Zilber Family Foundation Announces Executive Director Transition

MILWAUKEE – The Zilber Family Foundation announced today that Operations Director Lianna Bishop will be promoted to executive director of the Foundation, succeeding Gina Stilp, who will depart the Foundation on February 14. Stilp is stepping down to take on the role of executive director of another charitable foundation outside of Milwaukee. The Zilber Family Foundation’s board of directors offered its unanimous support in naming Bishop as the next executive director, effective immediately following Stilp’s departure. To ensure a seamless transition, Stilp will continue to support the Foundation as a transition consultant.

“Lianna plays a critical role in supporting grantees and driving the Foundation’s priorities as operations director,” said Marcy Jackson, Zilber Family Foundation board president. “Lianna’s contributions as a senior leader with the Foundation, her deep understanding of its mission, operations and partnerships, combined with her extensive philanthropic and nonprofit experience, have enabled the Foundation to reach new milestones. She is uniquely qualified to step into this role. We are confident in Lianna’s ability to build on the Foundation’s legacy and amplify our mission of enhancing the well-being of the communities we serve.”

Bishop joined the Zilber Family Foundation in 2021, after spending nearly five years designing and implementing the charitable giving and community engagement strategy at another private foundation. Prior to that, she led development and communications teams at Milwaukee-based nonprofit organizations. Bishop’s wealth of experience in philanthropy, strategy development and external relations will contribute to the advancement of Zilber Family Foundation’s mission and vision. She holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Marquette University and is an alumna of the prestigious Trinity Fellows program.

In her new role as executive director, Bishop will work closely with the board of directors to guide the Foundation’s strategy, grantmaking and community affairs, while overseeing its programs and day-to-day operations. Her leadership as operations director was instrumental in supporting grantee partners, advancing the Foundation’s mission and contributing significantly to its milestones during the past four years.

“With an unwavering commitment to our mission, I’m honored to step into the role of executive director to lead the Foundation forward,“ said Bishop. “I’m grateful to our past leaders and the Board of Directors for the strong organization they’ve built, and I am eager to ensure our work continues to drive lasting impact across the communities we serve.”

During her time at the Foundation, Bishop played a key role in strategy design, including its decision to focus on the issues of affordable housing and economic development to improve social and economic well-being and address the root causes of poverty in its priority communities. She led the development of the Foundation’s partnership with The Bridge Project, Milwaukee’s first unconditional cash transfer program providing direct cash assistance to 122 mothers for three years. Behind the scenes, Bishop’s operational leadership modernized the Foundation’s processes and systems as it achieved a new milestone in philanthropic giving, paying out more than $13 million in grants in 2024.

“Serving as executive director of this incredible Foundation for the past six years has been nothing short of an honor,” said Stilp. “As I pass the baton to Lianna, I feel deep gratitude for the opportunity I’ve had to work with such a talented board, staff, and network of community partners. I look forward to fully supporting Lianna as she leads the Foundation into its next chapter.”

“We are grateful for Gina’s bold contributions and commitment to the Foundation’s mission, transforming the way we engage with and support our communities,” said Jackson. “Her leadership has not only expanded the Foundation’s reach but also set a new standard for impact and collaboration. We look forward to seeing her continued contributions to the philanthropic sector.”

To learn more about the Zilber Family Foundation, visit: www.zilberfamilyfoundation.org.

About the Zilber Family Foundation:
Formed in 1961 by Joseph J. Zilber, a philanthropist and businessman, the Zilber Family Foundation is a private independent grantmaking institution dedicated to enhancing the well-being of individuals, families, and neighborhoods by supporting nonprofits to address basic needs and personal safety, increase access to social and economic opportunity, and improve the quality of life in neighborhoods. For more information, please visit: www.zilberfamilyfoundation.org.

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.