  We are pleased to announce that Benjamin Porter, who has long served as the Greater Milwaukee Foundation’s (GMF) health equity portfolio manager, will be stepping into the role of state director for the Wisconsin Partnership, starting September 8. This statewide coalition brings together Milwaukee Succeeds, Achieve Brown County, Building Our Future in Kenosha and Higher Expectations for Racine County to strengthen education through data-driven, community-led solutions.
The Wisconsin Partnership recently celebrated a major win with the investment of over $330 million for early childhood education in the state’s biennial budget. This significant commitment reflects years of sustained advocacy, community engagement and collaboration among the four partner organizations. Adding a dedicated state director will help the partnership build on this momentum, better coordinate efforts across communities and push for even more impactful policy change. About Benjamin Porter During his four years on GMF’s community impact team, Benjamin has demonstrated a strong commitment to advancing equity and driving systems change. Through his portfolio, he has guided grant funding to community organizations that strengthen mental and physical health, advance medical research, and support healthy birth outcomes. He has also helped shape portfolio strategies, facilitated the development of community resources, and built strong, trusting relationships to support meaningful initiatives and cultivate a beloved community. Before taking on the role of health equity portfolio manager, Benjamin worked as a Marquette Trinity Fellow at the foundation while pursuing his master’s in political science, and has since become an adjunct faculty member for the university’s public service graduate program. He also served in the Peace Corps, where he led a nonprofit focused on entrepreneurship. Before that, he worked with AmeriCorps VISTA to develop service-learning curricula for an alternative public high school and served as a senior criminal defense investigator for the Colorado State Public Defender’s office. About the Role In his new role, Benjamin will build on this experience to guide the Wisconsin Partnership in coordinating their statewide efforts, supporting partners and championing policies that strengthen the education sector. His responsibilities will include aligning the coalition around a shared vision, developing and implementing its strategic plan, strengthening partnerships with advocates and stakeholders, and advocating for policies that benefit kids and families across the state. “The quality and opportunities that define a child’s education are critically important – not only to their own well-being, but to that of their families and communities. Building high-quality education systems is an imperative for our society, and it’s something we will only achieve together. It is an honor to join the partnership and to support this proven, collaborative work,” shared Benjamin. As the state director, Benjamin joins Greater Milwaukee Foundation’s new policy and research department, led by Dave Celata, former deputy director at Milwaukee Succeeds. While Benjamin’s role will be housed at GMF, his work will be deeply collaborative, spanning departments and working closely with the StriveTogether partners across the state. Comments are closed.
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Our Mission: Together we will engage our community to provide an environment in which all contribute and excel. Our Vision: Everyone achieving personal potential from cradle to career. |
