Our Team

Stephanie Borowski is the president and chief executive officer of GPS Education Partners. Overseeing the organizations investments to promote work-based learning for underserved high school students, she also guides efforts to strengthen the ties between educators and business to make sure that the next generation of our workforce has the opportunities and resources they need to thrive and build stronger communities.
Prior to GPSEd, Stephanie served as Vice President of Human Resources at Generac Power Systems for 16 years. During her tenure there, she helped facilitate a very innovative investment in their workforce by piloting the GPSEd (formerly Second Chance) program with just 5 students. Under her leadership at GPSEd, the nonprofit has experienced significant growth in hands-on education within technical fields and continues to change the dialogue and redefine success for students nationwide.
Stephanie graduated from Carroll University with a bachelor’s degree in communications and business. Outside her GPS Education Partners role, Stephanie continues to volunteer her time and talents to the needs of children and young adults by serving in various capacities within the Children’s Hospital of WI Advisory Board for Juvenile Diabetes, American Cancer Society, Habitat for Humanity, Food Pantry, and United Way. She is the mother of 2 daughters, and in her spare time relishes time spent traveling with her family.

Billie Torrentt is the Chief Operations Officer overseeing GPSEd's future organizational growth and sustainability. Prior to joining the team, Billie served the mission of Goodwill Industries SEW for 27 years in progressive roles up to the organization’s Chief Operating Officer. Billie graduated with an Associates Degree in Management from Gateway Technical College, a Bachelors in Management and Communications, and a Masters in Business Administration from Concordia University.

Andy Hepburn has more than 20 years of education experience, and has held various roles including teacher, school administrator and principal. At GPSEd, Andy leads the strategic planning and organizational development initiatives. He holds a master’s degree in education administration from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and a bachelor’s degree from Illinois Wesleyan University in history and secondary education.

Much like GPSEd, Jeremy Joecks has professional experience and background that exists at the nexus between education and business. He is passionate about breaking down the barriers that often exist between school and work (and between childhood and adulthood) and enjoys the challenge of providing students, schools, and businesses opportunities to connect and partner through the power of real world work based learning experiences. At GPSEd, Jeremy leads the work and teams that drive the organization's transformational Wisconsin based cornerstone program consisting of a network of education centers serving hundreds of students and over 150 business, school, community and funding partners across the state. Jeremy has over 15 years of experience as a leader and educator across educational, non-profit, and for profit business entities. He holds a master's degree in education from the University of Wisconsin - Whitewater and a Bachelor's degree in business management from the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire.

Laura Derpinghaus shares almost three decades of B2B and B2C marketing experience and is responsible for developing the organization's customer-centric marketing and fund development strategies that provide future mission-driven growth and sustainability. Prior to joining GPSEd, Laura spent 24 years at Generac Power Systems holding various roles in marketing and brand management while the company reached record growth through both organic sales as well as multiple national and international acquisitions. From developing higher-traffic websites to directing annual fundraising events that exceeded goals while remaining on budget, Laura has led numerous large-scale rebranding initiatives that continue to drive success within the organizations she is a part of.

Laura is the epitome of a work-based learning success story as not having graduated with a college degree in marketing, she has proven that grit, problem-solving, critical thinking, strong business acumen, and industry certifications can be a pathway to a rewarding career while providing meaningful outcomes for organizations she has supported. Laura champions access for all in her community by supporting several nonprofits that bring critical services to individuals in need through volunteer, fundraising, and board-related activities. Laura holds certifications in Trade Show Marketing through TSEA and Professional Content Marketing through MRA.

Tony Lanza is an analytic and efficient financial leader with over 25 years of experience in accounting, budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting. A thorough understanding of process improvement and automation creates cost saving initiatives while increasing company/departmental growth strategies.

Prior to joining GPS Ed, Tony had worked a great organizations like Froedtert Health, Brookdale and Commercial Association of Realtors to name a few.