our BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Board officers

  • Charles Green Jr., Chair

    Head of Projects, CBRE

    Charles Green, Jr. is Head of Projects at CBRE Global Workplace Solutions. Global Workplace Solutions (GWS) is a hard services-led, tailored facility management solution. GWS self-performs hard services while partnering with best-in-class soft service providers to offer custom facility and project management solutions to our clients.

    Charles is a dedicated builder, not only focused on infrastructure, but also building the next generation of Wisconsinites through youth mentoring. Charles is a Big Brother for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Milwaukee and serves on an advisory committee focused on mentor recruitment. Additional board involvement includes board service for the Milwaukee Parks Foundation, where Charles also serves as secretary.

  • Jeffrey Polenske, Vice Chair

  • Lawrence Gladney, Secretary & Treasurer

    Board Treasurer, Nehemiah Project

    Lawrence Gladney is a highly accomplished and strategic financial professional with extensive experience as a Board Treasurer and Controller, leveraging comprehensive expertise in treasury, accounting, and tax management. He currently serves as a Board Treasurer for the Nehemiah Project, providing comprehensive financial oversight and strategic guidance to the board. Throughout his career, he has overseen full accounting functions, including monthly financial reporting and payroll administration, and possesses significant tax knowledge, preparing and filing for various entities. His treasury experience includes managing daily cash positioning and cash flow forecasting , as well as managing and reconciling large debt portfolios (over $200M in debt) and ensuring debt covenant compliance. Mr. Gladney holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a Bachelor's degree in Accounting from Lakeland University.  

  • Tracy Johnson, Immediate Past Chair

    President & CEO, Commercial REALTORS of Wisconsin

    Tracy Johnson has more than 20 years of association management and non-profit experience and has held roles as executive director for TEMPO Milwaukee; director of public affairs for the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra; and director of communications for an association of plumbing and mechanical contractors. Tracy holds a public relations degree and an executive MBA with a focus in international business, both from Marquette University. She has been recognized by the Business Journal as a Forty Under 40 and a “Woman of Influence”. She has been a contributor on AM620 WTMJ’s Steve Scaffidi Show.  Tracy lives in Mequon with her husband Jim and sons Zachary and Charlie.

  • Jerome Brown, Board Member

  • Dachon Freeman, Board Member

    Dachon Freeman is a Business Development Manager at CMRignite—Wisconsin's largest and longest-standing minority-owned and operated communications agency. Dachon brings over 12 years of experience in marketing and communications, driving client acquisition, revenue growth, and strategic partnerships across government, private sector, and retail industries. He has a proven track record in developing business strategies and managing high-value proposals. Dachon is committed to fostering collaborative environments that accelerate agency growth and client success. In addition to his professional role, he serves as an advisory board member for the Chicago House Athletic Club.

  • Dominique Madison, Board Member

    Dominique Madison, Board Member

    Dominique Madison is a Talent Acquisition Partner at Milwaukee Area Technical College. She brings over 10 years of human resources expertise with a strong focus on community engagement and equitable hiring across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. She partners closely with community organizations and leaders to build inclusive, accessible recruitment pathways that strengthen both organizations and the communities they serve. Dominique has a strong passion for breaking down barriers to employment. In addition to her human resources career, Dominique is an entrepreneur, doula, and mother. She also serves on the board of BlkGirl Space as Secretary.

BOARD MEMBERS

  • Jerome Brown, Baird

  • Matt Dorner, Milwaukee Downtown

  • Kathy Ehley, Mayor, City of Wauwatosa (ret’d)

  • Dachon Freeman, CMR Ingnite

  • Lucía Loza-Lara Galezewski, Alza Collective

  • John Kissinger, GRAEF USA

  • Dominique Madison, MATC

  • Matt McGovern, Cleantech Law Partners

  • Nikki Patterson, Kohler

  • Avelina Poppert, Waukesha State Bank

  • Marjorie Rucker, The Business Council, Inc.

  • Carolyn Seboe, HNTB

Ex-Officio Board Members

  • Eric Lynde, Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission

  • Dennis McBride, Mayor, City of Wauwatosa

  • Shawn Reilly, Mayor, City of Waukesha

  • Sheri Schmit, Vice President, Transportation and Parking Services, Milwaukee Regional Medical Center