KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Ted Neitzke
Ted Neitzke IV is the keynote speaker for the 2026 Summit of Excellence. As CEO of CESA 6, he leads one of Wisconsin's most innovative educational service agencies, supporting educators and school leaders through collaboration, coaching, and strategic planning. A nationally recognized speaker, author, and leadership coach, Ted is passionate about helping individuals and organizations lead with purpose, optimism, and servant leadership.
Prior to his current role, Ted served as Mayor of Port Washington, Wisconsin, where he championed community engagement and forward-thinking leadership. He is also the host of the Smart Thinking Podcast, where he shares practical insights on leadership, mindset, and building strong teams through humor, empathy, and real-world experience.
Known for his engaging presentations, contagious energy, and practical takeaways, Ted inspires audiences to embrace meaningful leadership, strengthen their communities, and create lasting impact.
Fun fact: one of Ted's brothers is a Jesuit priest!
You Matter: How To Run into Your Storm Like a Buffalo
Do you recognize how much you matter in the lives of those around you? This conversation will help you understand how to run into the storms that you face and energize you with evidence of your impact on those you support. Ted brings a life of educational experiences to us with his energetic style and you will leave with a clear understanding of how big of a deal people in education really are in the lives of those they serve. You'll laugh, cry, and be energized.