The Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts Announces Executive Director

Brookfield, WI (March 2026) – The Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts (SLWCA) is pleased to announce that Kortney Hamm has joined the organization as Executive Director. In this role, Kortney will guide the organization’s strategic vision toward continued growth. Working closely with staff, the Board of Directors, and the broader community, she will expand SLWCA’s visibility and strengthen its comprehensive offerings in arts education, high-quality performances, and community engagement throughout southeast Wisconsin.

Kortney brings an extensive track record of building and leading high-performing nonprofit teams, most recently serving as Executive Director of the Upper Plains Region for Blood Cancer United. In prior leadership roles, she achieved double-digit year-over-year growth, guiding her most recent region from $6 million to more than $9 million in revenue over the past four years. She is widely recognized for her strategic leadership and revenue accomplishments and is excited to bring her experience to support this exceptional organization in Brookfield.

Wilson Center Board Chair, David Konkel said, “Kortney is an outstanding leader and the right choice for SLWCA. She has a proven record building outstanding teams, growing support, and leading with clarity and care. We’re excited to welcome her and to partner closely with her as she helps build momentum for our 25th anniversary.”

This marks an exciting and pivotal moment for the Sharon Lynne Wilson Center as the organization commences a five-year strategic plan, with preparations already underway to honor and celebrate their milestone 25th anniversary in 2027. Welcoming a new leader at this critical time helps build momentum for the celebration and the promising future.

“The Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts has been a cherished cornerstone of the Waukesha community and Southeast Wisconsin,” said Hamm. “The opportunity to ensure our community has access to educational resources, meaningful creative outlets, and a welcoming space to grow personally is something I care deeply about. I am truly honored to lead this organization toward sustainable, consistent growth and beyond.”

Hamm is a proud member of TEMPO Milwaukee and remains active in her community. She currently resides in Pewaukee with her family and has long valued the arts experiences offered by the Wilson Center.

Meet the New Executive Director

The public is invited to meet Kortney Hamm, Executive Director, at the 2026/27 Wilson Center Season Announce on Tuesday, April 14. Doors and Bar open at 6pm. Event begins at 7pm. RSVP here.

About the Wilson Center

The purpose of the Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts is to enrich lives and strengthen community through the arts. The Wilson Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization situated in a beautiful 400-acre park in Brookfield, Wisconsin. Recognized as a cultural anchor in Southeast Wisconsin, the Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts serves as a catalyst for lifelong discovery and exploration of the arts. This nonprofit serves more than 55,000 people annually, including 10,000 students.

The Wilson Center focuses on three main disciplines:

• Performing arts
• Arts education
• Visual arts

In addition, the Wilson Center serves as a gathering place for the community, offering rental opportunities for businesses, nonprofits, and private events. In addition to year-round performances, the organization promotes lifelong learning through arts education programs, art classes, and exhibitions. For more information visit www.wilson-center.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.