Sarah Pancheri, president and CEO at Milwaukee World Festival Inc.
Hired as vice president of marketing and sales. Named chief operating officer in 2019. Named president in 2022 and CEO in 2023.
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Content referencing Sarah Pancheri
The Last Paycheck of Don Smiley
He was supposed to be replaced as Summerfest CEO in 2024. So what happened?
Dec 17th, 2025 by Bruce Murphy
Two New Festivals Coming to Lakefront
Freshwater Food & Wine Festival and Rock and Roll Fest to debut in 2026 and 2027.
Nov 12th, 2025 by Sophie Bolich
Summerfest Unveils More Than Two Dozen New Food & Drink Options For 2025
Plus: Six new small businesses will participate in BMO marketplace.
May 22nd, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Don Smiley’s 12 Years of Lavish Pay
Continuing in 2023 even after new Summerfest president appointed.
Mar 10th, 2025 by Bruce Murphy
Summerfest Taps Lauded Architecture Firm To Reimagine Festival Grounds
Gensler will explore ways to expand utilization of Henry Maier Festival Park.
Sep 6th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
Rain Soaked Summerfest Sees Attendance Drop
Festival reports rain was a factor on six of nine days.
Jul 12th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
How To Get To Summerfest 2024
Spoiler alert: Don't expect to drive to the front door without spending $40.
Jun 20th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
Don Smiley Paid $3.3 Million in 2022
Summerfest boss has collected $9.9 million in 6 years for running tax-exempt charity.
May 20th, 2024 by Bruce Murphy
Cavalier Johnson Is All In On Growing Milwaukee
Annual State of the City speech places growth plan front and center.
Mar 4th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
Aurora Summerfest Deal Raises Questions
Why is a hospital chain paying for music? And where will money for sponsorship deal come from?
Dec 12th, 2023 by Bruce Murphy
Aurora Becoming Stage Sponsor at Summerfest
Former Johnson Controls World Sound Stage will become The Aurora Pavilion, receive upgrades.
Dec 7th, 2023 by Sophie Bolich
Augustine Prep Opens $49 Million Elementary School
New building allows for major growth. And an even bigger project is planned.
Aug 23rd, 2023 by Jeramey Jannene
Summerfest Attendance Up 40%, 3-Weekend Format To Continue
But overall attendance was still well below pre-pandemic levels.
Jul 11th, 2023 by Sophie Bolich
VISIT Milwaukee Celebrates Record-Setting Year
Tourism-focused organization hands out awards, announces NFT-centric experience at annual meeting.
Jun 15th, 2023 by Sophie Bolich
How To Get to Summerfest 2023
No car? No problem. Here are 9 other ways to get there.
Jun 12th, 2023 by Graham Kilmer
Summerfest Leader Will Step Down At End of 2023
Don Smiley will return at the end of 2023. Sarah Smith Pancheri named president.
Jun 3rd, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
Want To Visit Summerfest’s Children’s Park? Check The Schedule
Northwestern Mutual Community Park is free and popular, but availability is based on fest calendar.
Apr 21st, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
DNC Delegate Welcome Party To Be Held at Summerfest Grounds
Delegates and guests will be treated to lakefront experience night before convention opens.
Feb 7th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
