Tony Shields

President/CEO

For nearly three decades, Tony Shields has built transformational relationships and led efforts to align organizational goals with community impact. He has successfully directed initiatives across charitable foundations, corporations, and nonprofit organizations, serving as an executive leader, strategist, and spokesperson. Throughout his career, Tony has remained deeply committed to strengthening communities and cultivating partnerships that drive meaningful change.

As President and CEO of the Wisconsin Philanthropy Network (WPN), the state’s only organization devoted exclusively to the profession and practice of philanthropy. In this role, Tony leads all aspects of strategy, operations, and network engagement—working in close partnership with WPN’s board, staff, and 130 member organizations that collectively contribute over $1 billion annually to nonprofit efforts across Wisconsin and beyond. Under his leadership, WPN advances its mission to support, inspire, and elevate philanthropy that drives meaningful, lasting change.

With experience across the corporate, nonprofit, and civic sectors, Tony brings a collaborative leadership style rooted in relationship-building and community connection. Prior to joining WPN, he served as Executive Director of United Neighborhood Centers of Milwaukee (UNCOM), a collaborative of community-based organizations focused on resident-led solutions. He was also publisher of the Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service, a digital media outlet dedicated to community storytelling and equity in journalism.

Earlier in his career, Tony led Community Relations for Harley-Davidson, Inc., where he directed local and national philanthropic initiatives, including community outreach strategies for major company-sponsored efforts. His professional background also includes executive roles with the Milwaukee Bucks, Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee, and leadership positions in public relations and marketing firms.

Tony has been recognized for his impact and civic leadership by Cardinal Stritch University, Milwaukee Community Journal, Milwaukee Radio Alliance, and Madison365. He currently serves as a Consortium Member for the Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Endowment, on the Board of Advisors for the Center for Community and Nonprofit Studies at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, and as a Board Member for the Milwaukee County Parks Foundation. His past service includes roles with the AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin, Cardinal Stritch University Board of Trustees, and appointments by the Governor to the Census Statewide Complete Count Committee and the Milwaukee Child Welfare Partnership Council.

Outside of work, Tony enjoys spending time with family, catching up with friends, curating his ever-growing playlist of favorite songs, and occasionally hitting the court for a game of pick-up basketball.

Tony holds a Master of Science in Management and a Bachelor of Arts in Interpersonal Communications from Cardinal Stritch University, as well as a certificate in Leadership and Nonprofit Management from Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business.