United Performing Arts Fund Names Bennie Patterson Jr. as Senior Director of Marketing and Communications

MILWAUKEE, (March 10, 2025) – The United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF) recently named Bennie Patterson Jr. as senior director of marketing and communications. At UPAF, Patterson will lead all marketing and communications for UPAF to drive growth in fundraising, promote engagement in the performing arts sector and position UPAF as a thought-leader in our community.

Most recently, Bennie Patterson Jr. served as owner & chief strategist of an award winning, cause-based agency that provided digital strategy, branding services and strategic initiative development. In addition, Bennie also has served as a brand & digital strategist for Hiker – a creative agency – ultimately unlocking the potential for authentic and compelling digital storytelling for their portfolio of social impact clients.

Bennie is a seasoned digital strategist and creative leader with over 20 years of leading impactful advocacy campaigns, cause-driven initiatives and political strategies. He has built and led high-performing digital communications teams, resulting in transformative shifts in campaign development, increased brand awareness and the integration of digital and creative strategies as core organizational priorities.

“UPAF is incredibly fortunate to have Bennie leading our marketing efforts as we strive to grow our annual campaign and reach our 2025 fundraising goal of $10.7 million,” said Annemarie Scobey-Polacheck, president & CEO of UPAF. “To foster growth, it is essential to drive engagement with the performing arts and UPAF throughout our region, particularly within our corporate sector. Bennie’s extensive marketing expertise makes him perfectly suited to drive this strategic goal forward.”

“It’s such an exciting time to join UPAF as it rethinks how to leverage storytelling and creative content to reinvigorate the region’s relationship with the performing arts community,” said Patterson. “For me, Southeastern Wisconsin’s arts scene isn’t just about entertainment—it’s a driving force behind the area’s identity, progress and resilience. It’s to our advantage to make sure the performing arts sector is protected, its accessibility is expanded and it remains positioned to be a pillar in the region’s future for decades to come.”

Born and raised in Milwaukee, Bennie has made his way back to the Midwest after exploring career opportunities in Washington DC and Oakland, CA.

About UPAF
The United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF) has been setting the stage since 1967 by providing critical investment from private individuals and philanthropy in our region’s vibrant performing arts scene. UPAF’s mission is to secure community resources, promote the performing arts as a regional asset and improve the quality of life through responsible investment in and financial support of the performing arts in Southeastern Wisconsin. UPAF proudly bears a four-star rating with Charity Navigator, the highest distinction for nonprofits.

With generous community support, UPAF funds 14 Member organizations and numerous Affiliate groups that provide our community with the best of music, dance and theater. In addition to entertainment excellence, these organizations provide transformative educational programs for local children and expand arts access for all.

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.