WISCAP Announces New Executive Director

Madison, WI – Wisconsin Community Action Program Association (WISCAP), Wisconsin’s Poverty Fighting Network, is pleased to announce the appointment of Courtney Hayward, PhD as its new Executive Director.

Courtney is a seasoned policy advocate and government relations professional whose journey has been shaped by both personal experience and professional evolution. Beginning her academic career at the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor’s Degree in Legal Studies, her path took an unexpected turn when she realized during law school orientation that her true calling lay elsewhere and pivoted by her desire to make meaningful change, and pursued her Master’s in Public Administration and Doctorate in Public Policy and Administration.

Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to establish her own grant writing/consulting firm, where she helps nonprofit organizations secure over millions in funding and enhance their programming competitiveness over the past 14 years. Courtney’s professional journey includes significant roles such as Grant Writer and Institutional Research Analyst, Development Director, Operations Manager and Director of Government Relations. These experiences provided her with valuable insights into both the symptoms and root causes of societal issues, particularly poverty.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Courtney Hayward as WISCAP’s new Executive Director,” said Cheryl Detrick, Chief Executive Officer of Newcap and President of the WISCAP Board of Directors. “Her deep commitment to poverty alleviation, combined with her unique blend of lived experience and professional expertise, positions her to lead WISCAP into an exciting new chapter. We are confident that Courtney’s leadership will strengthen our mission to fight poverty and empower communities across Wisconsin.”

Beyond her professional achievements, Courtney is deeply committed to community service. She mentors teenage girls, serves as a mentor at the Wisconsin Women’s Network Policy Institute, and sits on multiple boards, including Group Health Cooperative of South Central Wisconsin, where she chairs both the Business Strategy Committee and the Ad Hoc Legislative Committee. She is also an active member of the Madison Metropolitan Chapter of Links Incorporated.

As the youngest of six children, born to a single African American mother and a Haitian immigrant father, Courtney’s personal experiences have profoundly influenced her professional mission. Having experienced poverty firsthand, she brings both lived experience and professional expertise to her advocacy work.

In her new role as Executive Director, Courtney will focus on advancing WISCAP’s mission, expanding its reach, and fostering impactful community partnerships. “I’m thrilled to join an organization that supports our member organizations that are doing great work to help fight poverty in the state of Wisconsin. I’m looking forward to partnering with our members and other stakeholders to carry this work forward.”

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.