The Greater Milwaukee Foundation’s Board reflects its commitment to a Milwaukee for all through its inclusion of diverse perspectives and voices from across the region. This summer, the Foundation welcomes Margaret “Peggy” C. Kelsey and Joseph Fazio to the Board, while thanking two longtime Board members for their dedication over the years.
Margaret “Peggy” C. Kelsey is executive vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary and compliance officer for WEC Energy Group. Kelsey is responsible for all legal matters affecting the company and oversees the company’s environmental and ethics and compliance functions. Kelsey previously worked at Modine Manufacturing Co. and was a partner at Quarles & Brady LLP. Kelsey has a bachelor’s degree in history from Mount Mary University, a juris doctor from Georgetown University and a Master of Business Administration from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. The Milwaukee Business Journal recognized her as a Woman of Influence (2005) and Best Corporate Counsel – Public Company (2012). She participates on several boards including the Greater Milwaukee Committee, North Shore Bank, Teach for America – Milwaukee, UWM and more.
Joseph Fazio is the retired co-founder and CEO of Commerce State Bank. Fazio and his partners began the bank in 2005 with a single branch and eight employees; by 2013 it had four locations. In 2017, Independent Community Bankers of America named Fazio the Community Banker of the Year. Fazio coauthored the book “This Might Be a Dumb Question, But How Does Money Work?” to promote personal empowerment and financial literacy. Proceeds from his book are donated to various charitable organizations, including a jail literacy program. Fazio is past president of the Greater Cedarburg Foundation, a GMF partner foundation. Fazio volunteers at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Grafton. He served as co-chair of the United Way of Washington County 2018 campaign and was a member of the St. Francia Borgia school board, Cedarburg Athletic Booster Club, the Rotary Club of Cedarburg-Grafton and more.
The Foundation gives special thanks to Cecelia Gore and Pedro Colón for their years of dedicated service
Cecelia Gore served on the Board for 11 years beginning in 2014. Throughout this time, Gore served on many committees as a member, chair and vice-chair including the Admin and Audit Committee, Civic Awards Committee, Community Impact Committee, Development and Philanthropic Services Committee, Governance Committee, REI Committee and the Milwaukee Succeeds Task Force. She was a champion of the Foundation’s centennial Gifts to the Community initiative. As a Board member, Gore co-chaired the Foundation’s historic and record-breaking Greater Together Campaign. She played an instrumental role in raising funds for ThriveOn King and other priorities and helped foster community partnerships including through her leadership as Executive Director of the Brewers Community Foundation. Gore’s contributions as a Board member, donor and partner will forever be cherished.
Pedro Colón served as an active and engaged member of the Board for nearly a decade. His service began in 2016. During this time, he served on the Civic Awards Committee where he held the positions of vice chair and chair. He also served on and co-led the Community Impact Committee and served on the CEO Succession Committee. Colón raised the Foundation’s awareness of issues in affordable housing and eviction. As a donor and ambassador of the Foundation, he encouraged attorneys to participate in the Herbert J. Mueller Society and Community Advisor & Ambassador Network. He was also highly involved in the Foundation’s On the Table MKE initiative and in the development of the Foundation's Inspiring Hispanic Philanthropy event and publication. In 2023, Colón, a former Milwaukee County Circuit Court judge, became the first Latino member of Wisconsin’s appellate court. Colón’s influence as a compassionate and thoughtful leader and commitment to giving a voice to residents will continue to be reflected at the Foundation.