Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation names CFO/COO

Steven Mixtacki, the longtime senior vice president and chief financial officer of American TV and Appliance of Madison, has joined the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF) as chief financial and operating officer.

Mixtacki brings more than 30 years of financial leadership experience to WARF as well as extensive service on the boards of nonprofit organizations, including the Madison Community Foundation, Rotary Club of Madison, Edgewood College, the Evjue Foundation, CTM Madison Family Theater, Friends of WHA-TV and YMCA of Dane County. He also serves as a director of First Business Bank of Madison.

“WARF was established to advance UW–Madison research, and Steve’s unique skill set complements our fiduciary responsibility as well as our efforts to facilitate technology transfer in ways that benefit society,” says Carl Gulbrandsen, managing director of WARF. “The ‘margin of excellence’ funding we provide the university ensures the cycle of research, invention and investment continues — a cycle with benefits for the university, its inventors and society. We are fortunate to have someone with Steve’s talent and vision to help guide our organization.”

Mixtacki is responsible for overseeing all fiscal aspects of WARF and its affiliates in conjunction with the managing director and the executive directors of WiSys Technology Foundation, WiCell Research Institute and the Morgridge Institute for Research. He also is responsible for advising all department managers and assisting them with their financial and operational plans.

“I look forward to building on WARF’s legacy of supporting the pursuit of excellence,” Mixtacki says. “Prudent oversight of our endowment and licensing revenue will allow us to continue increasing our commitment to basic and applied research; facility construction, purchases of land and equipment; and fellowships for faculty and graduate students each year.”

Mixtacki joined American TV in 1980 and helped build the retailer into a regional powerhouse selling consumer electronics, appliances and furniture through 15 locations in Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan and Missouri. Before joining American TV, he worked as a manager in the accounting and auditing department of what is now Grant Thornton.

Mixtacki holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from UW–Madison and is a certified public accountant. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Wisconsin Institute of Certified Public Accountants.