Milwaukee Business Journal: UPAF names Heather Dunn, Steve Johnson and Greg Wesley as 2021 campaign co-chairs

The United Performing Arts Fund named Heather Dunn, Steve Johnson and Greg Wesley as the three co-chairs for its 2021 UPAF Community Campaign.

UPAF is a nonprofit organization that supports 14 arts organizations in the local community including the Milwaukee Ballet, Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and Milwaukee Repertory Theater. Through its fundraising campaigns, it provides additional support to Milwaukee arts organizations, which has been particularly crucial during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Dunn serves as senior vice president and chief financial officer of West Bend Mutual Insurance Co. Johnson is the regional president of BMO Private Bank, and Wesley is senior vice president of strategic alliances and business development at the Medical College of Wisconsin.

“I am thrilled to have the support of this passionate group of leaders for my first UPAF campaign as president and CEO,” UPAF president and CEO Patrick Rath said in a press release. “Our performing arts sector needs the support of many now more than ever. Our focus is to retain our incredible local talent and position ourselves for a prepared transition back to normal programming when it is safe to do so. Heather, Steve and Greg are a dynamic team who understand the critical role that the performing arts play in our community and will serve as phenomenal advocates throughout the 2021 campaign.”

Rath joined UPAF as the new president and CEO in October. He replaced Deanna Tillisch, who retired in September.

UPAF's 2021 Community Campaign runs from March 3 to May 26, 2021. Its 2020 community campaign raised $11.7 million for 14 organizations.

“Our vibrant arts community has suffered greatly during the pandemic, and they deserve reinforced recognition of being more than a 'nice to have' in our community,” Dunn said in a press release. “Our Wisconsin arts contribute heavily to our economic viability, and most importantly are a source we seek the most right now – connection, purpose and inspiration. I look forward to working with my co-chairs on educating others on their impact and working to sustain them financially for years to come.”

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