Safe & Sound Announces New Executive Director

MILWAUKEE – Today, the Board of Directors of Safe & Sound announced that Joe’Mar Hooper has been named as the organization’s next Executive Director. Hooper most recently served as the Wisconsin Market Leader for CommonBond Communities and was selected for this role following an extensive search process.

“Joe’Mar is the right leader for Safe & Sound,” said John Kordsmeier, Safe & Sound Board Chair. “Having grown up in Milwaukee and having worked in both public and non-profit sectors, he understands the power of supporting residents and youth in building safe and empowered neighborhoods. Working with Safe & Sound’s talented and passionate team members, Joe’Mar will continue to increase the positive impact that this organization makes.”

Hooper brings deep experience in local and state government to his leadership of Safe & Sound. He previously served as Budget Manager for the Milwaukee Department of City Development and later Deputy City Treasurer, Legislative Fiscal Manager and Health Operations Administrator for the City of Milwaukee. He also worked as a budget analyst and economic development specialist with the State of Wisconsin.

He continued to expand his leadership and community engagement experience, creating and directing the Department of Business, Community, and Family Partnerships for Milwaukee Public Schools. In this role, he led community outreach efforts for the district and worked to oversee strategic partnerships, volunteering, alumni engagement, the My Brother’s Keeper program, and various family engagement initiatives.

“I am excited to be joining Safe & Sound, an organization that improves the lives of countless Milwaukee residents,” said Hooper. “As someone who grew up in Milwaukee, I look forward to bringing my skills and knowledge of the City to ensure Safe & Sound continues along the path towards being the pre-eminent leader in the region in creating safe and vibrant neighborhoods for all of Milwaukee’s residents.”

Hooper earned both his bachelor’s degree in secondary education and his masters’ degree in public administration from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. He is active in the community, serving as a board member of the Wisconsin Policy Forum and Milwaukee College Prep, and as a member of the Evection Prevention Coalition. He serves as the chair of the board of MENTOR Greater Milwaukee and is currently co-chair of the Milwaukee Public Library Financial Sustainability Task Force.

ABOUT SAFE & SOUND

Safe & Sound is a Milwaukee non-profit that works to bridge the gap between law enforcement and local residents to foster a sense of ownership that results in safer neighborhoods. In partnership with law enforcement, Safe & Sound neighborhood teams implement strategic neighborhood engagement and programming that brings neighbors together to create a sense of collective efficacy and improve public safety. For more than 20 years, Safe & Sound has developed a nationally recognized, effective model that is successful in improving public safety in targeted Milwaukee neighborhoods.

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.