CONTACT: 414.225.0244, media@creamcityfoundation.org
(Milwaukee, Wisconsin) – The executive director of Cream City Foundation, the second oldest Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) community foundation in the country, will leave her post at the end of the month after accepting a position in California as Driscoll’s Philanthropy Manager.
Cream City Foundation hired Maria Cadenas as its fourth executive director in 2005. Her role included guiding the foundation’s vision of using philanthropy to serve as a catalyst of social change on behalf of LGBT people.
“Cream City Foundation is immensely thankful for the leadership, vision, and guidance Maria offered the organization over the past six years,” said Jim Schleif, Board President. “Our Board is committed to conduct an extensive national search to find our next leader in our work to create social change.”
“Serving as Cream City Foundation’s Executive Director has been an honor and a privilege,” Cadenas said. “I thank each and everyone in the community who shared and invested in our dreams of equality. I know that the Foundation’s board and staff will continue its stewardship of these dreams and its support of the LGBT movement and the people that make it happen.”
Over the past six years, Cream City Foundation has become a leading voice in transformative philanthropic models that include a new convening grant model and the creation of key events to bridge new philanthropic revenue streams for LGBT issues – including businesses and allies. In addition, Cadenas oversaw the groundbreaking bilingual campaign, Gay Neighbor/Mi Vecino Gay and the strategic investment to fund the creation of a new LGBT Center in Racine.
“This is an exciting time in Cream City Foundation’s history,” said Schleif. “There is crucial work to be done: including our efforts to bring resources for our LGBT seniors, LGBT communities of color, and continued workplace partnerships that develop LGBT leadership and philanthropy. The board of directors is committed to hiring the strongest, most passionate, and most qualified candidate to help us fulfill our mission.”
A formal job announcement will be available online at creamcityfoundation.org . An executive transition committee has been mobilized and is currently in the process of identifying candidates and consultants to serve in the role of interim executive director.
About Cream City Foundation
Cream City Foundation is a community foundation that serves as the leader in mobilizing philanthropic resources, fostering strategic collaboration, and effecting positive change on behalf of LGBT people in Southeastern Wisconsin. Founded in 1982, Cream City Foundation provides services, education, and funds to strengthen the LGBT community. To learn more about Cream City Foundation please visit CreamCityFoundation.org .
