MADISON COMMUNITY FOUNDATION - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Member of the CAE Advisory Committee
Job Titles:
- Director of Donor & Advisor Engagement
Alison draws on her experience as a tax, estate and succession planning attorney to help people make smart, impactful gifts to causes that are meaningful to them. She also works closely with accountants, attorneys, financial planners and other advisors to identify current and future gift options that may be beneficial to their clients.
Alison received her Juris Doctor degree from the University of Iowa College of Law in 2005, and her Masters in Tax Law from Northwestern University School of Law in 2006. She is a Fellow of the Wisconsin Law Foundation and the American Bar Foundation, and a member of the State Bar of Wisconsin Board of Governors. She was also named one of BRAVA Magazine's "Women 2 Watch" (2019), received the "Women in the Law" (2018) and "Up and Coming Lawyer" (2016) awards from the Wisconsin Law Journal, and was recognized in the "40 Under 40" (2017) class of InBusiness Magazine.
In her free time, Alison enjoys travelling, spending time with friends and volunteering with her favorite local nonprofits.
Job Titles:
- Community Program Analyst
Angela helps lead MCF's community impact work, facilitating Community Impact and Field of Interest grants. She uses her deep understanding of the local nonprofit field and the emerging challenges and opportunities in Dane County to help ensure strategic investment of MCF's grantmaking resources. Angela also works with nonprofit organizations to move from grant ideation through implementation and evaluation.
After graduating from college, Angela's first job was in the Planning & Development Department as a Community Development Planner with grassroots organizations for several years before becoming a community center director in her hometown of Hammond, Indiana. She also served her on several nonprofit boards. Her career path took her into higher education fundraising at Indiana State University, moving on to spend 10 years at Purdue University in various roles in donor services and stewardship. Angela's first job in Wisconsin was with the Wisconsin Historical Foundation as a development officer.
She currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Greater Madison. Angela is a proud member of the Madison Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. In 2017, Angela was named to the Black Power List which recognized the 35 Most Influential Black Leaders in Wisconsin. She enjoys volunteering in the community and living on Lake Monona with her partner.
Job Titles:
- Associate Director at the Burish Group of UBS
Anna is Associate Director at The Burish Group of UBS, and has been with UBS Financial Services Inc. since 1994, serving in different branches throughout the United States. Within the team, Anna serves at Chief Operating Officer and Financial Advisor, overseeing the team's strategic development while ensuring a high level of client service. She holds an executive Master's in Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Business.
Job Titles:
- Vice Chair
- Chief Development Officer at the Wisconsin Foundation
Anne is the Chief Development Officer at the Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association, where she leads the development teams responsible for fundraising on behalf of the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She serves on the board of the Evjue Foundation, Inc., previously served on the boards of the Madison Public Library Foundation and the Junior League of Madison, and is a member of the Rotary Club of Madison. A Milwaukee native, Anne holds an MA in English Literature from UW-Madison and a BA in English from Holy Cross College in Worcester, MA.
Becki loves to tell stories, and as Communications Director at MCF she gets to do just that - telling the stories about MCF and the many people and organizations that are working to make Madison and Dane County even better. Although Becki and her family have only lived in Madison since 2014, she is not new to Wisconsin. She also has lived in River Falls, Cambridge and Milwaukee. When she's not working, Becki can be found in the garden of her west-side home, hiking or camping with her family, or juggling the activities of a high schooler and 11-year-old twins.
Beth joined MCF in September 2023 filling the role of Accountant. She grew up in Southcentral WI and has lived in Madison since 2022. She spent the last 5+ years in Atlanta, GA, working as an auditor for nonprofit organizations and is excited to use this experience to support the operations of MCF. While she enjoyed the extended summers and mountain topography of the Southeast, Beth was excited to return to her home state and begin to explore the food, hikes and entertainment in Madison. She lives on the East side with her husband and their two dogs, and the four of them can often be found at dog parks around the city.
Job Titles:
- CEO
- President
- Executive Office and Administration
- in 2007 As Vice President of Strategic Partnerships
Bob leads Madison Community Foundation (MCF) and embraces its mission to enhance the common good through philanthropy and its vision that greater Madison will be a vibrant and generous place where all people thrive. He recognizes that MCF is the community's foundation - built by, governed by, and purposed to support the community. He is dedicated to utilizing the assets MCF distributes in the most efficient, effective way to meet the needs and opportunities of the community. Bob puts the interests of donors and the nonprofits they support at the heart of each conversation. He became President in 2013 and during his tenure assets have grown from $130 million to $325 million.
Bob joined MCF in 2007 as Vice President of Strategic Partnerships, developing a regional giving partners program for other southern Wisconsin communities to build endowments with MCF's support. Before joining MCF, Bob served as Executive Director of the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra for 15 years. Bob received his bachelor's degree and MBA from UW-Madison, has and does serve in many volunteer capacities in Madison, and together with his wife is an MCF Fundholder and Legacy Society Member. Bob and his wife have two adult sons.
Job Titles:
- Donor Relations Manager
- Director of Donor Engagement
Caitlin supports donors in having a meaningful philanthropic experience. She is honored to provide support and resources to help people make an impact on our community. Caitlin previously worked in fundraising at Overture Center for the Arts and has more than 10 years of experience connecting people to the things they care about. Caitlin and her husband live in an old house in Stoughton with their three children and dog, Cheddar. In her free time she enjoys dining at her family's restaurants and outdoor adventures in all seasons.
Job Titles:
- Director of Donor & Giving Partner Engagement
Camille works with individuals and professional advisors to help develop and support plans for giving today and through estates, assists nonprofit leaders to establish and grow endowments, and supports the operations of MCF's Giving Partners, including: A Fund for Women, Columbus Area Endowment, Lodi Area Community Endowment, Middleton Endowment, the Monona Fund, Portage Area Endowment, and Rio Community Fund.
Camille has served in the nonprofit sector for more than 15 years, working on major donor fundraising, planned giving, endowment building and donor engagement. Prior to joining MCF, Camille served as director of philanthropy for the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin. She has spent time living or working in Europe, Asia, Africa and South America, including serving as an agroforestry and education volunteer with Peace Corps in Paraguay, and working in Kenya on natural resource and environmental education projects. Camille holds a bachelor's degree in Biological Aspects of Conservation from UW-Madison along with a certificate in Environmental Studies. She lives in Madison with her husband, Samuel, and two sons, and enjoys exploring the outdoors with her family and volunteering in the schools and community.
Job Titles:
- Finance and Operations
- Vice President, Finance and Operations
Carmen oversees MCF's finance and operations work. She brings a wide array of professional experience to the job - having nonprofit, industry, and public accounting experience to draw on as she works with donors and fundholders at MCF. Carmen and her husband live in Madison, and spend as much time as possible in the great outdoors, hiking, biking and traveling.
For information about submitting a grant application:
Tom Linfield, Vice President, Community Impact
For information on A Fund For Women and regional giving partners:
Camille Zanoni, Director of Donor & Giving Partner Engagement
To be included on or removed from mailing lists:
news@madisongives.org
Christine is a shareholder in Reinhart's Trusts and Estates Practice, and founder and chair of the firm's Family Offices Group. She has extensive experience in assisting her clients in the development and implementation of estate planning and transition strategies intended to preserve family wealth as well as maintain and foster relationships across generations.
She also serves on the boards of the Kids Forward Foundation and Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestras and is an active member of Covenant Presbyterian Church.
Job Titles:
- President of the CAE Advisory Committee
Job Titles:
- Vice President Donor Engagement
David leads our donor and philanthropic services team, working with individuals, families, nonprofit organizations, businesses and professional advisors to meet current and future goals through philanthropy. He brings 20 years of experience serving donors and previously held leadership roles with Madison College Foundation, Agrace HospiceCare Foundation and the International Crane Foundation. He began his career in fundraising with The Nature Conservancy. David is a graduate of UW-Madison and has two daughters who are also Badgers. He lives in Madison with his wife, Elizabeth, where they can be found riding bikes or running on trails.
E.G. Schramka is a CPA and lawyer who for more than 40 years provided tax consulting services to closely held businesses and individuals, in addition to estate and trust planning, before retiring from SVA Certified Public Accountants. He also holds Personal Financial Specialist (PFS) and Accredited in Business Valuations (ABV) certifications from the AICPA. E.G. also serves as executive director of the Irwin A. and Robert D. Goodman Foundation and serves on boards and/or committees at Our Lady Queen of Parish, Edgewood High School and the Catholic Diocese of Madison.
E.G. is a member of MCF's 2023 Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP) Study Group, and holds the CAP designation.
Eugenia Podestá; is a social entrepreneur and global connector with more than 20 years of nonprofit, international development and social impact experience. As Senior Director of Economic Empowerment & Entrepreneurship at Vital Voices Global Partnership, an international women's leadership organization based in Washington DC, she is responsible for the VV GROW Fellowship, a highly competitive global one-year accelerator for women-owned SMEs. Eugenia is also an entrepreneur and co-founded Synergy Coworking in 2015. She is a dedicated enthusiast of local economic empowerment and leadership initiatives for women and communities of color in Madison. Eugenia received her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Latin American Studies and her Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She also studied International Law and Development and worked on women-led tourism efforts at the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú in Lima.
Eugenia is an active community volunteer and board member. She is an MCF donor and joined the MCF Grantmaking Committee in 2019.
Gary has been recognized as one of the nation's leading healthcare executives for more than 40 years. His career began at the University of Wisconsin Hospitals from 1970-77. In 2006, he retired from Northwestern Memorial HealthCare and Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago after 21 years as president and CEO. Following his retirement from Northwestern Memorial, Gary joined Waud Capital Partners, a Chicago-based private equity firm, as an Executive Partner. He retired from WCP in 2017. Gary is a director of Froedtert Health in Milwaukee, Vice President of the Green Lake Association Board, and a member of the Advisory Council for Access Community Health Centers. He also has been a member of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee of the Madison Symphony Orchestra.
Gloria Ladson-Billings is the former Kellner Family Distinguished Professor of Urban Education in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction and faculty affiliate in the Department of Educational Policy Studies at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. She was the 2005-2006 president of the American Educational Research Association. Gloria's research examines the pedagogical practices of teachers who are successful with African American students. She also investigates Critical Race Theory applications to education. Gloria is the author of the critically acclaimed books The Dreamkeepers: Successful Teachers of African American Children and Crossing Over to Canaan: The Journey of New Teachers in Diverse Classrooms. She is the former editor of the American Educational Research Journal and a member of several editorial boards. Her work has won numerous scholarly awards.
Gloria is an active community volunteer and board member. She is an MCF donor and joined the MCF Grantmaking Committee in 2021.
Job Titles:
- Senior Operations Director
Harmony is responsible for donor and fundholder operations. In addition to coordinating gift processing, database administration and new fund set-up, Harmony also supports and develops IT department initiatives and coordinates internal policies and procedures to maintain compliance with COF National Standards. A native of central Wisconsin, Harmony lives in Madison with her husband and enjoys baking, gardening and nature walks.
Job Titles:
- Member of the CAE Advisory Committee
Job Titles:
- Member of the CAE Advisory Committee
- Maurice, Treasurer
Job Titles:
- Member of the CAE Advisory Committee
- Maurice, Treasurer
Job Titles:
- Member of the CAE Advisory Committee
Jazzmine graduated in 2019 from Marquette University with a BA in Criminology and Law Studies. As an administrative assistant, she provides support to the Operations team and acts as a receptionist for the main office. Jazzmine enjoys reading, playing video games and spending time with her family. Her life goal is to leave an impact on every heart she meets whether it be a small or big gesture.
Job Titles:
- Managing Partner of the Law Firm of Quarles
Jeff was the founding and managing partner of the law firm of Quarles and Brady's Madison office until his retirement in 2008. He was formerly Wisconsin Commissioner of Securities and a Wisconsin Assistant Attorney General. Actively involved in the community, Jeff is currently a member of the Edgewood College Board of Trustees. He served on the University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents from 2006 to 2013. He is President and board member of a nonprofit organization in Tucson, AZ (where he and his wife Angela spend winters) called Sunrise Neighborhood Assistance Program that provides volunteer services to elder and infirm residents in northeast Tucson. In 2008, Jeff was recognized with the Wisconsin Bar Foundation Charles Goldberg Distinguished Service Award, and in 2006, the Wisconsin Alumni Association presented him with University of Wisconsin Distinguished Alumni Award. He has served as a Trustee of the U.W.'s Wisconsin Union Association for more than 35 years.
Job Titles:
- Vice President of the CAE Advisory Committee
Job Titles:
- Digital Content Specialist
As a part of the communications team, Julia assists with social media presence, publications and website updates. As a 2022 University of Wisconsin - La Crosse graduate with a BS in Marketing and Sociology, Julia is excited to begin her career in the nonprofit industry as a part of MCF's team. She was drawn to the many rich artistic, educational and cultural experiences in Madison and is becoming acquainted to her new home. Julia enjoys exercising her green thumb, thrifting, reading and swimming in her free time.
Kate oversees the accounting functions of MCF as the Accounting Director and is excited to be a part of the nonprofit sector. Kate uses her wide array of professional experience in the accounting industry to ensure the financial health and integrity of MCF. She is a Madison native and has a deep love of Dane County. Kate enjoys entertaining, spending time with friends and family, reading, and exploring the outdoors with her dog, Lucy.
Job Titles:
- Executive Assistant & Scholarship Coordinator
Liz provides administrative support to the President & CEO and VP of Donor Engagement and serves donors, fundholders and board members as well as coordinates MCF's scholarship program. She enjoys sailing on Lake Mendota and indoor climbing. Liz lives on the near east side with her partner and "pawsome" cat.
Natalie retired in 2019 as Director of Madison's Planning and Community and Economic Development Department. A Madison native and avid community volunteer, Natalie is the current chair of the Bayview Rising capital campaign for the Bayview community redevelopment, and also serves on the board of the Goodman Community Center.
Before retiring in 2013, Noble Wray spent nearly 30 years with the Madison Police Department, including 10 as its chief. Since retiring, Noble has served as interim President and CEO of the Urban League of Greater Madison, and currently consults with police departments across the country helping them improve their relationships with their communities. He is an MCF donor and will serve on the Investment Committee.
I am honored to be part of MCF - especially now, helping the most vulnerable recover from COVID while continuing to invest in children, the environment, the arts, diverisity and so much more."
Roberta has served in leadership roles in all levels of government including federal, state, city and county. Most recently, she served as the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Employment & Training in the administration of President Barack Obama at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington D.C., and as the Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development in the Cabinet of Governor Jim Doyle. As an Honorary Fellow at the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Social Work, she has also taught macro practice to advanced graduate students. Roberta also serves on the board of the United Way of Dane County, and previously served on multiple national, state and community boards including Edgewood College and Overture Center for the Arts.
Ron is former managing director of analytics and fund management for the State of Wisconsin Investment Board (SWIB). Mensink retired in 2015 from SWIB, where he led asset allocation, risk management and external public market manager activities. A chartered financial analyst, he has served on Madison Community Foundation's Investment Committee since late 2013. In addition, Mensink has served in various church-related and Boy Scout volunteer roles in the past, and is a tutor for the Literacy Network.
Job Titles:
- Chief Diversity Officer at UW Health
Shiva is the Chief Diversity Officer at UW Health and a member of the Madison Common Council. She serves as chair of the UW Health Council on Equity & Inclusion and is a founding member and vice-chair elect of the Madison Area Diversity Roundtable, a coalition of employers committed to diversity and inclusionary practices. Shiva also serves on the Madison Area Technical College Board of Trustees, and her work in the areas of diversity, equity and inclusion has led to a number of honors, including the 2016 ATHENA Leadership Award, 2010 City-County MLK Jr. Humanitarian Award, and 2005 YWCA Woman of Distinction Award.
Job Titles:
- Secretary of the CAE Advisory Committee
Job Titles:
- Legacy Society Member, Former Member, and Chair of the AFFW Advisory Committee
As a donor, Legacy Society member, former member, and Chair of the AFFW Advisory Committee, Therese Gulbransen has worked closely with MCF for many years. Therese is vice president of sales and marketing at American Printing and serves on the Evjue Foundation and the GLGA (Great Lakes Graphics Association). She is a community champion and is a former member and Chair of the YWCA of Madison, United Way Women's Leadership Council and recognized by honors including YWCA Women of Distinction Award (2017) and an Athena Award Winner (2014). Therese is a proud mom to one daughter and an Edgewood Alumni with a BS in Organizational Behavior and Leadership.
Job Titles:
- Vice President, Community Impact
Tom coordinates all competitive and field of interest grantmaking and offers capacity building, counsel and facilitation to area nonprofits. Prior to joining MCF he was Training and Grants Director for Public Television's National Center for Outreach and as a grant writer in arts, education and community outreach. He is a Funders Network PLACES fellow and chaired the national steering committee for the Community Foundation Program Officers Network (ProNET). Born in Europe, Tom is fluent in German and French.
Tripp Widder retired from active practice of law on December 31, 2020, the date that marked his 50th year as a lawyer. He spent many years as president of the Madison Public Library Board and its supporting Foundation. He is an MCF donor, fundholder and Legacy Society member, and currently also serves on the boards of Aldo Leopoldo Nature Center and the Friends of the UW Odyssey Project. Tripp will be joining MCF's Grantmaking Committee.