Photo by Richard Hurd
WWBIC: Kathryn Dunn Named New Vice President of Programs and Operations
WWBIC is pleased to announce the return of Kathryn Dunn to WWBIC as Vice President of Programs & Operations.
Dunn began her career in the Milwaukee community serving as Vice President of WWBIC from 1993-1997. Kathryn was part of the dream team that began WWBIC over 38 years ago alongside President, Wendy K. Baumann. Kathryn’s work within the Milwaukee community as well as the State of Wisconsin has been instrumental to women’s economic empowerment movement as well as community based programming to serve the underserved.
Kathryn is leaving one of WWBIC’s long standing partners, the Greater Milwaukee Foundation (GMF) after 13 years of providing leadership and partnership in developing several key programs and initiatives. Kathryn’s work is reflected in the current GMF strategic plan, and the “Milwaukee for All” vision. She served as a key partner in the development of ThriveOn King Community HUB and supported the Greater Together Campaign.
Kathryn’s work has deepened strategic partnerships within the broader Milwaukee region. Most recently, her work on ThriveOn Community HUB, a historic partnership between Greater Milwaukee Foundation, The Medical College of Wisconsin and Royal Capital ensured the community’s vision and voice was reflected.
Ms. Dunn has partnered across teams at the Foundation throughout her time on projects such as creation of the Centennial Plan and Gifts to the Community, Match Day, On the Table, Impact Investing and the early work of the Foundation’s role in addressing racial inequities. After WWBIC and prior to her work with the GMF, Kathryn served as Community Investment Officer for the Helen Bader Foundation.
In her role as Vice President of Programs and Operations, Kathryn will complement the work and talent of WWBIC’s continuing Vice Presidents – Jon Gaines, Vice President of Business Services and Finance; and Christina Knudsen, Vice President of Development and Communication.
Baumann, Dunn, Gaines & Knudsen will work as a team to lead a staff of over 50 employees and continue forward with the WWBIC strategic plan under the supervision of WWBIC’s Board of Directors. Since 1987, WWBIC has served 72,709 individuals and loaned $107 million to small business owners. Their technical and capital support has created or retained 18,027 jobs with 9,009 businesses started, strengthened, or expanded.
Coming this fall, WWBIC is eagerly anticipating the opening of their 6th regional office in the state thanks to funding from the Small Business Administration’s Office of Women’s Business Ownership. The new North Central office will be based in Hayward and operated in partnership with Native Tribal support and offices on the campus of Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University.
Dunn will start in her new role with WWBIC on August 5th. Please join us in welcoming Kathryn back to WWBIC! WWBIC looks forward to continuing its mission of “Putting Dreams to Work” through 2024 and beyond.