CelticMKE Names New Executive Director

Mike Mitchell. Photo courtesy of CelticMKE.

MILWAUKEE (December 20, 2017) – CelticMKE, home of Milwaukee Irish Fest, is excited to announce Mike Mitchell as its new executive director. Mitchell was offered the position after an extensive review process conducted by a special selection committee and approval by CelticMKE’s board of directors. In his new role, Mitchell will oversee the strategic vision of the organization along with managing daily operations, including administration, programming, community outreach and more. Mitchell will assume the role in early January 2018.

“The selection committee was impressed with Mike’s business acumen, leadership skills and ability to engage with a wide variety of stakeholders,” said Linda Clark Klibowitz, president of the board of directors for CelticMKE. “Equally as important, the committee appreciated Mike’s positive, outgoing personality and the enthusiasm he brings to the job. He’s a great fit for our organization and culture.”

Mitchell brings more than 35 years of administrative and management experience to his new position at CelticMKE. For the past 13 years, he has held various leadership positions within the American Red Cross, most recently serving as the executive director of the American Red Cross of West Michigan. In this role, he was responsible for setting the strategic vision of the organization while collaborating with a wide variety of stakeholders, including staff, board members, committee members, volunteers, government officials, business leaders and more. He also played a major role in deployments to areas impacted by natural disasters, including hurricane relief efforts in Texas earlier this year.

Prior to joining the American Red Cross, Mitchell founded a multi-million dollar software development company specializing in call center technology. His company, Strategic Communications Systems, was later acquired by a global technology leader.

“A job like this is truly an opportunity of a lifetime,” Mitchell stated. “I’m excited to lead an organization that is dedicated to promoting and celebrating all aspects of Irish and Celtic culture. I also look forward to working closely with all of CelticMKE’s stakeholders to fulfill the mission of the organization.”

Mitchell is no stranger to CelticMKE. For the past 28 years, he has served as an entertainment volunteer at Milwaukee Irish Fest, the organization’s signature event.

“My experience as a volunteer at Milwaukee Irish Fest helped ignite my passion for all things Irish,” Mitchell said. “It also gave me a deep appreciation for the people behind the organization, including its board of directors, paid staff and dedicated team of more than 4,000 volunteers – CelticMKE is truly a world-class organization.”

Mitchell is married with two adult children and currently resides in Holland, Mich. He will be relocating to Wauwatosa, Wis. in the coming weeks.

About CelticMKE

Through original programing and events, CelticMKE aims to preserve, promote and celebrate all aspects of Irish, Irish American and Celtic cultures, and to instill an appreciation of these cultures in current and future generations. CelticMKE produces the world-renowned Milwaukee Irish Fest, August 16 – 19, 2018, along with a variety of Celtic-themed classes, lectures, concerts and cultural heritage projects.

The CelticMKE Center is located in Wauwatosa, Wis. For more information about the organization, visit celticmke.com.

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.

Recent Press Releases by CelticMKE

Milwaukee Irish Fest Unveils Global Celtic Lineup

May 30th, 2024 by CelticMKE

43rd festival has worldwide footprint, with artists from Ireland, Japan, Italy, and more

Milwaukee Irish Fest Offers a Hundred-Thousand Welcomes and Deals at the Gate

Aug 15th, 2023 by CelticMKE

Free and discounted admission promotions at the north, south and main gates throughout the festival, supporting veterans, students, families and more

The Music, Food and Family Fun to Experience at This Year’s Milwaukee Irish Fest

Aug 11th, 2023 by CelticMKE

The world’s largest Irish music festival takes place at Henry Maier Festival Park from August 17-20