Milwaukee Business Journal: UPAF names Johnson Controls exec Annemarie Scobey-Polacheck as new CEO
Annemarie Scobey-Polacheck was named the United Performing Arts Fund's next president and CEO.
A Milwaukee native, Scobey-Polacheck most recently served as the director of corporate philanthropy for Johnson Controls International. There, she led the organization’s annual philanthropic efforts and was the architect of the global Community College Partnership Program, the largest philanthropic initiative in the company’s history.
She also advised the Johnson Controls Foundation president and board of directors on philanthropic priorities.
“It was very clear in the search process that Annemarie was uniquely qualified to be the next leader of UPAF,” said Tim Mattke, UPAF search committee chair and CEO of MGIC Investment Corp. “We are confident that her great commitment to southeastern Wisconsin, her extensive experience in corporate philanthropy and her vision for the role of the arts in our community will be an exceptional fit for this next chapter of the United Performing Arts Fund.”
Scobey-Polacheck takes the helm after Patrick Rath resigned in March to become the chief development officer and system vice president for Illinois-based Hospital Sisters Health System. Rath had served in the role since October 2020.
UPAF chose Scobey-Polacheck after conducting a national search for Rath's successor.
Scobey-Polacheck, one of the Milwaukee Business Journal's 2019 Women of Influence winners, assumes the role Sept. 3, the start of the organization's fiscal year.
“Our community is vibrant and alive thanks to the amazing work of our performing arts groups — both large and small,” Scobey-Polacheck said in a press release. “I look forward to working collaboratively across the business, philanthropic and creative sectors to ensure continued support for the arts.”
UPAF, founded in 1967, is a nonprofit that provides financial support for the performing arts. It has 14 performing arts member groups.
Scobey-Polacheck's appointment comes as UPAF nears the end of its annual campaign. The nonprofit made an appeal to the community earlier this month in hopes of raising $3 million more by the end of summer. The nonprofit warned that arts programs could be decreased or cut entirely without community support.
The annual campaign concludes Aug. 31. The hope is this will help reach the 2023 fundraising total of nearly $10.6 million.
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