Monnett Elevated to President of WBD and Becomes the Fourth Leader in the Organization’s 45-year History

WBD Inc. is pleased to announce Jason Monnett has been named President effective January 1, 2026. Monnett joined WBD in 2001 and has held roles of increasing responsibility – from credit analyst to executive vice president – during his 24-year tenure. His promotion is a key part of WBD’s overall leadership transition.

Dan Schneider will retain the title of CEO, overseeing the transition of leadership as he prepares to retire at the end of 2026. Schneider has been in various roles with WBD during his 25-year tenure and has served as President & CEO since 2014.

“Jason Monnett has a strong commitment to the WBD mission,” Schneider said. “Jason’s vast experience at WBD and his servant leadership style aligns with the continued professional development of the talented staff and the ongoing growth of the organization. WBD will be in good hands for many years to come!”

In addition to his efforts at WBD, Jason brings leadership experience including serving as treasurer and then board chair of Wisconsin Economic Development Association, as well as treasurer and an executive committee member of Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce. He has also been a long-time SBA 504 industry contributor as an instructor and presenter for National Association of Development Companies (NADCO) and was honored by the U.S. Small Business Administration as its Financial Services Champion in 2017.

“I am humbled and honored by the opportunity to guide WBD into the next decade as the fourth president in WBD’s history,” Monnett said. “I would like to thank Dan for his mentorship and the board of directors for its support. We have an amazing team and I am looking forward to what the future holds.”

WBD partners with local lenders across Wisconsin, Minnesota and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan to provide small business financing for fixed assets. WBD is the top SBA Certified Development Company (CDC) in the Midwest and finished 2025 ranked #9 among 180 active CDCs in the nation.

Since 1981, WBD, Inc. has been collaborating with local financial institutions to provide access to capital to help small businesses grow and keep our economy strong. As a CDC with offices in Madison, Oshkosh, Eau Claire, Waukesha and Stillwater, Minn., WBD is able to access financing solutions that reduce risk for lenders and improve terms for borrowers. WBD is proud to have funded more than $4 billion of small business projects which have created nearly 80,000 jobs statewide.