Madison, Wis.—March 20, 2025—The Center for Black Excellence and Culture (The Center) announced today that Janine Stephens Hale has been appointed Chief Administrative Officer. Stephens Hale, a Wisconsin native with extensive experience managing and supporting the success of local and nonprofit organizations, brings a robust skillset and deep community connections that will be essential to The Center’s daily operations and impacts.
Stephens Hale brings over a decade of experience in fund development, operations, marketing and event management to The Center’s leadership team. She most recently served as the Chief Operations Officer of The Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness, following successful tenures at local organizations including Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County and Building Brave.
“”The Center will be a game-changer not just for our community, but our state and region. I’m deeply excited about the transformative impact it will have on our community both personally and collectively. It will be a uniquely Black space, a home where authenticity is not just welcomed, but celebrated, enabling individuals to truly thrive,” said Stephens Hale.
As CAO, Stephens Hale will manage the daily operations of The Center. She will focus on financial management, human resources, donor relations and administrative efforts to ensure The Center is delivering solutions tailored to the needs, opportunities and vision of the community.
“We’re absolutely thrilled to have Janine join our leadership team. She has proven time and again she can transform big ideas into action. As The Center continues to expand and deepen its roots throughout the community and region, Janine is a critical piece of the puzzle – and her impact as we prepare for doors opening is immediate,” said Dr. Alex Gee, CEO & Founder of The Center.
About The Center for Black Excellence and Culture:
The Center for Black Excellence and Culture (The Center) will answer the decades-long absence of cultural space to celebrate and advance Wisconsin’s Black community. Located within the heart of a historically Black neighborhood on Madison’s South side, The Center will be a physical place where Black residents and others throughout the community can gather to plan for and celebrate current and future growth and advancement.
Specifically, The Center will: Celebrate and promote Black excellence; Foster a sense of family and community; Pay tribute to Black history; Nurture and develop Black business and community leaders; Attract, connect and retain Black talent; and Provide the space for conversation, intergenerational connection and growth.
