The United Performing Arts Fund Announces Four New Board Members
The United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF) announces the appointment of four new members to its Board of Directors. Joining the Board are Bill Guc of WEC Energy Group, Dr. Phyllis King of University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, Rebecca Mitich of Husch Blackwell and Anne Zizzo of Zizzo Group.
“Our newest Board Members are all fantastic advocates for the performing arts in our community,” said Patrick Rath, UPAF president and CEO. “As we continue our efforts to aid our Members in recovering from the pandemic, we are grateful to have the diverse talents of these individuals on our Board of Directors.”
Bill Guc is the Vice President & Controller for WEC Energy Group, Inc. He is a member of various WEC boards and committees including the Investment Trust Policy Committee, chair of the Federal and state Political Action Committees and WPS Community Foundation board. Previous community involvement includes serving on the boards of Milwaukee Rep and Green Bay Symphony Orchestra.
Dr. Phyllis King serves as Associate Vice Chancellor/Vice Provost for Partnerships and Initiatives at University of Wisconsin Milwaukee. Current community involvement includes serving on the Board of Directors of UW Credit Union, American Red Cross of Southeast Wisconsin and STEM Forward. TEMPO Milwaukee honored her with the 2018 TEMPO Mentor Award. She has received the Woman of Influence award, recognition as a Milwaukee Power Broker by the Milwaukee Business Journal and recognized as a Notable Woman on Corporate Boards.
Rebecca Mitich is Office Managing Partner at Husch Blackwell, where she represents operating companies, investors, developers and lenders in a broad range of real estate and financial transactions. She is currently involved with community organizations including the Milwaukee Economic Development Corporation, the Northwest Side Community Development Corporation and the Urban Ecology Center. Local recognitions received by Mitich include Notable Commercial Real Estate Leader and Notable Woman in Law by BizTimes Milwaukee, Rising Star by Wisconsin Super Lawyers and a Milwaukee Business Journal 40 Under 40 Recipient.
Anne Zizzo is Founder & CEO of Zizzo Group Engagement Marketing (ZG), a national firm and one of the largest integrated engagement marketing organizations in the Midwest. Current board involvement includes Boys & Girls Club of Greater Milwaukee, Summerfest/Milwaukee World Festivals, Inc., Froedtert Hospital, Marquette University, Marquette University High School and SHARP Literacy, Inc. Recent recognitions received by Zizzo include Milwaukee Business Journal’s “40 Under 40 Hall of Fame,” Power Broker and Entrepreneurial Woman of Influence, Communicator of the Year by The Association for Women in Communications and National Alumni “All University Spirit of Marquette University Award.”
About UPAF
The United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF) has been setting the stage since 1967 by providing critical investment in our region’s vibrant performing arts scene. UPAF’s mission is to secure community resources, promote the performing arts as a regional asset and improve the quality of life through responsible investment in and financial support of the performing arts in Eastern Wisconsin. UPAF proudly bears Charity Navigator’s highest distinction for nonprofits – a four-star rating – and is the No. 1 united performing arts fund in the country in terms of dollars raised.
With generous community support, UPAF funds 40 diverse local performing arts organizations that provide our community with the best of music, dance, song and theater. In addition to entertainment excellence, these organizations provide transformative educational programs for local children, ensure that individuals from marginalized neighborhoods have opportunities to participate in the arts and expand arts access for people with disabilities.