GMC Leadership Announcement Member Newsletter

Dear members of the Greater Milwaukee Committee,

On behalf of the Greater Milwaukee Committee’s Board of Directors, we’re pleased to share an important leadership update for our organization.

Following thoughtful and deliberate review, the Board has unanimously agreed to name Cristy Garcia-Thomas as president and CEO of the GMC.

This appointment follows Cristy’s outstanding service as interim president over the past eight months, during which she has provided steady leadership while working closely with our members, Board of Directors and staff to advance the GMC’s mission and strategic priorities.

Before looking ahead, we’d like to recognize Joel Brennan for his leadership and dedication to the GMC. During his tenure, Joel helped elevate the GMC’s voice on many of the region’s most pressing issues, including advocating for state action to address Milwaukee’s longstanding structural fiscal challenges. His leadership helped build support for meaningful policy solutions, including local revenue tools such as the Milwaukee County sales tax and modernization of Wisconsin’s shared revenue model. The GMC Board is grateful for his service and looks forward to cheering him on in his next great chapter of service to our community.

As the Board considered the organization’s future, one priority remained clear: identifying the leader best positioned to build on the GMC’s momentum and lead our work in the years ahead.

Throughout her time as interim president, Cristy demonstrated the leadership, collaborative approach and deep commitment to the Milwaukee region that have long defined her career. She has strengthened relationships with our members and community partners, advanced key organizational initiatives and reinforced the GMC’s role as a trusted convener focused on improving the economic vitality and quality of life throughout the Milwaukee region. She was able to hit the ground running because she knows the GMC deeply – having served as an active GMC board member for 20 years, a co-chair of our Presidential Selection Committee and now as an interim President for most of 2026.

Cristy also brings decades of executive leadership experience across the private, nonprofit and civic sectors. Her ability to unite diverse perspectives, develop meaningful partnerships and focus on results makes her exceptionally well suited to guide the GMC into its next chapter.

Please join us in congratulating Cristy Garcia-Thomas on her appointment as president and CEO of the GMC. We look forward to working alongside her – and with all of you – as we continue building a stronger future for the Milwaukee region.

Thank you for your continued engagement, leadership and support of the GMC.

Sincerely,

The Greater Milwaukee Committee Board of Directors