Oshkosh Area Community Foundation Announces New President and CEO

Oshkosh’s Bill Wyman chosen to lead Foundation

OSHKOSH, WI — The Oshkosh Area Community Foundation today announced the appointment of Bill Wyman as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective April 11. He succeeds Diane Abraham, who left the position in October after two years of service.
“Bill joins the Foundation at a pivotal moment in our history after having experienced a decade of significant growth in our funds and assets, but also a period of change in terms of development and revitalization in our community,” said Mark Lasky, chair of the Board of Directors.

2016_NewCEOAnnounced“He has tremendous enthusiasm and passion for our community, and is a proven fundraiser in the community and corporate sector. The Board strongly believes his energy and experience are well matched to shape and guide the Foundation’s mission and vision for leadership and philanthropy.”

Wyman will be the fourth president and CEO in the 87-year history of the Foundation. He served as its interim president and CEO from late 2012 to summer 2013. He also served on the Board of Directors from 1997 to 2007, during which time he provided leadership for the $7 million fundraising campaign to build Pollock Community Water Park.

“I believe Oshkosh is poised for greatness, and I am thrilled for the opportunity to lead the Foundation and make a difference today and for the future,” Wyman said. “I am proud to have been involved with so many great projects with the Foundation in the past, but there’s so much more we can — and should — do to improve the quality of life in our community. I am ready for the challenge.”

Founded in 1928, the Foundation has nearly $100 million in assets and more than 800 charitable funds. It covers three counties, including Green Lake, Waushara and Winnebago, as well as the city of Ripon. It is the umbrella organization for the Green Lake County/Ripon Community Foundation, Winneconne Area Community Foundation and the Women’s Fund. During its last fiscal year ending June 30, it received more than $10 million in gifts and granted out more than $5.67 million to support charitable causes.

Wyman is a founding collaborator in the creation of Greater Oshkosh Healthy Neighborhood Inc., and former interim president and current board chair for the Greater Oshkosh Economic Development Corp. He is a small business owner, including The Waters, a banquet facility, and UFIT, a personal training center.

The highly competitive search, which began in January, attracted more than 100 applicants and was conducted by Signature Search, based in Green Bay.

Burk Tower, former Oshkosh mayor and retired University of Wisconsin Oshkosh faculty member and administrator, will continue to serve as interim president and CEO through April 11 and during a transition period.

The Oshkosh Area Community Foundation is a nonprofit charitable organization created by and for the people of Winnebago County, Waushara County, Green Lake County and Ripon. Through charitable giving, the Community Foundation strives to make our communities thrive. For more information, please call 920-426-3993.

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