MDC Board of Directors

Madison Development Corporation is managed by a 13-member Board of Directors comprised of area business and community leaders. The Mayor of Madison appoints eight of the Directors, and five members are elected by MDC membership. Any Dane County resident, business, or person employed in the county is eligible to be a member of MDC’s Board of Directors.

Lorrie Heinemann - President & CEO

Lorrie Heinemann is President & CEO of Madison Development Corporation, and she is responsible for the growth and development of the organization and its employees. Supported by MDC’s Board and Advisory Committees, Lorrie sets and maintains the course for the operations of the organization, in addition to coordinating media and municipal relations.

Abbie Wallhaus – VP of Finance & CFO
Direct: 608.571.3232

Abbie Wallhaus is VP of Finance & CFO for Madison Development Corporation. As a key member of MDC’s Executive Management Team, Wallhaus will oversee all accounting and finance functions for MDC and its affiliates; ensuring MDC’s accounting and financial operations are handled with efficiency and integrity. 

Juan Gomez - MDC Venture Debt Fund Manager

Direct: 608.455.0320

Email: lending@mdcorp.org                

Juan Gomez is our MDC Venture Debt Fund Manager. As a key member of our Lending Team, Gomez oversees the Fund.

Cashton Laufenberg – Vice President of Housing
Direct: 608.424.8925

Cashton Laufenberg is Vice President of Housing & Director of Property Management for Madison Development Corporation. In this role, Cashton oversees all of MDC’s rental properties, as well as the MDC facilities division whose employees and partners help keep the units operating at full capacity. His responsibilities include conducting property tours and showings, tenant issue management, identifying deficiencies at properties, and leading maintenance-related solutions to these issues; all accomplished within MDC budgeting guidelines.

Connor Schessler – Senior Housing Manager
Direct: 608.455.0762

Connor Schessler is a Senior Housing Manager for Madison Development Corporation. In this role, Connor oversees a comprehensive range of property management activities. Key responsibilities include conducting property tours and showings, managing tenant relations and resolving issues, and identifying and addressing property deficiencies. Connor plays a critical role in coordinating maintenance and repair solutions, ensuring properties meet MDC’s high standards.

In addition to these duties, Connor helps to supervises a team of property management staff, providing guidance and support to ensure effective operations. He collaborates with the VP of Housing on strategic initiatives aimed at improving property performance and tenant satisfaction.

Karen Birrenkott - Leasing & Compliance Specialist
Direct: 608.424.2679

Karen Birrenkott is the Leasing & Compliance Specialist for Madison Development Corporation. Karen's responsibilities include processing tenant applications, renewals, and creating leases and renewals. She ensures that all City, State, and Federal leasing regulations are followed and completes compliance reports.

Jillian Schaefer - Lending Analyst, Fund Associate Business Lending Program Manager
Direct: 608.571.3302

Jillian Schaefer is a Lending Analyst at Madison Development Corporation and fund associate for the Dane Workforce Housing Funds. She helps to manage MDC’s portfolio and tracks compliance items and job creation. Jillian effectively manages communications between investors, portfolio companies, advisors and the MDC lending team.

Dani Klitzka – Leasing & Office Manager
Direct: 608.424.8874

Dani Klitzka is the Leasing & Office Manager for Madison Development Corporation. Dani serves as office coordinator and ensures excellent customer service by being the first point of contact for potential tenants. Her responsibilities include processing applications, creating leases & renewals, and maintaining the website. She also provides accounting support by processing tenant payments and vendor bills, and administrative support along with event coordination.