GMC Leader Julia Taylor Will Retire

The long-time leader of one of Milwaukee’s largest civic organizations is set to retire.

On Thursday, Greater Milwaukee Committee president Julia Taylor publicly announced her intention to retire by the end of 2021.

“I have greatly valued my time leading the GMC and being a part of the broader community here in the greater Milwaukee area and throughout the state of Wisconsin,” said Taylor in a statement. “Our community has made significant advances on many fronts. While there are challenges that remain, there are also many initiatives and organizations in addition to a new generation of smart and dedicated leaders in place to keep southeast Wisconsin moving forward.”

Taylor, 66, was appointed the GMC’s first female leader in December 2002. She served as the head of the YWCA Southeast Wisconsin for the 16 preceding years.

The GMC is a membership-based organization made up of approximately 200 area CEOs and other leaders. It was founded in 1948 with a goal of revitalizing Milwaukee after the years of slow civic growth during the Great Depression and World War II.

The organization has historically been involved in major bricks-and-mortar projects including the War Memorial, County Stadium, Milwaukee County Zoo, and Milwaukee Regional Medical Center, but under Taylor’s leadership has seen its direction change to a focus on start-up business and talent attraction efforts.

“We want to thank Julia for bringing so much positive change and achievement to the GMC over the past two decades,” said GMC board chair and Marcus Corp. CEO Greg Marcus.

The GMC operates a number of branded programs including the MKE United effort focused on equity for residents of the greater Downtown area, tech talent incubator The Commons and business accelerator Scale Up Milwaukee.

“The work of the GMC in building a better Greater Milwaukee for all of our citizens is more important than ever,” said Marcus. “We have a legacy of progress and achievement but the larger work of today and tomorrow will require new leadership and energy. Fortunately, Julia will be with us to help with the transition and advise in the years to come.”

In addition to her presence on a number of area nonprofit boards, Taylor is an avid watercolor painter.

A national search for her replacement has been initiated.