Wauwatosa-based CelticMKE, the parent organization of Milwaukee Irish Fest, has named Mike Mitchell as its new executive director.
Mitchell was previously executive director of the American Red Cross of West Michigan. He has also served as an entertainment volunteer at Milwaukee Irish Fest for nearly 30 years.
“A job like this is truly an opportunity of a lifetime,” Mitchell said.
“My experience as a volunteer at Milwaukee Irish Fest helped ignite my passion for all things Irish,” he added. “It also gave me a deep appreciation for the people behind the organization, including its board of directors, paid staff and dedicated team of more than 4,000 volunteers – CelticMKE is truly a world-class organization.”
Mitchell replaces former CeltickMKE executive director Patrick Boyle, who left the organization in September 2016.
Mitchell has 35 years of administrative and management experience, most recently holding leadership positions with the American Red Cross over the last 13 years. As executive director of the American Red Cross of West Michigan, Mitchell played a significant role in deployments to areas affected by natural disasters, including hurricane relief efforts this year, according to a CelticMKE release.
“The selection committee was impressed with Mike’s business acumen, leadership skills and ability to engage with a wide variety of stakeholders,” said Linda Clark Klibowitz, president of the board of directors for CelticMKE. “Equally as important, the committee appreciated Mike’s positive, outgoing personality and the enthusiasm he brings to the job. He’s a great fit for our organization and culture.”
Prior to joining the Red Cross, he founded Strategic Communications Systems, a software development company specializing in call center technology. The company was later acquired by SER Solutions, Inc.
