Milwaukee County Office on African American Affairs Announces Confirmation of Nicole Brookshire as Director of the Office on African American Affairs

MILWAUKEE – In a unanimous vote, all Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors voted in favor of the confirmation of Nicole Brookshire as the first director of the County’s Office on African American Affairs (OAAA), a key step forward in tackling Milwaukee’s inexcusable racial inequities. A city of Milwaukee resident, Brookshire has an established track record of success in the private, public, and nonprofit sectors.

Mrs. Brookshire’s confirmation comes following a comprehensive national search, a series of public listening sessions and meetings with key social justice stakeholders, a strategic paid advertising campaign highlighting the Office in traditional print media, a targeted social media campaign, and — most importantly – at the recommendation of a community-driven panel of local leaders, spearheaded by Ralph Hollmon.

During the time prior to her confirmation, Brookshire has begun establishing solid community partnerships which align to the office’s eight pillars of focus: Health, Economic Growth (jobs and small business creation), Affordable Housing, Transportation, Youth Re-engagement, Social Justice Initiatives, Food & Wellness, and Education.

During Mrs. Brookshire’s confirmation hearing she continually stressed the importance of collaboration, which she will build upon during her tenure. “No one person can accomplish these things alone. I look forward to working with the County Board, County Executive, other elected and appointed officials, County residents, community service providers, the faith-based community, foundations, and the private sector. The office will need every sector of the community to work together on shared mutual goals, to achieve the challenges, set before us.”

Endorsements of Ms. Brookshire

“I envision Milwaukee Public Schools and the Milwaukee County Office on African American Affairs aligning efforts to positively change the futures for thousands of our young citizens. Nicole will do an outstanding job in her new role and has my total support,” said Milwaukee Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Darienne Driver.

“We have recently met with Nicole as a full Commission and were impressed with her experience, credentials, but most importantly her vision for the Office. We believe strongly that Nicole will make a fantastic Executive Director and move the Office forward in an efficient and engaging way,” said Jason Rae, chair of the Milwaukee County Human Rights Commission.

“Mrs. Brookshire’s educational training in accounting and business management will be a valuable skill set. Just as equally important if not more is her personal life having and raising a black family with her husband and three children in the County of Milwaukee. Such experience is invaluable and allows for a perspective that is not only diverse but important to the conversation when addressing the health and wealth gaps of Milwaukee County,” said Keith Stanley, director of Near West Side Partners.

“Nicole Brookshire has won the support of community leaders like Ralph Hollmon and Milwaukee Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Darienne Driver, as well as organizations like the NAACP, Human Rights Commission, and United Way, and now she’s won the unanimous support of the County Board of Supervisors,” said County Executive Chris Abele. “This is a testament to Mrs. Brookshire’s ability build trust in the community and actively reach out to all elected officials as well as the community. I continue to believe that Nicole is the right person to lead Milwaukee County’s work to make progress towards achieving these goals and look forward to seeing her continue to build momentum in the office.”

To view the full text of these endorsements and more, click here.

Background on Mrs. Brookshire

Nicole Brookshire has established herself in Milwaukee as a thoughtful, innovative, and collaborative problem-solver who is respected in the community and cares about getting results that matter. Most recently, Mrs. Brookshire served as the Vice President of Operations for Junior Achievement of Wisconsin, where she managed a $5.4 million annual budget.

Previously, Brookshire served as the Grants Compliance Manager for the City of Milwaukee Community Development Grants Administration, where she administered annual budgets in the $10-$16 million range, standardized grant reapplication processes to bolster grantee accountability, and enhanced the City of Milwaukee and Milwaukee County Continuum of Care.

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.