Meet Your

Dr. Choton Basu is an educator, academic leader, entrepreneur, and speaker whose work explores how organizations turn emerging ideas and technologies into meaningful results. As Professor and Chair of Information Technology and Supply Chain Management at the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater, he leads programs in information technology, supply chain management, data analytics, cybersecurity, and AI in Business.

Drawing on more than 25 years of experience, Dr. Basu speaks and facilitates workshops on innovation strategy, artificial intelligence and responsible technology adoption, organizational transformation, human-centered design, experiential learning, and community economic development. He is known for translating complex ideas into practical frameworks that help leaders identify opportunities, test assumptions, build partnerships, and move from strategy to implementation.

As the Sam M. Walton Free Enterprise Fellow and faculty advisor to UW–Whitewater Enactus, he has guided the team to three Enactus USA National Championships representing the USA in Enactus Thailand and Brazil World Cups. He is also the founder of RenewTowns, a university–community model that has supported over seven new businesses, revitalized downtown storefronts, and an estimated $2.99 million in local economic impact since 2023. His regional and international work has connected students, businesses, nonprofits, government agencies, and civic leaders across the United States, Africa, Asia, and Central America.

Across his teaching, speaking, and applied work, Dr. Basu focuses on one central question: how can technology, innovation, and collaboration create lasting value for organizations and communities?

Shauna Wessely is a community builder, educator, and speaker with a passion for serving others. As Executive Director of the Fort Atkinson Area Chamber of Commerce, a role she has held since 2022, and Chief Operating Officer of RenewTowns, she leads efforts to strengthen local businesses and fill downtown storefronts. She also contributes to the Newberry Collaboration, which seeks to build a stronger sense of place across our region.

Before moving into her role with the Chamber, Shauna spent 15 years as a high school Spanish and English teacher, forensics coach, and instructional coach. That background shapes how she works today: she is known for turning big, abstract goals into clear, practical steps that local leaders can start on right away. She co-facilitates workshops on entrepreneurial ecosystem development, city and university partnerships, and changing how a community sees its own downtown.

Shauna holds a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Master of Science in Mass Media Communication from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, where she also co-advises the Enactus chapter.