GMC Cristy Garcia-Thomas Leadership Member Newsletter

Dear members of the Greater Milwaukee Committee,

Throughout my career, I’ve believed that the biggest breakthroughs happen when people and organizations come together around a common purpose. That’s exactly what the Greater Milwaukee Committee has represented since 1948, and it’s one of the many reasons I am so honored to serve as your next president and CEO.

The GMC has helped shape the future of our region for nearly eight decades by bringing together leaders who understand that our greatest opportunities – and our most complex challenges – cannot be solved by any one organization acting alone. That mission is just as important today as it was when the GMC was founded.

As I begin this role, I do so with tremendous optimism about Milwaukee’s future and deep appreciation for the trust the Board has placed in me. During my time serving as interim president, I had the opportunity to work closely with many of you and witness firsthand the passion, expertise and commitment that define this organization. Those experiences only strengthened my belief that the GMC remains uniquely positioned to convene leaders, foster collaboration and turn bold ideas into meaningful action.

My first priority is simple: to listen, learn and continue building strong relationships with our members, partners and the broader community. Every organization represented within the GMC brings a unique perspective and expertise to the table. By understanding those perspectives and identifying our shared priorities, we can continue building the partnerships that have always been the hallmark of this organization. And through that partnership, we will turn our collective convening into actions; actions that result in better outcomes for our region.

The challenges facing our region are interconnected. So are the opportunities. Whether we’re strengthening our economy, expanding educational opportunity, improving public safety, investing in infrastructure or enhancing Milwaukee’s competitiveness, our greatest progress will come through collaboration. The GMC has always served as a catalyst for bringing diverse voices together, and I believe that role will become even more important in the years ahead. It is clear from the kickoff of our strategic refresh last week that there is unity and energy around the GMC’s important role in advancing Milwaukee as a thriving and growing city. We look forward to sharing more in the fall about how we will approach this essential work.

Success won’t be defined by what any one of us accomplishes individually. It will be measured by what we accomplish together and by the opportunities we create for future generations. I look forward to working alongside each of you as we build on our extraordinary legacy and help shape an even stronger future for our community.

Sincerely,

Cristy Garcia-Thomas
President & CEO
Greater Milwaukee Committee