Walnut Way announces new director | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Walnut Way
August 17, 2017
Walnut Way Conservation Corporation is pleased to announce the placement of Executive Director, Antonio Butts, by the Board of Directors. Butts, who grew up in the Lindsay Heights neighborhood has served on the Board for a number of years, most recently as Treasurer. He has been heavily involved in the organization, leading the way in setting financial practices for sustainability and growth to support the mission of community revitalization.
His professional engagement and development has most recently included Market Director at Fondy Food Center and consulting services in community engagement, leadership development, and organizational design.
(Photo courtesy of Walnut Way)
In making the announcement, Board of Directors President, LaVonda Graham, emphasized Antonio’s vision for Walnut Way’s growth in the coming years. “His passion places Walnut Way in a role that is central to helping our neighbors and communities, in which we serve, realize their dreams to live well, work, and serve in Lindsay Heights. Antonio brings his own unique set of skills and experiences as a business owner and community developer. His work ethic is stellar, as is his integrity. As a Board, we see in him a leader who can inspire by example as well as by his ability to grasp the details to chart a course forward. He consistently guides with a narrative of positive possibilities.”
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Butts stated that he is “deeply honored and humbled that the Board has expressed its confidence in me, and entrusted Walnut Way’s mission to grow wellness, work and wealth in its neighbors, staff and partners to my leadership.”
Walnut Way has a long history of looking to its own neighbors to fill leadership positions; more than 65% of the Board and staff live and serve in Lindsay Heights. This practice ensures that Walnut Way’s core values – honesty, fairness, trusted relationships, accountability, respect and excellence – remain the foundation of decision-making through succeeding generations.
Butts replaced Acting Director and Founding Board Member, Francesca Dawson, who made her impact by strengthening administrative practices and serving on several projects to advance the organization. Walnut Way would like to express gratitude to Ms. Dawson for her involvement in the organization and neighborhood leadership for over 15 years.