Tickling the Ivories of Our Community
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United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County

Tickling the Ivories of Our Community

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April 11, 2016

Written by Meghan Marsden Parsche, United Way Volunteer

You may recognize Greg Marcus playing the piano at United Way Blu Tenders or at our Campaign Celebration last year, but his involvement with the United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County goes back even further.  Marcus has been committed to United Way’s mission both personally and professionally through the Marcus Corporation, where he serves as President and CEO. 

What inspired you to take on the new challenge of serving as Chairman of the Board for United Way?

The United Way is extremely important to our community, so I’m happy to take on the role of Chairman at this great organization - and I do mean great. [President and CEO] Mary Lou and her team have built an operation that is recognized as one of the premier United Ways in the country. There is no group I would rather take on such important challenges with than this team.

What is your Vision for United Way?

The racial inequity and income disparity so prevalent in our community continues to challenge our ability to move people from programs that just sustain lives to programs that enhance and improve lives. Whether its education, homelessness, community health or a host of other key community issues, we have significant needs that must be addressed. United Way provides the neutrality needed for all stakeholders to focus on what matters – the people that need our help.

Could you share a few key initiatives you hope to focus on during your term?

First, we need to focus on growing the pool of unrestricted dollars. While the benefits of allowing donors to direct dollars have been significant to this organization, we have now reached a point where it is impacting the pool of unrestricted dollars available to our community. It is something we must address. This includes educating the community on why it’s important to have a federated giving program like United Way, vetting the programs that help the community to ensure funds get directed to where the need is greatest.

Second, we will continue to grow our volunteer base. Volunteers help meet critical needs in our community. Additionally, they become engaged donors and advocates.

And finally, we will continue to expand our affinity groups. Our affinity groups like Women Leadership, Emerging Leaders and IT United bring deeper engagement with our organization, which leads to greater support.

Finally, as President and CEO of a company that is a leader in lodging and entertainment, you are likely a bit of a movie buff. What is your all-time favorite movie?

I have a few, but if I had to pick one, it would be the Alfred Hitchcock movie North by Northwest starring Cary Grant. It’s a classic.



Meghan Marsden Parsche is a proud United Way supporter, stay at home mom to her three young children, and volunteer writer for UWGMWC.

Meghan enjoys telling the stories of the programs and people making a positive impact on our community.


 

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