Susan Dragisic, president and chief executive officer of United Way of Greater Milwaukee, has announced her plans to retire. She has been CEO of the local United Way since 1999.
United Way’s board officially appointed Mary Lou Young, United Way’s chief operating officer, as the organization’s next president and CEO.
“Sue is an innovator and leader in our community whose expertise in fundraising and passion for helping people led United Way of Greater Milwaukee to unprecedented growth,” said Tim Sullivan, immediate past chairman of United Way’s board of directors and president and CEO of South Milwaukee-based Bucyrus International Inc. “Clearly, Sue’s legacy positions United Way for continued strength and community leadership moving forward.”
Dragisic will continue to provide campaign consultation to the organization through the end of the year.
“The last 10 years at United Way have been some of the most rewarding years of my life. It has been an honor to serve our community,” said Dragisic. “Looking ahead, I am excited to spend more time with my family. But I am also excited about what the future holds for United Way and Greater Milwaukee.”
Young joined United Way from Rockwell Automation where she managed worldwide strategic philanthropy as director of global community relations and secretary of its charitable corporation. She has been instrumental in securing new financial resources and establishing relationships with new high potential corporate and foundation partners.
“Mary Lou is the best person to lead United Way of Greater Milwaukee into its next century of strengthening our community,” said Ed Zore, newly elected 2010 chairman of United Way’s board and chairman and CEO of Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Co. “She is a seasoned community leader with a track record of results who brings innovation, passion, and strong organizational and talent-development capabilities.”
Under Dragisic’s leadership, United Way increased fundraising results by more than $17.4 million, growing faster than any other similar-sized United Way across the nation.
“Sue’s leadership has positioned United Way well for strategic growth. I look forward to continuing to build on the strong foundation she created,” Young said.
