Rotary Club of Milwaukee
Press Release

Mary Mccormick To Retire From Rotary Club Of Milwaukee In 2026

Longtime leader to step down after two decades of transformative leadership

By - Jun 12th, 2025 09:03 am

MILWAUKEE (June 12, 2025) – Mary McCormick, longtime executive director of Rotary Club of Milwaukee, has announced she will retire in June 2026, marking nearly 25 years of service to one of Milwaukee’s most impactful civic organizations.

McCormick joined the Rotary Club of Milwaukee in 2001 as executive director and has remained in that position for the past 24 years. During her tenure, she cultivated a thriving organization that significantly contributed to the vitality of Milwaukee and beyond. Under her guidance, the Rotary Club of Milwaukee championed numerous impactful projects, including the Milwaukee Rotary Centennial Arboretum at the Urban Ecology Center, green space redevelopment at Brown Street Academy and Johnsons Park, the MKE Urban Stables and a curated music series at the Rotary Amphitheater at Discovery World. In 2009, she helped launch a scholarship program that supports 25 students annually. Rotary’s international footprint also expanded under McCormick’s direction, with more than $2.5 million invested in infrastructure projects in Guatemala.

“We are fortunate to have had Mary’s steady hand and thoughtful leadership for over two decades,” shared Saj Thachenkary, President of Rotary Club of Milwaukee. “She possesses a unique ability to recognize and nurture great ideas, create a culture of belonging and respect, and build a strong, sustainable and vibrant club. Her impact on the Rotary Club of Milwaukee and our community cannot be overstated, and we are immensely grateful to her.”

McCormick’s leadership is emphasized by her collaborative spirit, which has been recognized with prestigious honors, such as the 2023 Mentor Award from TEMPO and the 2024 Social Justice & Civic Engagement Award from the Milwaukee Urban League, received in partnership with Paula Penebaker, president and CEO of YWCA of Southeastern Wisconsin. Earlier in her career, she was named a 2013 Woman of Influence by the Milwaukee Business Journal.

“I’ve had the privilege of working alongside incredibly smart, creative and committed individuals,” McCormick shared, reflecting on her tenure. “My greatest pride comes from seeing the Rotary Club of Milwaukee thrive as a bottom-up organization, where the powerful ideas of our members are recognized and brought to fruition. When you empower people to make a difference, the impact is truly exponential.”

McCormick’s official retirement date is set for June 1, 2026. While stepping down from her executive role, she plans to remain involved with Rotary as a member. McCormick’s remaining time with the organization will be dedicated to ensuring a seamless transition, setting her successor up for continued success and fostering new avenues of creativity within the club.

A search committee formed by the Rotary Club’s board of directors will lead the process to identify the next executive director in 2026, with a focus on finding a leader rooted in the Milwaukee community – an essential part of understanding and advancing Rotary’s mission in the community.

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.

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