Corporate Volunteer of the Year – Winner
Meghan Shannon
Shareholder, Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren s.c.
For Meghan Shannon, her volunteer efforts are her hobbies.
She spends a significant amount of her time giving back to organizations and causes that center mostly on preserving family, conservation, education and the support of young women in professional services.
“I think some of it is naturally my personality,” Shannon said. “I like to help people, and giving back has always been a big part of my family, and still is. My parents raised me to know that if people need help, you just help.”
Shannon, a shareholder at Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren s.c. in Milwaukee, has served on the boards of the Zoological Society of Milwaukee and Susan G. Komen for nearly a decade. She was also one of the founding members of Momentum Milwaukee and has dedicated time to the United Way of Greater Milwaukee and Waukesha County’s emerging leaders council, the United Way Day of Action and Reinhart’s efforts with Junior Achievement.
Shannon first became involved in Susan G. Komen Southeast Wisconsin when the organization was looking for a treasurer in 2009.
Shannon served as treasurer for three years, president for two years and past president for one.
During her tenure with Susan G. Komen Southeast Wisconsin, the annual Race for the Cure grew to more than 17,000 participants and the organization raised more than $2 million annually.
She also helped Susan G. Komen install a new accounting system, relocate offices, implement a new employee benefits program and hire a new executive director.
Shannon is still one of the organization’s top individual fundraisers.
Her six-year term ended in March of 2015, after which Shannon was one of five people unanimously elected to the Susan G. Komen national board of directors.
Shannon also has been an integral part of the board for the Zoological Society’s special events team, and has helped coordinate the annual Ride on the Wild Side, the Zoo Ball and Zootastic.
“It’s important to feel strongly and passionate about the causes you support,” she said. “If you’re giving of your time, your talent, your money and even asking other people to support those causes, it’s so important to have a connection and feel strongly about the mission.”
