United Performing Arts Fund Names Nicole Angresano as Development Director – Corporate Partnerships

MILWAUKEE, (September 26, 2025) – The United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF) recently named Nicole Angresano as Development Director – Corporate Partnerships. In this role, Angresano will build and strengthen relationships with corporate partners to support UPAF’s mission of securing resources for and expanding access to the performing arts across Southeastern Wisconsin.

Angresano brings more than 25 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, and community investment. For 16 years, she served as a senior leader at United Way, where she engaged in individual and workplace fundraising, grant writing, and corporate partnership development. Most recently, as Vice President of Impact, she directed annual strategic investments of more than $20 million to improve health, education, and financial stability across the Milwaukee region. She also oversaw the implementation of the $25 million McKenzie Scott Award and led a decade-long teen pregnancy prevention campaign that contributed to a nationally recognized 70% reduction in Milwaukee’s teen birth rate.

“Nicole’s proven ability to cultivate authentic relationships and her strong record of strategic leadership make her an invaluable addition to our team,” said Annemarie Scobey-Polacheck, President & CEO of UPAF. “She understands the importance of partnerships in driving lasting impact, and we are thrilled to welcome her as we work to expand UPAF’s reach and strengthen support for the arts.”

A lifelong arts enthusiast, Angresano’s passion for musical theater and dance inspired her first local board service with First Stage, where she served for 10 years. She currently serves on the boards of Community Advocates and the Milwaukee Parks Foundation and has been an active volunteer in her school district, supporting both the arts and athletics.

“As I considered my next professional chapter, I knew I wanted to join an organization that was deeply mission-driven, authentically led, and committed to making a lasting impact in the community,” said Angresano. “UPAF embodies all of this and more. I see the performing arts not as an ‘extra,’ but as essential to a thriving community, and I am excited to help build the partnerships that make this work possible.”

Angresano lives in Brown Deer with her husband, Joshua Mersky, a professor at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, and their son Lucas, a freshman at Emory University in Atlanta.

About UPAF

Since 1967, the United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF) has remained committed to advancing the vitality of Southeastern Wisconsin by raising essential funds, providing strategic stewardship, and inspiring involvement in the performing arts. UPAF’s work is driven by four pillars:

• Supporting a broad spectrum of organizations
• Strengthening regional vibrancy
• Investing in arts education and accessibility
• Fostering lifelong arts enthusiasts

UPAF funds 14 Member organizations and numerous Affiliates, ensuring a thriving arts ecosystem that drives creativity, economic impact, and community connection. Supported by the generosity of individuals, companies, and foundations across Southeastern Wisconsin, UPAF is the nation’s largest united fund dedicated to the performing arts.

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.