About us

East Madison Ice Collective (EMIC) (501(c)3 pending) is a newly formed non-profit organization composed of representatives from arena user groups including Patriots Youth Hockey and the Figure Skating Club of Madison. EMIC has been selected by Madison Ice Inc. (MII) as the next stewards of Hartmeyer Ice Arena (HIA). EMIC has been working with MII and the City of Madison to transfer ownership and ensure the facility remains a non-profit organization dedicated to serving the community.  EMIC has launched a capital campaign to raise the $3m needed to address HIA’s crucial mechanical and infrastructure  repairs for the long-term viability and safety of the facility into the future. 

Meet the Team

  • Tom Conti

    CHAIR

    Tom is an accomplished healthcare technology executive. As an alum of Epic, he started and sold a digital health company and is now building his second startup. A lifelong hockey player, Tom played through college and continues in adult leagues. He has coached youth hockey for over eight years, including his son’s Patriot team and now his daughter’s. Tom lives in Monona with his wife, Anne, and their three children: William (14), Claire (11), and Charlotte (9).

  • Rachel Neill

    VICE CHAIR

    Rachel Neill is co-founder of Carex Consulting Group and Figgy Play. Rachel has extensive experience in building teams, raising capital and driving start-ups. Rachel grew up figure skating and credits the sport with providing her with drive and determination. Her daughter Pippa also shares a love for the sport, and you can find her boys, Steven, Gavin and Ben playing ice hockey, as Rachel and her husband cheer them on!

  • Dan Groth

    DIRECTOR

    Dan Groth is a Monona native and avid hockey fan, parent and coach. He grew up playing for the Monona Hornets and later played for Monona Grove in high school. With a passion for the sport, Dan continues to support hockey in Madison even after his playing days are over. Currently, Dan is a self-employed entrepreneur in the apparel industry, with over 12 years of experience.

  • Chad Normington

    DIRECTOR

    Chad has a career background in commercial refrigeration and project management in construction. As a board member for the Madison Patriots Youth Hockey Association, he served on a variety of committees including rink improvements and fundraising. Chad has two young children in the association, helps with coaching, and has been a lifelong hockey player(still playing in the old man Monday league at Hartmeyer).

  • Jessica Hermsen

    DIRECTOR

    Jessica has a consulting practice focused on organization development, change management, and executive communications. When she’s not working or driving her kids to the ice rink, she’s volunteering with several organizations including the Figure Skating Club of Madison providing communications, marketing, and fundraising support.

  • Joe Forward

    DIRECTOR

    Joe is an attorney and Director of Communications at the State Bar of Wisconsin. A Monona resident and former newspaper reporter, Joe helps drive organizational and strategic messaging while developing and coordinating content across print and digital publications and social media channels. Although not a former hockey player, Joe has grown to love the sport, watching his two young kids play Patriots youth hockey.