Laura Bray Named MATC’s Vice President of College Advancement and External Communications
Bray has spent most of her career building public-private collaborative teams to deliver results in community and economic development.
Laura Bray. Photo courtesy of MATC.
MILWAUKEE (Feb. 27, 2017) – Milwaukee Area Technical College recently named Laura Bray to the newly created position of vice president of college advancement and external communications. She directs the MATC Foundation and leads the college’s Communications and Events Department. Beginning in July, she also will oversee MATC’s Office of Workforce Solutions, which provides customized training for area businesses; and Office of Grants Development.
Bray has spent most of her career building public-private collaborative teams to deliver results in community and economic development. She most recently served as principal of Rise Consulting, LLC, providing strategic planning, talent recruitment and fund development consulting services.
“MATC is redefining the future of higher education by creating affordable, accessible pathways to family-sustaining employment,” said Dr. Vicki Martin, MATC president. “We welcome Laura Bray and her expertise in economic development and fundraising to our executive team.”
As executive director of Menomonee Valley Partners, Inc., from 2004-2014, she led the non-profit agency coordinating the Menomonee Valley’s revitalization. During her tenure, the valley experienced $1 billion worth of new investments and the creation of more than 5,000 new family-supporting jobs. She also co-led a successful $25 million fundraising campaign to complete the complete the Hank Aaron State Trail, Three Bridge Park and a branch of the Urban Ecology Center.
Bray said, “With new initiatives like the MATC Promise, it is an exciting time to join MATC. The college is a driving force for the region to prepare students for some of the fastest-growing and most in-demand jobs in our region. I am looking forward to engaging industry partners and civic leaders to prepare students today for the jobs and workplaces of tomorrow.”
Her background is deep and varied. She has served in leadership roles at BioForward, Inc.; the City of Milwaukee’s Department of City Development; and Local Initiative Support Corporation in Milwaukee and Bridgeport, Conn.; as well as project management positions at Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation and Consensus Organizing Institute.
Bray began her career as a community organizer through the Jesuit Volunteer Corps in Bridgeport, Conn. A Milwaukee native, Bray holds an executive MBA and a bachelor’s degree in public relations and political science from Marquette University.
Among the many awards and honors she received are the Daniel Burnham Visionary Award, Milwaukee Riverwalk District (2014); the MANDI Brewers Community Foundation Public Space Award, Three Bridges Park (2014); and the Frank Kirkpatrick Award from the Greater Milwaukee Foundation (2012).
Wisconsin’s largest technical college and the most diverse two-year institution in the Midwest, Milwaukee Area Technical College is a key driver of southeastern Wisconsin’s economy and has provided innovative education in the region since 1912. Approximately 40,000 students per year attend the college’s four campuses and community-based sites or learn online. MATC offers affordable and accessible education and training opportunities that empower and transform lives in the community. The college offers 200 academic programs; nearly 400 transfer options leading to bachelor’s degrees; and a School of Pre-College Education, which assists people with completing high school, preparing for college or entering the workforce. Overwhelmingly, MATC graduates build careers and businesses in southeastern Wisconsin. The college is accredited through the Higher Learning Commission, the national standard for academics and student services.
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.
Mentioned in This Press Release
Recent Press Releases by Milwaukee Area Technical College
MATC Reveals Art Produced by Local Artists as part of Community Arts Collection
Aug 27th, 2024 by Milwaukee Area Technical CollegeThe works of 15 local artists will be installed at MATC campuses.
MATC and Community Organizations Present Town Hall to Express the Importance of Black Men Voting
Aug 26th, 2024 by Milwaukee Area Technical CollegeA nationally recognized community leader and author will lead panelists in providing insights about the impact of voting in local and national elections.
