Staff

John Beckord has been President of Forward Janesville since 2001. John is responsible for the overall management of the organization and economic development activities. He serves as one of the five professional economic developers responsible for executing the Rock County 5.0 initiative. John has worked in the association management field for 25 years including stops in Oskaloosa, Iowa, and Iowa City. He also worked for Alliant Energy for two years as an economic developer. Prior to falling into the field of economic development John spent a few years in Washington, D.C. working first for the U.S. Department of Labor and next, for the Society of Industrial and Office Realtors.

Dan Cunningham is Forward Janesville's Vice President of Government Relations and Education, where he directs the organization’s government relations and educational outreach efforts.  He lobbies lawmakers at every level of government on dozens of issues important to the area business community, including transportation infrastructure, tax policy and economic development.  Dan is the co-founder and spokesperson of the Interstate 39/90 NOW Coalition, a group of citizens and lawmakers leading the charge to complete the $1.2 billion Interstate expansion project.

Prior to his service in Janesville, Cunningham was the Director of Government and Business Affairs for the Dubuque (Iowa) Area Chamber of Commerce.  Before arriving in Dubuque, he was a lobbyist for the National Association of Home Builders in Washington, D.C.  Dan began his career as a campaign volunteer for former United States Congressman Bob Etheridge, and rose through the ranks to become one of the congressman’s senior policy advisors.  He holds bachelor degrees in English and Political Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.  Dan lives in Janesville with his wife Jennifer, daughter Gabby and son Chase.

JoLynn Burden is Forward Janesville's Vice President of Development.  In her role, she oversees membership (recruitment/retention) and also works closely with a great team of volunteer Ambassadors who are advocates for community involvement, business engagement and the Forward Janesville mission.  She also manages fundraisers such as the annual awards luncheon, annual dinner, golf outing and Rock Regional Business Expo.  December of 2017, JoLynn also took on the role of Director of Development & Community Engagement for AriseNow, a downtown public private partnership.  Prior to joining FJI in the summer of 2014, JoLynn was the Executive Director of the Milton Area Chamber of Commerce.  She also has experience in the non-profit environment working for the Boys &Girls Club and Big Brothers Big Sisters in the capacity of Resource Development and Fundraising Director.  JoLynn lives in Janesville with her two children, Booker & Callie, and their three golden retrievers, Kobe, Kash & Honey.  She is an active volunteer with Paddy's Paws Rescue as a foster home.

Janita Harner comes to us from Rockton, IL, but her roots are all Wisconsin! After growing up near Green Bay, she attended UW-LaCrosse and then moved to the Rockford area. She is mom to three amazing young men, ages 27, 23 and 20. Among her interests are horseback riding, photography, theatre and of course, meeting people wherever she goes. She is quickly getting into the groove at Forward Janesville and looks forward to meeting you!

Claudine, her husband, and two children (Madison-15 and Max-12) have lived in Janesville since 2002.  Prior to joining Forward Janesville, February 2019, Claudine oversaw Shipping and Receiving at the John Deere Distribution Center (South Janesville) until 2009 when she left to manage Labor Solutions, Beloit.  Claudine was an active member with the Beloit Chamber of Commerce during her time at Labor Solutions.  Claudine was also part of an organization that formed in 2009 to bring affordable fitness classes to the Rock and Dane county area(s).  She has continued her passion for fitness since that time and has become an active member of the Milton Show Choir Parent group, chairing on the Rock the Rock invite committee as well as heading up the newly formed fundraising committee for that organization.

Jenny Tschudy joined Forward Janesville as an Administrative Assistant /Receptionist in July 2015 and is now assuming the role of Marketing Coordinator.  She has handled a wide variety of tasks for the organization including, but not limited to membership data management, assisting in several projects and publications and continues to provide support for staff and is looking forward to her new role.

Jenny lives in Janesville with her husband Vern. Together they have six children, Ashley (Noah) Knoble, Lindsay Zuelke, Josh Kilcoyne, Eric Tschudy, Nick Tschudy and Tanner (Rachel) Tschudy,  6 grandchildren;  Chloe, Owyn, Max, Samantha, Harper, and Holley.