This is my way to give back to the Program that has given me so much.

Matt was introduced to rowing at the Salisbury School in Connecticut and recruited to row at Wisconsin, where he was honored to be a part of the freshman and varsity eights. He was Coach Clark’s first class and helped Wisconsin win the 1997 Ten Eyck Trophy in Jabo’s final year. Matt has built a career in real estate brokerage and multifamily development. He brings additional experience as a former Major Gift Officer for Penn Engineering and Athletics, gaining valuable insight into donor engagement, giving strategy, and stewardship. Matt lives in Philadelphia, PA with his wife, Jen, and their daughter, Beatrice.

Why I Serve

Rowing for Wisconsin is one of the things I am most proud of. It taught me perseverance, confidence, and brotherhood, and it gave me my best friends. I have loved being on the board, as it has allowed me to meet generations of other Wisconsin rowers, older and younger, and share a common bond. I was blessed with a great rowing experience, and it has given me part of my identity; I want that same experience for all future Wisconsin rowers.

Chip rowed at Wisconsin under Coaches Jabo O’Neill and Chris Clark, earning six Eastern Sprints and IRA medals, capturing the 1997 Ten Eyck Trophy, and competing with the U.S. National Pre-Elite Team. His rowing experience continues to shape his commitment to teamwork, leadership, and excellence.

Professionally, Chip serves as an Executive Client Partner and Principal in Financial Services at Apex Systems. As Events & Parent Relations Director, he helps strengthen the Wisconsin Rowing community by planning alumni events, engaging parents, and creating opportunities for lifelong connections.

Why I Serve

(Coming Soon)

Nelson walked on to Wisconsin Men’s Rowing as part of Chris Clark’s first freshman class and competed from 1994 through 1998, helping the Badgers capture the 1997 Ten Eyck Trophy. Following graduation, he remained active in rowing through the Milwaukee Rowing Club while introducing many others to the sport.

As an At-Large Director, Nelson contributes to a wide range of Stewards initiatives while helping preserve Wisconsin Rowing’s traditions and strengthen the organization’s future. He also serves as co-chair of Audaxity, supporting cancer research through the Medical College of Wisconsin Cancer Center.

Why I Serve

Shortly after graduating, I joined a group of volunteers in the Friends of Wisconsin Men’s Rowing to offer money, time and resources to the program, and have been a part of giving back to the program ever since. Rowing was a very positive force during my college years, and introduced me to many lifelong friends as well as the joy of hard training and competition. I want to make sure that generations of rowers following have similar opportunities to compete at a high level and develop the relationships and experiences that propel them to be stewards of their own communities.