Mission & Founding
Veteran entrepreneurs Kate Volzer, John Knific, and Kris Ciccarello founded Wisr in 2016 to bridge the growing rift between college education and successful job placement. More students than ever were pursuing higher education, but the American labor force participation rate had been declining steadily for a decade. As a first-generation college student, Kate understood how a one-size-fits-all system fails to accommodate students’ individual needs.
Leveraging over thirty years of collective experience in higher education technology, the Wisr team built a college network that connects prospective and current students with an institution's resources and programming.
The Wisr Team

Kate Volzer
Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer

John Knific
Co-Founder, President, & Chief Operating Officer

Kris Ciccarello
Co-Founder & Chief Technology Officer

Christine Vienna
VP of Customer Success

Naomi Buckta
VP of Engagement Solutions
Interested in joining our fast-paced, collaborative team in Cleveland? Explore career opportunities at Wisr!
Board of Directors

Kevin Berner, Ph.D.
Board of Directors (Co-Director)
Venture Partner at JumpStart Inc; President & CEO of Phycal Inc; CEO of Logos Energy Inc

Jeff Marshall, Ph.D.
Board of Directors (Co-Director)
Managing Director, Private Equity and Direct Investments at Halcyon Investments, Ltd.
Board of Advisors

Carey Jaros
Board of Advisors
Chief Executive Officer at GOJO Industries

Peter Wilson
Board of Advisors
Dep. Dean, Director of Admissions & Chief of Staff at University of Chicago

Jason Palmer
Board of Advisors
General Partner at New Markets Venture Partners