Photograph by Shane Van Boxtel
Growing up in Glenbeulah, Wisconsin, Kate (Kuehl) Burgess, Comm ’91, wasn’t always a die-hard Green Bay Packers fan. She knew of the state’s green and gold pride but wasn’t fully immersed in it — at least not at first. That changed in the early 2000s. After taking over as owner and CEO of Elevate97, a major Green Bay-based marketing firm, she found herself in the middle of a holiday story. In need of a last-minute partner to deliver ownership shares to new shareholders before Christmas, the Packers turned to Elevate97 for assistance. Without hesitation, Burgess’ team canceled their holiday party and got to work.
She never expected that single moment would spark a long-term partnership with the team, let alone lead to her joining the board of directors in 2022 or serving as vice chair of the team’s host committee for the 2025 NFL Draft. “Green Bay is a pretty magical city,” she says. “People give a lot back here, and I want to do the same.”
This was not the journey Burgess initially envisioned as a Marquette communication major. Yet, the university’s holistic approach led her to explore new ideas and discover her knack for elevating others and enhancing brand partnerships.
Those talents played a key role in bringing one of the NFL’s biggest annual events to its smallest market. The draft was expected to double Green Bay’s population, and it took masterful storytelling about the city, the team and its passionate fan base to sell the destination. Getting picked was just the beginning. With three others on the host committee, Burgess helped spearhead the raising of $8.5 million in just 18 months to cover hosting costs and create an unforgettable experience for both local and visiting fans. She credits Packers President/CEO Mark Murphy and Gabrielle Dow, Packers vice president of marketing and fan engagement, for extraordinary leadership in not only bringing the draft to Green Bay but also ensuring it remains an inclusive, community-driven celebration.
As the late-April event approached, Burgess hoped the city and state would shine on the national stage. “It’s taken a lot to get us to the finish line,” she says. “The Packers are built and owned by the community, and the community is delivering.”
