MADISON, Wis.—Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) Superintendent Joe Gothard has been named one of In Business Madison magazine’s 2026 Power 100, marking his third consecutive year on the annual list of influential leaders shaping Wisconsin’s Capital Region.

As superintendent of MMSD, Gothard leads Wisconsin’s second-largest school district, serving more than 25,000 students across 52 schools. His work includes overseeing the district’s academic, operational and strategic priorities while strengthening partnerships with families, community organizations, local government, higher education institutions and other community partners.

“Dr. Gothard understands that the success of our schools is deeply connected to the success of our broader community,” said Savion Castro, MMSD Board of Education president. “He brings people together around the work of serving students and families, and he has built strong relationships across Madison and beyond. This recognition reflects the impact of that leadership and the way he represents MMSD in our community.”

In Business Madison describes its Power 100 honorees as leaders who have made significant contributions to the Greater Madison Area, including through business, government, education, health care, nonprofits and other sectors. The 2026 list, published in the magazine’s September 2026 issue, includes both emerging leaders and individuals recognized for their ongoing roles in driving change and growth in the region.

Gothard began serving as MMSD superintendent in 2024. During his tenure, the district has advanced major investments in school operations and facilities, expanded career and college pathways, strengthened partnerships with community organizations and developed a new five-year strategic plan, MMSD: Excellence Together.

The magazine plans to publish further information about the 2026 honorees in its October issue, and will recognize them at its upcoming Exec Connect event at Blackhawk Country Club. For more information about Dr. Gothard, as well as a link to contact him directly, please visit the Meet the Superintendent page of the district’s website.

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About the Madison Metropolitan School District

The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) is the second-largest school district in Wisconsin, serving more than 25,000 students across 52 schools. The district’s vision is that MMSD will be a learning community where all students are valued, challenged, supported and inspired to reach their dreams. With more than 7,000 teachers and staff, MMSD is committed to ensuring the district’s goals and core values are held at the center of its efforts, so students can learn, belong and thrive. For more information, visit mmsd.org.