Eddie Sturkey to Step Down as Executive Director of East Town Association

MILWAUKEE, WI — [Nov. 4, 2025] — East Town Association announces today that Executive Director, Eddie Sturkey, will be stepping down from his role at the end of the year. Sturkey first joined East Town Association’s Board of Directors over a decade ago and stepped in as executive director in late 2021, leading the nonprofit through a critical rebuilding period following the pandemic and steering it away from potential dissolution.

“My time at East Town Association has been one of purpose and community,” said Sturkey. “As I step into the next chapter, I carry everything I’ve learned here and feel truly excited for what is to come. This decision is about timing, both to open new opportunities for myself and to allow the organization to continue its upward momentum under new leadership.”

Sturkey informed the board of directors earlier this season of his intention to transition out of the role following the 2025 event season. Since September, he has worked closely with members of the board to identify organizational priorities and ensure a smooth and successful leadership transition.

“While my initial intention was to only come into this role for a year to help get the organization and events back off the ground,” said Sturkey. “I have been extremely fortunate to have had the privilege of leading the organization for the past four seasons. What I will miss most, aside from working alongside my incredible team, are the countless individuals across the greater Milwaukee community that I’ve had the honor of engaging with. I’m deeply grateful for those relationships and look forward to continuing to collaborate with many of them in new and different ways.”

Under Sturkey’s leadership, East Town Association has experienced significant revitalization and growth:

• Successfully relaunched the organization’s signature events — Bastille Days, Storm the Bastille 5K Run/Walk, Jazz in the Park, and Cathedral Square Market — following the pandemic hiatus.
• Generated more than $4.5 million in total revenue for the organization and over $234,000 in direct revenue for the City and County.
• Hosted over 110 days (576 hours) of free community programming and supported over 600 local vendors and suppliers — most of them small businesses.
• Partnered with Milwaukee Oktoberfest for two seasons, contributing to the event’s successful transition to Henry Maier Festival Park in 2025.
• Worked with over 100 sponsors and partners, and provided a platform for hundreds of unique entertainers and performers.
• Hosted more than 15,000 registered runners in the annual Storm the Bastille 5K, including record participation in 2025.
• Rebuilt the organization’s core staff team and governing board, launched a new membership program, and expanded community and digital outreach.

Beyond the numbers, Sturkey’s tenure was defined by rebuilding trust, partnerships, and public enthusiasm for downtown Milwaukee’s East Town neighborhood. He worked closely with city leaders, local law enforcement, and community organizations to ensure the return of some of the city’s longest running cultural events.

“It was especially an honor to work with local law enforcement and the Milwaukee Fire Department, who helped ensure our events were safe for the public each year,” said Sturkey. “Free community programming is more important than ever, not just for downtown activation and tourism, but for connection across a city that still struggles with issues of segregation and poverty.”

“Eddie’s leadership over the past four years has been instrumental in shaping the success and growth of East Town Association,” said Board President, Bryan Schauland. “His dedication and vision have left a lasting impact on both the organization and the community we serve. While we are sad to see him go, we are deeply grateful for his contributions and wish him the very best in his next chapter.”

“It has been an absolute privilege to work alongside Eddie Sturkey over these past few years,” added Board Member, Ngosong Fonkem. “He stepped into this role at a time when the organization’s future was uncertain, and under his leadership, East Town increased our diversity of reach to the larger Milwaukee community. His impact on our community will continue to be felt for years to come.”

“In the years following the pandemic, Eddie’s leadership was instrumental in rebuilding the organization and restoring its signature events to the East Town neighborhood,” said former Board President, Kevin Behl. “His vision and dedication were invaluable to the continued success of those events, and I wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”

Although Sturkey has not yet announced his next role, he emphasized that this decision was driven by foresight and intention. If needed, he plans to remain connected to the organization to help ensure continuity and a successful 2026 season.

About East Town Association:
East Town Association, Inc., established in 1963, is a nonprofit organization in downtown Milwaukee dedicated to promoting growth and vitality in Milwaukee’s East Town area. For over 60 years, the organization has hosted cherished free community events including Bastille Days, Storm the Bastille 5K Run/Walk, Jazz in the Park, and Cathedral Square Market. Creating opportunities for community connection, cultural celebration, and economic support for local businesses, artists, and musicians. East Town Association plays a key role in activating downtown Milwaukee, supporting tourism, and contributing to the city’s reputation as the “City of Festivals.”

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.