Butz, CEO of Capital Credit Union, is UW-Oshkosh 2025 Distinguished Alumni

When Laurie Butz earned her MBA in Organizational Behavior from UW-Oshkosh in 1997, she set her sights on becoming a CEO.

Today, she leads Capital Credit Union, one of the largest financial institutions in northeast Wisconsin, overseeing more than $2.6 billion in assets, 25 branches and 480 employees across 16 counties. With more than 35 years of experience in the financial services industry, Butz credits UWO for giving her the leadership foundation, practical tools and support network that helped turn her vision into reality.

Butz is the recipient of the UW-Oshkosh 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award.

"The programs through my MBA were relevant, thought-provoking, and immediately applicable," she said. "The ones that had the most impact on me were those where we were asked to go out into the community-interviewing individuals, researching local businesses or writing papers on specific companies. These experiences were incredibly formative."

Butz said the experiential learning gave her an inside look into the C-suite.

"Seeing firsthand how the concepts we were learning in class were being applied by real people and organizations made the material come alive in a way that textbooks simply couldn't," she said. "They opened doors by helping me build relationships and develop a deeper appreciation for the challenges and opportunities faced by leaders in our community."

Her connection to UW-Oshkosh didn't end at graduation. From 2006 to 2016, Butz returned to campus to teach undergraduate and graduate business courses in the College of Business (COB). Her course load included Essentials of HR, Organizational Behavior, Change Management and Benefits Administration, subjects she brought to life with personal examples from her own leadership journey.

"She was a fantastic role model for students," said Barbara Rau, former COB dean and professor of management and human resources. "Students loved the real-world experience and examples she brought to the classroom as well as her exceptional, positive attitude about the profession."

Those examples were often as candid as they were instructional. Butz spoke openly about the toll of toxic work environments, the pressures of leading in male-dominated spaces and the challenge of balancing a demanding career with personal responsibilities.

"She was very candid about the obstacles she has faced," Rau said. "One student said they were struck by Butz's definition of a 'caring leader' versus a 'soft leader.' The student said, '(Butz) demonstrated that empathy is a great asset to gain perspective of what people are going through, but also that an executive cannot lose their ability to help the individual by failing to challenge them.'"

Butz herself has reflected deeply on what it means to lead with both care and accountability.

"I came to realize that, as a results-focused leader, I was often driving so hard toward outcomes that I wasn't taking time to truly enjoy the journey," she said. "I also learned the value of seeing everyone you lead as 'someone's precious child,' a concept I took from my mentor Bob Chapman. That allowed me to ask if I was showing up in a caring way during the pursuit of results. Today, I intentionally pause to appreciate the process, the relationships and the moments of progress along the way. This shift has made me a more present, caring, connected and appreciative leader." (Note: Bob Chapman is CEO and owner of Paper Converting Machine Company, a Barry-Wehmiller company. He is also co-founder of the Chapman Foundation for Caring Communities and author of "Everybody Matters.")

At Capital Credit Union, Butz has overseen not only financial growth but also improvements in culture and operations. In 2021, she became president and CEO and introduced key changes, including a restructured leadership team, a thoughtful board succession plan and a renewed focus on employee engagement. She's credited with saving nearly $900,000 in her first year-all without staff cuts.

Her leadership also extends into the community. Over the years, Butz has served on more than a dozen nonprofit boards, including the YMCA of the Fox Cities, United Way Fox Cities and Brown County, Greater Green Bay Chamber of Commerce, New North, Goodwill NCW and Corporate Central Credit Union. In 2024 alone, she volunteered more than 140 hours and participated in numerous fundraisers, marathons and community events.

"She dedicates countless hours using her talents and always with a smile and positive attitude," said Tim Bergstrom, CEO of Bergstrom Automotive. "Laurie approaches every endeavor with energy and a genuine desire to make a difference. She fosters an environment where innovation thrives and every individual feels valued. Her ability to inspire her team is truly commendable."

Bergstrom, who served with Butz on the Fox Cities United Way leadership committee and board, said her "drive, integrity, and service" make her not only a successful CEO, but a trusted community leader.

Her many accolades reflect that. In 2022, UW-Oshkosh honored her with the Beta Gamma Sigma Award for achievement in business. The following year, she received the Athena Leadership Award from the Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce. In both 2024 and 2025, she was named a Titan 100 for the state of Wisconsin, recognizing the region's top C-level executives.

In July 2025, Butz was officially voted onto the Board of Directors of the Green Bay Packers at the Annual Meeting of the Shareholders at Lambeau Field.

"I am incredibly honored for the opportunity to serve the Packer Organization, our community and the fans while representing Capital Credit Union," she said.

Yet when asked what she's most proud of, Butz points not to titles or awards, but to her personal growth.

"I think I am most proud of my personal development over the past eight years," she said. "I realized through internal and external signs that I was not showing up the way I wanted to for those I had the privilege to lead, my family, my friends and even myself. Today, I intentionally pause to appreciate the process, the relationships and the moments of progress along the way. I've learned to celebrate accomplishments and give recognition to others-especially when I find myself shining in the reflected light of their great work."

Butz's relationship with UW-Oshkosh remains strong. She often returns to campus to speak at MBA networking events and stays in touch with many of the professors who helped guide her, including faculty member Rau, retired COB professor Dale Feinauer and COB dean emeritus E. Alan Hartman.

"Their influence, knowledge, and guidance have been more impactful than I can put into words," she said. "They were always available-to answer a question, give advice or simply listen. Returning to UWO allows me to give back, stay connected to emerging talent and remain grounded in the academic roots that helped shape my own journey."

The University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh will celebrate the talents and successes of 11 alumni during Homecoming 2025 this October. Butz is among five top graduates to receive the Distinguished Alumni Award for their accomplishments in their professional fields; five will be honored with the Outstanding Young Alumni Award for their professional and civic accomplishments within 15 years of receiving their degrees, and one will receive the Alumni Outstanding Service Award for making exemplary contributions to support UWO through volunteer efforts, energy, leadership and/or philanthropic donations.

The 2025 Alumni Awards Celebration will be held Friday, Oct. 17 at the Culver Family Welcome Center, with a reception at 5 p.m. followed by the dinner and program beginning at 6 p.m. Cost of the event is $40 per person. More information is available by contacting UWO Alumni Relations at (920) 424-3449, or [email protected]

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UWO Homecoming 2025

Eleven UWO alumni to be honored at Alumni Awards Celebration Homecoming weekend