Service Award

ANN MARIE WICK, BUS AD '92
Milwaukee

Ann Marie’s servant leadership has made an indelible impression on the college and university. She served on the College of Business Administration Alumni Association Board, including as its president when the college celebrated its 100th anniversary, and currently serves on the Accounting Department Advisory Board and college’s dean search committee. Her commitment to the community is just as extensive, especially her focus on secondary education and those in poverty.

Ann Marie also has been a mentor in the college’s popular Mentor Program for the past 12 years, including chairing it when it realized unprecedented growth. She is chair of the finance committee of Catholic Memorial High School in Waukesha, Wis., and cherishes her 10 years on the board of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, including as chair.

“I hope I represent Marquette’s mission in trying to live out my faith as a servant leader — not only with friends and family and through my volunteer efforts — but also in how I treat my colleagues and execute the responsibilities of my career,” she says.

With experience working on six of the seven continents and as the senior director of global compliance for the Briggs & Stratton Corporation, she develops anti-bribery and anti-corruption protocols for the Milwaukee-based manufacturer.

Before joining Briggs & Stratton more than a year ago, she led the global compliance team for the Building Efficiency business at Johnson Controls. Ann Marie was also the chief audit executive at the Metavante Corp. and held senior management audit roles at S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, a career that was launched from an audit internship she had her junior year at Marquette. 

In what she dubs her “spare time,” Ann Marie serves as a guest lecturer for various Marquette accounting classes and speaks about international business careers at the college’s Career Awareness evenings. 

On success, Ann Marie says: “I define success as identifying your God-given talents and using them to the best of your ability. I think Erma Bombeck said it well: ‘Know the difference between success and fame. Success is Mother Teresa. Fame is Madonna.’ With that in mind, I’d much rather have success.”

Fun Facts

Hometown: Wauwatosa, Wis.

Favorite quote: “ ‘What we are is God’s gift to us. What we become is our gift to God.’ " — Eleanor Powell

Faculty member who had an impact: "Dr. “Doc” Michael Akers — a great instructor, role model, mentor and friend. Someday, I will end my meetings as he ended every class: ’ … and with that, we’re adjourned.’ (Using appropriate Southern drawl, of course!).”

Most influential person: “My parents. They are great role models regarding their faith, service to the church and community, and demonstrating the value of hard work and sacrifice. They value Catholic education and ensured that each of their four children had 16 years of Catholic education.”