President and CEO 
Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan Inc.  |  West Allis

Héctor Colón has led Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan as president and CEO since 2017. With annual revenues of $74 million and 780 employees, LSS is one of the largest health and human services organizations in the Midwest. Previously, Colón was executive director of the Milwaukee County Department of Health and Human Services, where he led efforts to reform the juvenile justice system, reduce chronic homelessness and redesign the county’s mental health care model. A former member of the national USA Boxing team, he serves as vice chair of the USA Boxing board, on the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents and on the board of directors for M3 Insurance and Nicolet Bankshares Inc.

Education: Bachelor’s and master’s, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

The future of your industry: “1. Pay our employees commensurate to the value they provide. 2. Speed up government policies and programs to more quickly address the needs of the people we serve. 3. Innovate and act more like a business to ensure viability.”

Your secret talent: “I am a pretty good cook. I learned from my mother. My special Puerto Rican dish is Guiso.”

What would you like to change about Wisconsin: “Invest significant dollars in early intervention/prevention programs that include family coaches to address social determinants of health barriers.”

Cocktail of choice: “Peanut Butter Whiskey on the rocks.”

2022 Wisconsin 275 Profile

Nonprofits and Education
President and CEO 
Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan Inc. | West Allis 

Héctor Colón took the helm of Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan in 2017 and is credited with leading a $17.4 million turnaround of the organization. The organization has over 800 employees and assists nearly 40,000 people annually. Previously, Colón was executive director of the Milwaukee County Department of Health and Human Services.  

Education: Bachelor’s and master’s in occupational therapy, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee  

What was your first job, and what did you learn from it?
“Paper Route for the Journal Sentinel. I learned work ethic, perseverance, customer service and how to run a business at an early age (12).”

What piece of advice has had the most significant impact on your career?
“‘Ask, don’t tell,’ – Maureen Kolb.” 

If you could have dinner with any two business leaders, who would you choose and why?
“Judith Faulkner – I would be interested learning how she built her incredible business (Epic) with her humble, generous, and engaging leadership approach. Diane Hendricks – I would be interested in learning about her resilience and how she overcame early obstacles. Both of the individuals have diverse background and perspectives that intrigue me. I would learn a lot from them.”

What are some of your favorite destinations/places to visit?
“Puerto Rico and my new lake house.” 

What is one book you think everyone should read (or podcast everyone should listen to) and why?
“‘The Ideal Team player’ – The virtues of Hungry, Humble and Smart (emotional intelligence) and the approach with teams resonates with me. For the podcast I would propose ‘In the ring with Hector Colon.'”

What’s your hobby/passion?
“My passion is to make my life, and the life of my family and community better through my work. My hobbies include working out, reading and spending fun time with family and friends.”

Favorite Wisconsin restaurant what do you order there?
“Carnevor, filet in bone.”

What would people be surprised to learn about you (fun fact)?
“I was a seven-time boxing champion and competed all over the world with the U.S. National Boxing Team. In 1992, I competed in the Olympic trials. I defeated Vernon Forrest, who became a four-time world champion, and Jose Antonio Rivera, who became a three-time world champion.”

What was your first car? How long did you drive it for?
“Chevy Chevette – I had this car for two years.”

If you could take a one-year sabbatical, what would you do?
“Do missionary work.”

What’s the toughest business challenge you’ve ever had to overcome?
“Initiating and leading the closure of the long term care in the Milwaukee County Behavioral Health Division. The opposition by some was fierce, which required perseverance. This effort involved the support of many stakeholders including former County Executive Chris Abele, policy makers, advocates, colleagues, persons with lived experience, the state and more. As a result of this initiative, now these and other people with similar challenges are living in the community with better outcomes, more dignity, and in accordance with the law while saving million of dollars.”

What advice would you give to a young professional?
“Work hard, be kind to others and focus on supporting and helping others achieve their potential.”

What has been your/your company’s most significant success over the last 12 months?
“LSS was named a top workplace of choice two years in a row while the organization was going through significant transformation which has led to a financial turnaround of $17.4 million in four years.”

What is one thing you would change about Wisconsin to make it even better?
“The political polarization is growing to new levels that are not productive for the average citizen in Wisconsin. I would like to see people across the aisle working better together. This doesn’t mean that either party should compromise their values but that we should look for opportunities to work together to address the needs and challenges we face as a people and state.”

As you enter your office, what would you choose to be your walk-up or theme song and why?
“‘Vivir Lo Nuestro’ by Mark Anthony and La India – reminds me of how much I love my wife and how hard I want to work to support my family and friends.”

Is there a nonprofit cause that has special meaning to you?
“Behavioral health. First, because I have witnessed the challenges through a family member and second I see first hand the devastating impact it has on many people throughout the state of Wisconsin through my role as the CEO at LSS. Having compassion and helping this population is the right thing to do.”

What is the biggest risk you have ever taken?
“Having the courage to get into the boxing ring. Overcoming this fear taught me how to have dedication, determination and discipline to excel at the highest levels in the sport. This gave me confidence to have the courage to take on leadership roles that were outside of my previous experiences.”

What’s at the top of your bucket list?
“1) Meet the Pope. 2) Do missionary work. 3) Be a generous philanthropist.”

What has you most excited about the future?
“The continued and larger impact LSS can have in Wisconsin and Upper Michigan through strategic growth, mergers and acquisitions and transformational philanthropic contributions. This can only be possible through the efforts of the humble servant leaders dedicated to improving the lives of others. We want to share our experience and partner with others to revolutionize the social services sector to: 1) make it a work place of choice, 2) Bring out the greatness in the people we serve and 3) Ensure we have a financially viable sector.”