FAREWELL
HONORING JULIA TAYLOR
Julia H. Taylor has been president of the Greater Milwaukee Committee since December of 2002. Julia grew up in Indiana and graduated from Ball State University, majoring in English and Philosophy, and minoring in Art.
Julia was recruited to Milwaukee to be president of our local YWCA where she managed a $40 million annual budget, addressing solutions for racial justice and affordable housing.
In 2002, Julia was hired as president of the GMC. During her nearly 20-year leadership tenure, we have seen many initiatives and region-wide successes. Fairly immediately, Julia’s ability to convene and collaborate was put to the test with the successful launch of Milwaukee 7, our region’s economic development partnership with MMAC.
Julia has a strong passion for young leaders, shining in many areas, including through her devotion to Bradley Tech High School’s Commission where she served as treasurer aiding in the development of several pathway programs for the students of Bradley Tech. She has mentored many over the years and will continue to do so in life after retirement.
Julia’s ability to be inclusive had an incredible impact on the growth of the GMC, including diversifying our membership, growing our initiatives, and creating roadmaps that will build equity within our communities.
There have been many incredible transformations under Julia’s leadership including the launch of The Water Council, Future Workforce, Reimagining High Schools, incredible support for Miller Park and Fiserv Forum, and her insight into the Milwaukee Method of Creative Placemaking, which has led to the growth and success of projects like the Beerline Trail, becoming nationally recognized and studied by the Art Place America, Kresge, and the Urban Institute.
Julia is an incredibly accomplished watercolorist and plans to continue painting into retirement. Her paintings can be found during a local gallery night, at Lake Park Bistro, or even the Governor’s Mansion.
Julia’s legacy will live on through the work she impacted during her time at the Greater Milwaukee Committee.
GMC Members shared the first word that came to mind when thinking of GMC president Julia Taylor in a farewell message at her last GMC membership meeting in January 2022. The words formed a word cloud, with the larger words indicating they were repeated more than once by members.