The Milwaukee LGBT Community Center is pleased to announce and welcome the Center’s new full-time Executive Director, Ritchie T. Martin, Jr. With more than 20 years of experience in the Public Health and Human Services non-profit sector, Ritchie brings a wealth of expertise to the role. His leadership is further informed by two years of service on the Center’s Board of Directors and over a year as Interim Executive Director.
Ritchie’s professional experience, combined with his service to the Center and his lived expertise as a young person who frequented the Center’s services and programs, brings a historical and a fresh lens to the Executive Director role. Ritchie will provide the strategic direction necessary to sustain Milwaukee’s youth and older adult spaces dedicated to the LGBTQ+ community, continuing the Center’s long-standing contributions to the Milwaukee community.
In the past year as Interim Executive Director, Ritchie has sustained and maintained all programs and services through collaboration with the Center’s dedicated team of professionals and providers. Under his leadership, the Center has secured $200,000.00 in fundraising efforts in partnership with both local and out-of-state funders and donors, ensuring financial sustainability. Ritchie brings extensive knowledge in governmental funding and contracts, donor relationships, volunteer recruitment and management, and operational management. His unwavering dedication and commitment to the Center’s mission and vision position him as an exceptional leader for the organization’s future.
“I am deeply grateful for the leadership that has stepped up to advance the mission and vision of the Milwaukee LGBT Community Center with unwavering commitment and equity at the forefront. Your dedication ensures that every voice is valued, and every step forward is a step toward a more inclusive and just future. I’m also excited to welcome Ritchie Martin as the new Executive Director as we continue this journey together, confident in his leadership and vision to further strengthen our community.” -Ricardo Wynn, Milwaukee House and Ballroom Leader
The Milwaukee LGBT Community Center’s Board of Directors would like to welcome our new Executive Director, beginning January 2nd, who will continue the legacy and service of leaders before him. Ritchie, in accepting his appointment as Executive Director, expressed the following:
“I am grateful to the Milwaukee LGBT Community Center’s Board of Directors and staff for allowing me to continue to be a part of the Milwaukee LGBT Community Center in this role. My admiration for the Milwaukee LGBT Community Center and its invaluable work started over 20 years ago. The Milwaukee LGBT Community Center has always been the heartbeat of the greater Milwaukee LGBTQ+ community, and I’m thrilled to continue the sustainability of the mission today. “This is a pivotal time in Milwaukee, with so many new initiatives coming to the forefront and many individuals, agencies, and government partners eager to contribute. I want people to remember why we are needed in this community and feel the Center is where they feel inclusivity, and belonging”.
The Milwaukee LGBT Community Center’s Board of Directors looks forward to working with Ritchie in 2025 and beyond.
Season’s Greetings to all:
The Milwaukee LGBT Community Center Board of Directors
