United Performing Arts Fund Announces All-Star Coalition of Past Co-Chairs to Elevate 2024 Community Campaign

MILWAUKEE (April 25, 2024) – In an exceptional display of unity and commitment to the performing arts, a coalition of past United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF) Campaign Co-Chairs and volunteers has formed to collectively elevate support for the 2024 UPAF Community Campaign. This is the first time an alliance of this kind has been created to bring together esteemed community leaders from various sectors who remain dedicated to advancing the region’s performing arts ecosystem.

The coalition’s over two dozen members include Curt Culver, Non-Executive Chairman, MGIC Investment Corporation; Rich Meeusen, Former CEO, Badger Meter, Inc.; and Peggy Williams-Smith, President & CEO, VISIT Milwaukee. Each member provides valuable experience gained from their roles as UPAF Campaign Co-Chairs and as influential business leaders. Together, they aim to inspire unprecedented levels of participation and support for the 2024 UPAF Campaign within the region’s business community by reinforcing the value of the performing arts sector to Milwaukee’s economic and social well-being.

“Each of our coalition members have played a critical role in the success of past UPAF Community Campaigns, enabling our performing arts organizations to thrive,” said Scott Beightol, Chair of the UPAF Board of Directors. “We are grateful to have their collective support and energy to advocate for the performing arts during this critical time of need.”

“UPAF plays a vital role in our community by generating continued support of a vibrant arts scene that makes Milwaukee truly special,” said Peggy Williams-Smith, President & CEO of VISIT Milwaukee. “Its dedication and commitment ensures that Milwaukee and our cultural landscape remains a destination where creativity thrives, and communities unite.”

“Without UPAF, many of our performing arts organizations would struggle to raise sufficient funds on their own to support their operations,” Rich Meeusen added. “UPAF provides the business community and the public with an efficient and impactful means to support the performing arts. Donors can be assured their contributions will be effectively used and fairly allocated based on each member organization’s needs.”

Campaign Coalition members include:

• Jim Barry, President, The Barry Company, 2019 Co-Chair
• Jim Borris, Chief Executive Officer, Zilber Ltd., 2018 Co-Chair
• Betsy Brenner, Former President & Publisher, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 2017 Co-Chair
• Patty Cadorin, Former Senior Advisor, BMO, 2015 Co-Chair
• Tom Cardella, Former President and CEO of Tenth & Blake Beer Company, MillerCoors,

2015 Co-Chair

• Curt Culver, Non-Executive Chairman, MGIC Investment Corporation, 2011 Co-Chair
• Heather Dunn, Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, West Bend Insurance Company, 2021 Co-Chair
• Paul Eberle, Former Chief Executive Officer, Husch Blackwell, 2016 Co-Chair
• Linda Gorens-Levey, Partner, General Capital Group, 2017 Co-Chair
• Penny Gutekunst, Former Vice President of Development at Zoological Society of Milwaukee
• Steve Johnson, US Wealth Business Integration Lead, Head of Sales & Client Strategy, BMO Wealth Management, 2021 Co-Chair
• Ted Kellner, Co-founder, Former Chairman and Former Chief Executive Officer of Fiduciary Management Inc., 2009 Co-Chair
• Alex Kramer, Managing Director, BMO Private Banking, 2017 Co-Chair
• Gail Lione, Senior Counsel, Dentons, 2013 Co-Chair
• David Lubar, CEO, Lubar & Co., 2012 Co-Chair
• Rich Meeusen, Former CEO, Badger Meter, Inc., Community Volunteer, 2009 Co-Chair
• Justin Mortara, President & CEO, EnsoData, 2020 Co-Chair
• Gary “Skip” Poliner, Community Volunteer, 2013 Co-Chair
• Mark Sabljak, Principal, Sabljak & Budisch, 2015 Co-Chair
• Tim Stewart, President & Managing Partner, DeWitt Law Firm, 2019 Co-Chair
• Julia Taylor, Past President, Greater Milwaukee Committee, 2009 Co-Chair
• Deanna Tillisch, Former President & CEO, United Performing Arts Fund
• Dave Vetta, Former Milwaukee Region Advisory Board Chair at First Business Bank,

2018 Co-Chair

• Peggy Williams-Smith, President & CEO, VISIT Milwaukee, 2016 Co-Chair
• Carlene Ziegler, Founder, Artisan Partners Asset Management, 2012 Co-Chair

This coalition invites individuals, businesses and organizations throughout Southeastern Wisconsin to join them in championing the 2024 UPAF Campaign. For more information on how to support the United Performing Arts Fund throughout 2024, please visit https://upaf.org/.

About UPAF

The United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF) has been setting the stage since 1967 by providing critical investment in our region’s vibrant performing arts scene. UPAF’s mission is to secure community resources, promote the performing arts as a regional asset and improve the quality of life through responsible investment in and financial support of the performing arts in Southeastern Wisconsin. UPAF proudly bears a four-star rating with Charity Navigator, the highest distinction for nonprofits.

With generous community support, UPAF funds over 50 diverse local performing arts organizations that provide our community with the best of music, dance, song and theater. In addition to entertainment excellence, these organizations provide transformative educational programs for local children, ensure that individuals from marginalized neighborhoods have opportunities to participate in the arts and expand arts access for people with disabilities.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.