Kathryn Dunn Appointed as New President & Chief Visionary Officer of WWBIC

• Kathryn Dunn has been appointed as the new President and Chief Visionary Officer of the Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation (WWBIC)
• Her appointment was officially announced by the WWBIC Board of Directors
• Dunn's new role became effective on May 1st

The Wisconsin Women's Business Initiative Corporation (WWBIC) Board of Directors announces today officially the appointment of Kathryn Dunn as President and Chief Visionary Officer, effective May 1st, 2025.

Kathryn succeeds long-time executive Wendy K. Baumann, who resigned in February 2025 after a deep 31-year career. Dunn has prior work experience with WWBIC, having worked previously at WWBIC as Vice President of Programs and Operations since 2024 and also as Vice President from 1993-1997.

Her appointment was the result of a comprehensive national search by QTI Executive and Professional Search, Inc., that considered more than 70 applicants. Dunn was chosen for her proven leadership, strategic vision, and dedication to economic empowerment and community development.

"A great deal of nonprofit leadership background, a passion for WWBIC's mission, and a long commitment to economic development," stated Board Chair Kate Hill of Kathryn. "We feel she will be able to keep WWBIC's high standards going forward and advance our mission of 'Putting Dreams to Work' by speaking out for Wisconsin's small businesses."

A highly respected philanthropic and nonprofit leader in Milwaukee, Dunn has also been at the forefront of advocating for economic empowerment of women and community-based initiatives across Wisconsin. Before coming back to WWBIC, she spent 13 years at the Greater Milwaukee Foundation (GMF), where she helped to lead some of the foundation's signature programs, including ThriveOn King Community HUB and the "Milwaukee for All" vision. Her efforts strengthened strategic partnerships and put community voices at the forefront of successful initiatives.

Kathryn collaborated on several signature GMF programs, including the Centennial Plan, Match Day, On the Table, and early racial equity initiatives. Previously, she had been a Community Investment Officer for the Helen Bader Foundation. “I’m honored to lead a team that works every day to help individuals achieve their dreams of owning a business,” she said. “WWBIC’s impact stretches across Wisconsin, and I’m excited to continue championing this important mission.”