GMC August 5, 2026 Member Newsletter

Growing Up with a Sense of Responsibility

The values that have guided me throughout my life were shaped early on by father, Alfred, a Holocaust survivor and refugee and my mother, Helen, who grew up in the heart of the Midwest in Aberden, South Dakota. Growing up, I learned the importance of hard work and treating people with respect as I saw my parents build Aldrich Chemical into what it is now, MilliporeSigma. The business’ success now allows us to practice the Jewish values of Tikkun Olam and Tzedakah.

Those early lessons have remained with me throughout my professional and philanthropic journey. They instilled in me a belief that strong communities do not happen by accident. They are built when individuals and organizations choose to invest their time, talent and resources in the common good.

The Influence of Mentors

Every leader is shaped by others, and I have been fortunate to learn from individuals who understand that leadership is ultimately about service – Jere McGaffey and Dr. Jeanette Mitchell. The lessons I have learned from them are the importance of listening with one’s heart and ears, leading by example, and bringing people together around a shared purpose.

Another lesson that has stayed with me is that leadership is not about having all the answers. It is about cultural intentionality – the ability to see oneself and others as unique individuals in a cultural context. By doing so, we can create an environment where people can contribute their perspectives, work toward common goals, and achieve more collectively than they could individually.

Values That Guide My Decisions

I have tried to practice and live by the values of integrity, compassion, service, dignity and humility. Those values have influenced decisions as a young technology professional, entrepreneur, CEO, and civic leader.

At Bader Philanthropies, we often talk about investing in people and communities for the long term. That perspective has shaped how I think about leadership, as well. The most important decisions are rarely those that deliver immediate results. They are the decisions that create lasting positive impact and help build stronger communities for future generations. It is one of the key reasons why the Foundation is committed to embedded philanthropy and why we decided in 2016 to build our global headquarters in the Harambee neighborhood.

A Unique Perspective on the Greater Milwaukee Committee

Having served the Greater Milwaukee Committee as both Board Chair and now as an active board member, I have had the opportunity to see the organization from different vantage points.

As a board member today, I have an even deeper appreciation for the organization’s ability to convene leaders from different sectors and keep important conversations moving forward. Most recently, the conversations about violence prevention, creating healthy and vibrant communities and focusing on solutions feel different when we bring GMC colleagues to the inner city and sit in the Harambee neighborhood. Accomplishments and Lessons Learned When I think about my time as Board Chair, I am most proud of the moments when we successfully brought people together around significant opportunities and challenges facing our region. The GMC’s greatest strength has always been its ability to convene leaders who may come from different backgrounds, industries, or perspectives but share a commitment to Milwaukee’s success.

One of the most important lessons I learned is that meaningful change requires patience and persistence. It is the reality that comes into play when humanity and generational issues meet face-toface. If achieved, lasting impact comes from collaboration and sustained effort.

The Power of Cross-Sector Collaboration

Our region’s biggest challenges can only be solved through collaboration. Issues such as the talent drain, education, economic growth, public health, and neighborhood vitality do not exist in silos.

In 2023, Bader Philanthropies formed the Bader Leadership Institute (BLI) to build the infrastructure necessary to address Milwaukee’s wicked problems. Through an intensive cohort-based experience, small groups of the region’s most exemplary leaders meet regularly to bridge gaps across sectors and silos and to innovate new ways of engaging in philanthropy. Together, this growing network of Bader Fellows will work to cultivate the conditions for transformational change in Milwaukee.

The Greater Milwaukee Committee for eight decades has played a vital role in fostering that kind of collaboration. It creates opportunities for leaders to come together, align around common goals, and pursue solutions that benefit the entire region.

Milwaukee’s Evolution and Future Opportunities

Milwaukee has changed significantly over my lifetime, and many of those changes give me tremendous optimism. I have been encouraged by investments in our neighborhoods, the growth of entrepreneurial activity, and the increasing recognition that economic success must be inclusive and benefit all members of our community.

At the same time, there is still important work ahead. We must continue strengthening educational outcomes, expanding workforce opportunities, supporting economic mobility, and ensuring that every resident can succeed. These challenges also represent some of our greatest opportunities.

A Message to the Next Generation of Leaders

To the next generation of civic and business leaders, my advice is simple: get involved and play the long game.

Communities thrive when people are willing to contribute their ideas, energy, and leadership. Organizations like the Greater Milwaukee Committee provide valuable opportunities to engage in some of the most important issues facing our region while building meaningful relationships with others who are equally committed to public service. You do not need a title to make a difference. Civic leadership begins with a willingness to participate, listen, learn, and take responsibility for helping shape your community’s future. And, to see mistakes as opportunities to perfect what is already in process.

Looking Ahead with Optimism

What gives me the greatest optimism about Milwaukee’s future is the quality of the people who call Milwaukee home.

I believe the Greater Milwaukee Committee will continue to play a critical role in that future. Its ability to convene leaders, encourage collaboration, and focus attention on issues that matter most remains one of its greatest strengths.

The challenges facing our region are significant, but so is our capacity to address them. As long as we continue to work together, invest in one another, and keep our focus on the long-term health of our community, I am confident Milwaukee’s best days are still ahead.