Kohner, Mann & Kailas, S.C. announces the retirement (as of December 31, 2025) of long-time attorney and President, Matthew P. Gerdisch, and extends its heartfelt appreciation and enduring thanks to Gerdisch for his 37 years of service to the firm, marked by his long tenure as KMK’s President. Gerdisch joined KMK in 1988 and served faithfully as a member and then Chair of KMK’s Business & Financial Services Department, before assuming the mantle of Firm President in 2015. As President, Gerdisch led KMK through significant challenges, including overseeing the transition of management upon the full retirement of former President Steve Kailas and managing KMK’s operations during the Covid pandemic, ensuring that KMK’s services to our clients never skipped a beat. Under Gerdisch’s leadership, KMK prospered and grew, providing an expanding array of professional services to its business clients. Just as critical, over the past five years, Gerdisch also carefully and deliberately executed a management plan to ensure a seamless transition upon his planned retirement. Without Gerdisch, KMK would not be what it is today, and on behalf of everyone at the firm, we wish him well in his retirement!
KMK is also pleased to announce its “new” management team, which collectively has more than 70 years of KMK experience. Samuel C. Wisotzkey (biography here), is the new Firm President, and will continue his role as Chair of KMK’s Business & Financial Services Department. Wisotzkey joined KMK 24 years ago and has been Department Chair for the last four years. KMK’s Vice Presidents are Melinda A. Bialzik (biography here) and Ryan M. Billings (biography here), both longstanding leaders of KMK’s Litigation Department. Billings, currently Past-President of the Wisconsin State Bar, continues his role as Chair of the Litigation Department as well. KMK Attorney Darrell R. Zall (biography here), who has served KMK for over 30 years, remains in his role as Chair of KMK’s Collections Department. Zall and Bialzik also continue their positions as members of KMK’s Board of Directors and have been joined by Billings. Together, Wisotzkey, Bialzik, Billings, and Zall are prepared and committed to continuing KMK’s long history of providing exceptional service and value to its clients.
Below is a group photo that was recently published in the Wisconsin Lawyer as part of KMK’s farewell wishes to Gerdisch.
About KMK
Kohner, Mann & Kailas, S.C. (KMK) is a value-driven law firm with a global reputation for success and a rich tradition of results. When you need unsurpassed legal expertise in business and financial services, business litigation, or commercial collections, let our seasoned attorneys help you achieve your most important objectives. Founded in Milwaukee in 1937, KMK enjoys a local, national, and international reputation, recognized by Best Lawyers® as one of the nation’s Best Law Firms. For more information, visit www.kmksc.com.