The Greater Milwaukee Foundation announced on Thursday that Greg Wesley will be its new president and CEO.
Ellen Gilligan, who has led the foundation since 2010, announced her plans to retire last year. “Ellen’s vision for the foundation has transformed the organization, benefiting the community in remarkable ways,” said Paul Jones, the chair of the Greater Milwaukee Foundation’s board of directors and co-chair of its succession committee, in a statement.
Wesley is currently the senior vice president of strategic alliances and business development at the Medical College of Wisconsin. In his role, he has helped launch ThriveOnKing, a $105 million development in Bronzeville, which includes mixed-income housing for seniors and families, MCW offices, several business, tenants, and community resources, and the Great Milwaukee Foundation’s new headquarters.
“Greg is a proven leader in our community and uniquely positioned to lead the organization as it builds and expands on this commitment to community impact,” said Jones.
Wesley has also been a leader in several other local organizations, including serving as co-chair of the Downtown Task Force for the Greater Milwaukee Committee. He previously worked with the Greater Milwaukee Foundation as co-chair of its MKE United Task Force.
“Greg emerged as the right choice to lead the foundation into the next chapter with his strong vision, exceptional connections throughout our community and track record of excellence,” said Mary Ellen Stanek, the chair-elect of the Greater Milwaukee Foundation’s board of directors and co-chair of the succession committee.
Since 1915, the Greater Milwaukee Foundation has more than $1 billion in grants to nonprofits, initiatives and other efforts aimed at improving racial equity, addressing systemic inequality, and promoting social and economic change, including more than $100 million in gifts and grants last year. It is the largest community foundation in Wisconsin, operating in Milwaukee, Waukesha, Ozaukee and Washington counties.
