St. Coletta of Wisconsin, headquartered in Jefferson, has promoted Ted Behncke to president, according to an announcement made on Wednesday.
The nonprofit organization, founded by the Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi-Milwaukee more than 110 years ago, serves people with developmental disabilities and other challenges through residential, day and vocational programming.
Behncke has worked in various roles for St. Coletta since 2008, most recently as vice president and chief operating officer.
In his new leadership position, he succeeds former chief executive officer and president, Anthony LoDuca, who left St. Coletta in June to become president and CEO of Villa St. Francis in Milwaukee.
Behncke, a Wisconsin native, devoted about 30 years to the military, having served in the U.S. Army. He became a commissioned officer in 1985 and retired in 2007 as a lieutenant colonel. He also received the Legion of Merit in 2007.
Behncke’s academic accomplishments include having completed a bachelor’s degree in international studies at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville and a master’s degree in administration from Central Michigan University. He also completed the Post Graduate Intelligence Program at the Joint Military Intelligence College in Washington, D.C. and graduated from the Command & General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kan.
“The board of directors and OSF team are confident in Behncke’s gifts and abilities to successfully build upon the legacy of the St. Coletta organization,” Greg Ksicinski, St. Coletta of Wisconsin board chair, said in a statement. “Faithfulness and trust in the mission, commitment to quality programs and services, and professional expertise are critical strengths that Ted brings to the role of president. We are excited to offer him this opportunity and look forward to what the future holds.”
