Groundwork Milwaukee (GWM) has named Deneine C. Powell as its new executive director.   She fills the position vacated by Mary Beth Driscoll, founder and past executive director, who retired at the end of November 2014. Deneine took the reins of the local not-for-profit on February 9, 2015.

Deneine brings a wealth of experience in non-profit management and consulting, having most recently served as senior manager of Planning and Communications for the Center for Self Sufficiency; and as marketing and business development director for Milwaukee Community Service Corps.  Prior to that she had been a managing partner at Cal(X) 52 Business Strategy Group, consulting on leadership and organizational development; managing director of the Small Business Development Center University of WI Parkside-Kenosha; and the executive director and founder of a local wellness center.

GWM Board Chair Sheldyn Himle shares, “Deneine brings the knowledge, energy and passion to move GWM forward and we’re excited that she is at the helm.”

Groundwork Milwaukee is part of Groundwork USA: a nationwide network of trusts that provide cost effective project development services focused on improving their communities’ environment, economy and quality of life.  Its mission is to bring about sustained regeneration, improvement and management of the physical environment by developing community-based partnerships to empower people, businesses and organizations while promoting environmental, economic and social well-being.  GWM believes that people, places, and prosperity are linked and that residents are active participants in changing their community.

On-going GWM projects serve a common agenda and are designed to accomplish other goals such as job training and environmental education. All projects and activities of GWM are carried out through a creative mix of staff and volunteers to leverage resources, while engaging businesses and residents in the transformation of their own communities.

For more on Groundwork visit the website at www.groundworkmke.org.