Tai Pauls

Tai Pauls has served as executive leader of Milwaukee Ballet since 2021, overseeing all facets of the organization's business operations. Pauls was named Executive Director in 2025, having previously held the title of Managing Director & Chief Advancement Officer.  Her strong vision successfully guided the Company through the challenging pandemic years and is shaping the future of the organization.

Pauls joined the Milwaukee Ballet Board of Directors in 2018, previously serving on the Development and Ballet Ball Committees. She officially joined the organization’s administrative team as Development Director in March 2020, just days before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused the Company to cancel the remainder of its 50th anniversary season. In August 2020, Pauls took on management of the Company’s marketing efforts, creating the joint Advancement department, which encompasses development, marketing, and patron services (tickets). In May 2021, Pauls was named Interim Managing Director before accepting the role full-time in August 2022, adding Chief Advancement Officer to her title. During the first years of her tenure, Pauls helped lead the Ballet back into the theater and navigated the severe financial challenges brought on by the pandemic. In 2022, the Ballet relaunched its capital campaign for a new Nutcracker production. Pauls worked closely alongside Artistic Director Michael Pink to secure $5 million to bring the new production to life in December 2023, setting record attendance and ticket sales. 

Before joining Milwaukee Ballet, Pauls enjoyed an extensive career with the Milwaukee Brewers Baseball Club, joining the organization in 2005 and remaining through 2018. During her more than a decade with the Club, she held several roles in various departments, from Ticket Sales, Suite Services, and Special Events, eventually being named Vice President of Hospitality in 2017. She helped manage several key projects for the Club, including the $20 million redesign of the ballpark's food and beverage experience, renovation of premium Club Level spaces and dining concepts, a multi-phased redesign of the corporate offices, and the creation of a multi-faceted hospitality training program for all ballpark game day and event employees. During her tenure with the Brewers, Pauls also planned and managed 400+ events annually, including the Brewers Mini-Marathon (2011-2018), Aurora Healthcare Annual Caregivers Recognition (2013-2018), An Evening With Brett Favre (2016), Jehovah’s Witness Convention (2014), National Governors’ Association Reception (2013), and MMAC All Member Meeting (2011).

A Milwaukee native, Pauls grew up dancing ballet and attending Milwaukee Ballet performances. An avid lover of the arts and artistic expression, she also enjoys gardening, golfing, reading, and film. She resides in Shorewood with her husband and son.