Board of Directors

Milwaukee Ballet relies on the talents of many individuals beyond those on stage or in the studios. In addition to our dedicated staff, we are supported by a variety of diverse people who volunteer their time and expertise serving on our Board of Directors and on our Board Committees

Board of Directors

Executive Committee

Christine Irgens, Board Chair & President
Sarah Thomas Pagels, Secretary, Community Engagement Co-Chair | Laffey, Leitner & Goode
Liz Bickley, Community Engagement Co-Chair | Korn Ferry
Cheryl Carron, Immediate Past President | JLL
Kelly Noyes, Nominating & Governance Chair, School & Academy Co-Chair | von Briesen & Roper, s.c.
John Rumpf, Advancement Chair | Robert W. Baird & Co.

Ex-officio

Tai Pauls, Executive Director
Michael Pink, Artistic Director

Directors At Large

Irissol Arce | Northwestern Mutual
Jon Biorkman | BMO Commercial Bank
Jason Eggert | Old National Bank
Elizabeth Haas | Milwaukee Brewers Baseball Club
Gretchen Jameson School & Academy Co-Chair | Versiti
Amy Schmidt Jones | Sensient Technologies
Suzanne Martens, MD | Sheboygan County EMS, Lakeshore Technical College
Beverley Morgan | Rockwell Automation
Molly Mulroy | WEC Energy Group
Jill Pelisek | UWM Lubar School of Business
Jan Pirozzolo-Mellowes | Foley & Lardner
William Raasch, MD | Froedtert & The Medical College of Wisconsin Sports Medicine Institute
Jodi Ristau | Baird, Phillips Ristau Group
Bryan Schultz | Foley & Lardner LLP
Yollande Tchouapi | Johnson Controls

Emeritus

Donna Baumgartner
Jane Bell
Kathleen Allen Crocker
Sarah Damsgaard
Katie Heil
Sarah Kimball
Justin Mortara
Jodi Peck

Honorary Directors

Nana Allis*
Audrey Baird*
Roberta Boorse*
Barbara Brumder*
Robert Eiseman*
Mariette Orth*
Joan and Jack* Stein
Mary Trainer

* Deceased

Committees

◊ Board Member | ♦ Emeritus Board Member | + Community Volunteer

Advancement

◊ John Rumpf, Chair | Robert W. Baird
♦ Jane Bell
◊ Gretchen Jameson | Versiti
+ Maxx Rodriguez | Oak View Group
+ Cherie Paust Swenson | Sojourner Family Peace Center

Community Engagement

Finance

Nominating & Governance

◊ Kelly Noyes, Chair | von Briesen & Roper
◊ Cheryl Carron | JLL
◊ Christine Irgens
◊ Sarah Thomas Pagels | Laffey, Leitner & Goode LLC

School & Academy

Emerging Leaders Council

Get Involved

As we continue to shape the future of Milwaukee Ballet, we call upon passionate individuals to be part of our journey! If you are interested in sharing your talents to further Milwaukee Ballet's work and mission, we would love to connect with you to determine whether the Board or a Committee may be a good fit. We believe that diversity of thought and experience strengthens our organization, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to consider joining us in our mission!

Please click the button below to fill out the interest form and a member of our team will be in touch.

Interest Form

About the Board & Committees

Board of Directors: Our esteemed Board of Directors is comprised of business leaders, professionals, and community volunteers who play a pivotal role in guiding strategic direction and operations for the Company. Candidates being considered for the Board will be interviewed by members of the Nominating & Governance Committee and Executive leadership team.
Advancement Committee: Focusing on Development (Fundraising) and Marketing, this committee’s goal is to provide oversight and guidance for Milwaukee Ballet’s strategies to achieve successful performance and contributed revenue outcomes. With a focus on long-term sustainability, the Committee will review strategies for alignment with the brand vision and strategic goals of the Company.
Community Engagement Committee: Focusing on Community Engagement, this committee’s goal is to provide feedback and guidance to Milwaukee Ballet’s community partnerships and programming within the Milwaukee community. Working with groups like Big Brothers Big Sisters, this committee strives to diversify and exemplify our belief and practice that ballet is truly for everyone.
Emerging Leaders Council: The Emerging Leaders Council (ELC) nourishes young professionals interested in developing their role as a future leader and advocate within the fine arts community. ELC members will provide guidance and ideation to propel Milwaukee Ballet into the future, with particular focus on developing the next generation of patrons and supporters. This council is perfect for young professionals looking for leadership and board experience.
Events Committee: Throughout the year, Milwaukee Ballet aims to put on many cultivation events whether for fundraising, ticket-drivers, or patron engagement purposes. The Events Committee aims to develop, plan, and execute these events via assistance with auction items, sponsorships, ticket sales, décor, food & beverage, etc.
Finance Committee: Focusing on the financial aspect of our business, this committee’s goal is to provide feedback and guidance to ensure the financial health, accountability, and sustainability of our organization. This group’s expertise and oversight helps maintain financial transparency, safeguard assets, and support Milwaukee Ballet’s mission and strategic objectives.
Operations Committee: Focusing on the efficient operations of Milwaukee Ballet's physical and digital footprint, this committee's goal is to provide feedback and guidance to Milwaukee Ballet's Operations Department.
School Committee: Milwaukee Ballet School & Academy is the only school in the Midwest that is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Dance. This committee’s goal is to provide feedback and guidance for MBSA’s enrollment and programming of all levels with the goal of increasing enrollment, diversity of students, and quality of education.