WWBIC Names Kathryn Dunn as New President/CVO

MILWAUKEE, WIS. – The Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation (WWBIC) Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Kathryn Dunn as the new WWBIC President/Chief Visionary Officer, effective May 1st.

Dunn takes over the post previously held by Wendy K. Baumann, who stepped down as WWBIC President and Chief Visionary Officer after 31 years of service in February 2025. Ms. Dunn has served WWBIC as Vice President, Programs and Operations since 2024, and also served as WWBIC Vice President from 1993-1997.

The Board selected Dunn from a field of 70 candidates after conducting a comprehensive and competitive nationwide search through the firm QTI Executive and Professional Search, Inc. Dunn was selected for her leadership experience, strategic vision, and deep commitment to economic empowerment and community development.

“Kathryn’s extensive experience in various nonprofit organizations, her deep knowledge of WWBIC’s work and her passion for economic development makes her the ideal leader to guide WWBIC into its next chapter,” said Kate Hill, WWBIC Board Chair. “WWBIC will continue to expand our economic impact by assisting current and future generations of small business owners. I am confident that Kathryn will build upon WWBIC’s remarkable legacy and continue to advance our mission of ‘Putting Dreams to Work’.”

Dunn’s work within the Milwaukee community as well as the State of Wisconsin has been instrumental to women’s economic empowerment movement as well as community based programming to serve the underserved. Prior to returning to WWBIC in 2024, Kathryn provided leadership and partnership in developing several key programs and initiatives for 13 years at the Greater Milwaukee Foundation (GMF). Her work is reflected in the GMF strategic plan, and the “Milwaukee for All” vision. She served as a key partner in the development of ThriveOn King Community HUB and supported the Greater Together Campaign. Kathryn’s work has deepened strategic partnerships within the broader Milwaukee region. Her work on ThriveOn Community HUB, a historic partnership between Greater Milwaukee Foundation, The Medical College of Wisconsin and Royal Capital ensured the community’s vision and voice was reflected.

Ms. Dunn has partnered across teams at the Foundation throughout her time on projects such as creation of the Centennial Plan and Gifts to the Community, Match Day, On the Table, Impact Investing and the early work of the Foundation’s role in addressing racial inequities. After WWBIC in the ’90s and prior to her work with the GMF, Kathryn served as Community Investment Officer for the Helen Bader Foundation.

“I am excited to lead such a talented team working to help people fulfill their dreams of business ownership,” Kathryn says. “WWBIC’s impact can be seen across the state of Wisconsin and I’m looking forward to championing this important work.”

Dunn’s work will complement the work and talent of WWBIC’s continuing Vice Presidents, Christina Knudsen and Jon Gaines. Knudsen serves as WWBIC’s Vice President of Development & Communication and leads WWBIC’s advancement, fund development, compliance, event, and marketing and communications efforts. Christina has been instrumental in overseeing WWBIC’s 2024 re-brand, stewarding WWBIC’s strategic plan, and has been key in fund development throughout the state, including WWBIC’s new initiative through the Small Business Administration Office of Women’s Business Ownership where WWBIC opened a new regional office in Hayward, Wisconsin last year.

Jon Gaines serves as the Vice President of Business Services and Finance and has been with WWBIC for nearly 15 years. Gaines plays a vital role in business operations and administration to lead WWBIC’s finances and support loan operations. Jon works to support all departments and leads WWBIC’s financial reporting, audits and compliance. He plans, develops, organizes, implements, directs, and evaluates the organization’s fiscal functions including strategic and day-to-day oversight of financial operations including establishing financial policies, procedures, controls, and reporting systems. Overall, he has 25 years of accounting, finance, and operations management experience.

A Meet & Greet reception for Dunn in her new role to introduce her to partners, funders, volunteers and clients will be scheduled soon.

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.