United Performing Arts Fund Names 2025 Campaign Co-Chairs

MILWAUKEE (Feb. 20, 2025) – The United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF) has tapped two prominent business leaders to serve as co-chairs for the 2025 UPAF Community Campaign– Tim Mattke, chief executive officer of MGIC and Peggy Williams-Smith, president and CEO of Visit Milwaukee.

“I am thrilled to have the support of these passionate leaders for my first UPAF Campaign,” said Annemarie Scobey-Polacheck, president and CEO of UPAF, who joined the organization this past September. “Southeastern Wisconsin is incredibly fortunate to have the thriving arts scene that we do. Our Member Groups ensure entertainment excellence on our stages, provide transformative arts education experiences to our area students and serve as exceptional economic drivers. Tim and Peggy are a dynamic team who understand the critical role that the performing arts play in our community and will serve as phenomenal advocates throughout the 2025 Campaign.”

“Southeastern Wisconsin is exceptionally lucky to have such a robust performing arts scene, well ahead of other cities our size,” said Williams-Smith. “The arts are not just entertainment for our region—they are a driving force for economic vitality and community connection. By supporting UPAF, we ensure that these organizations continue to inspire, employ and elevate our region for generations to come.”

“As a UPAF Campaign Co-Chair, I am proud to support an organization that not only enriches lives through world-class performances but also strengthens our workforce and attracts top talent,” said Mattke. “Businesses thrive in communities where creativity and culture flourish, and UPAF ensures that the arts continue to inspire innovation, collaboration and growth throughout our region.”

The 2025 UPAF Community Campaign will kick off on Feb. 25 with a Launch event at Skylight Music Theatre. Registration for this event is still available at UPAF.org. The Campaign will run through June 1, culminating with the UPAF Ride for the Arts, presented by Miller Lite. Last year, UPAF’s total fundraising effort was over $9.2M for 14 Member Groups.

About the Co-Chairs

Peggy Williams-Smith is a Milwaukee native and veteran of the hospitality industry who joined Visit Milwaukee as the company’s first female president and CEO in 2019. Under her direction, the company has launched an exciting new brand for the first time in over 20 years and put together dynamic marketing campaigns to increase economic impact to the community and elevate the city’s reputation.

From promoting the city to the nation during the Milwaukee Bucks’ championship run through nationwide commercials, to leading the city’s bid to secure (and host) the 2024 Republican National Convention to the many industry events that are booked into the city for future years, Williams-Smith’s strategic leadership has resulted in consecutive year over year growth in economic gains for the region. Prior to her work at VISIT Milwaukee, she honed her love for hospitality at Marcus Hotels & Resorts for more than 22 years. Williams-Smith is a proud mentor of other women in business and uses her free time to support numerous charitable causes through board service. She has been honored as a Milwaukee Business Journal Women of Influence (2017), Tempo Mentor Award Winner (2021), Milwaukee Business Journal Executive of the Year (2022) and will be honored as a Professional Dimensions Imprint Award Winner this year.

Tim Mattke is Chief Executive Officer of MGIC Investment Corporation and MGIC. He joined the Company in 2006. Prior to his appointment as CEO, he served at MGIC as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer from 2014 to 2019, and Controller from 2009 to 2014. Before then, he held other positions within the Accounting and Finance Departments. Before joining MGIC, Mattke was an Audit Manager with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. He has a BBA from the University of Wisconsin-Madison as well as a Master of Accountancy from that University.

Mattke also currently serves on the Boards of Acts Housing, Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Wisconsin and Chicago, Inc., and also sits on the Advisory Council of SecureFutures and the Advisory Board for the Accounting Department at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He previously served on the Board for the United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF).

About UPAF

The United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF) has been setting the stage since 1967 by providing critical investment from private individuals and philanthropy 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 14 Member organizations and numerous Affiliate groups that provide our community with the best of music, dance and theater. In addition to entertainment excellence, these organizations provide transformative educational programs for local children and expand arts access for all.

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.