A leadership change is in store for Milwaukee Downtown.
Beth Weirick, who has led Business Improvement District No. 21 since 1998, serving as the organization’s only executive director and CEO since its founding, will step down as CEO on June 27.
Milwaukee Downtown named Matt Dorner, currently Milwaukee Downtown’s economic development director, as Weirick’s successor. Weirick will work with Dorner over the next six months on the leadership transition.
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“On behalf of the Executive Committee, I would like to express our sincere gratitude to Beth Weirick for her passion, commitment and visionary leadership these past 27 years,” Milwaukee Downtown Board Chairwoman Tammy Babisch said. “Beth cultivated partnerships, initiated high-impact development projects and advocated for policies that have enriched the area’s economic landscape, resulting in substantial tax base growth and real estate development.”
Babisch praised Weirick for instituting events that have made Downtown a regional destination and said her desire to create dynamic public spaces undoubtedly expedited the city’s post-pandemic recovery.
Weirick’s recent work has included overseeing the completion of the Connec+ing MKE: Downtown Plan 2040, as well as the organization’s five-year strategic plan.
“While we will miss her immensely, we wish Beth the absolute best in her next chapter,” Babisch said.
Weirick previously served as executive director of Westown Association from 1992 to 1998 and held several positions with the City of Milwaukee under the Department of City Development and Common Council.
Weirick is the mother of Shawna Nicols, known as “DJ Shawna,” the Milwaukee Bucks’ official DJ, motivational speaker, podcaster, clothing designer, children’s book author and former pro basketball player.
Soon after her hiring at Milwaukee Downtown, Weirick deployed the Public Service Ambassador and Clean Sweep Ambassador teams, a landscape crew and a graffiti removal team. She also launched the organization’s four core events – Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival, Downtown Dining Week, Downtown Employee Appreciation Week and Taste & Toast – to promote the central business district’s distinguishing amenities.
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She is credited with pioneering branding and marketing efforts to position Downtown as an attractive destination for tourism, business and residency. She cultivated relationships with business owners, city officials and community organizations, fostering a collaborative approach to economic and community development.
Weirick was also instrumental in creating the Community Intervention Team, a group comprised of behavioral health, public safety and community-based organizations that identifies best practices and develops standard operating procedures to address the community’s unhoused population with innovative, long-term solutions.
She also prioritized retail and business recruitment, as well as public space activations.
“My journey with Milwaukee Downtown has been filled with passion, purpose and countless moments that I will cherish forever,” Weirick said. “I will be forever grateful for the trust and confidence placed in me by my board, stakeholders, community partners and team. Together, we have attracted significant investment, revitalized streets, created public spaces and cultivated a Downtown that embodies the spirit and energy of all who live, work and play here.”
Dorner has led economic development efforts at Milwaukee Downtown since 2014.
“Over the last decade, I have witnessed firsthand Matt’s passion for Downtown,” Weirick said. “Matt’s expertise and relationships within the community made him the clear choice as the next leader of this organization.”
Since 2015, the central business district has seen more than $9 billion in completed, under construction and proposed projects. Meanwhile, more than 7,800 new jobs have been relocated or committed to Downtown since 2020.
“I look forward to continuing to serve our stakeholders and bring added value to the strides that have already been made,” Dorner said. “I am extremely grateful for this opportunity and for Beth’s ongoing mentorship as we work collectively to set the organization on a solid course for its continued success and growth.”
Other leadership changes are also in store for the organization. Rachel Farina joined the organization this month as director of communications. The role is a new position for the organization created to communicate Milwaukee Downtown’s growing number of events and initiatives while also steering the goals of the five-year strategic plan.
Farina has served as a marketing, communications and public relations liaison for Milwaukee Downtown since 2003.
“Rachel has been an extension of our team for over two decades,” Weirick said. “Her depth of knowledge of our organization and her ability to communicate our events and initiatives to a multitude of audiences, make her an invaluable asset to our team. She will play a pivotal role in our transition plan.”
Milwaukee Downtown has also promoted Isabel Ullrich to the role of marketing, events and social media director.
