Board Chair Angela Adams to serve as Interim President & CEO and will lead search process for organization’s permanent leader
Milwaukee, WI (June 18, 2024) – The African American Leadership Alliance of Milwaukee (AALAM) today announced that Walter Lanier is stepping down as President & CEO. Board Chair Angela Adams will serve on an interim basis to lead the operations, programming, and search process for the organization’s permanent leader.
“After two rewarding years in my leadership role at AALAM, I am stepping down for personal and professional reasons. I am proud of our impact together and have full confidence in AALAM’s continued success,” said Lanier.
Founded in May 2017, AALAM is a cross-sector network of leaders and allies dedicated to developing and supporting Milwaukee’s African American talent pool. AALAM’s vision is to positively impact the trajectory of Milwaukee by making it a global destination for African Americans to thrive and prosper. The organization seeks to increase and retain African Americans in leadership roles in private, non-profit, and public sectors.
The African American Leadership Program (AALP) is a signature program of AALAM. To date, AALP has equipped 250 alumni who serve in leadership roles throughout the Milwaukee region as executives, elected and public officials, community leaders, and trailblazers.
“We thank Walter for his passion and commitment over the past two years,” said Adams. “With the unwavering support of our alumni, donors, partners, and supporters, AALAM will continue working to transform Milwaukee by building a strong bench of Black leaders who are helping to shape the community in transformational ways.”
Adams has an extensive history with AALAM. In addition to serving as board chair, she is an alumnus of AALP Cohort 5, an inaugural Board Member and signatory to establish the organization.
Adams has served in various executive roles including chief communications officer, chief diversity officer, and vice president of community relations. She has a proven track record of successfully driving brand, culture and strategic planning as an enterprise-level executive.
She is the Founder and CEO of SAGE Business Advisors, LLC, an executive consulting, and coaching firm. She currently serves on the Board of Regents for the Universities of Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Educational Communications Board, The Legacy Foundation Advisory Board, and The Friends of Plum Board.
“Angela and I have served together on the AALAM board since its founding and I am confident she will provide continuity for us as we prepare for our next leader,” said Kathryn Dunn, Senior Vice President, Community Impact & Chief Strategy Officer at Greater Milwaukee Foundation. “I am truly grateful for Angela’s willingness to step into this interim role to advance our work. Now, more than ever, AALAM’s vision of Milwaukee is critical.”
About AALAM
AALAM, founded in May 2017, is a cross-sector network of African American leaders and allies dedicated to developing, supporting, and positioning Milwaukee’s pool of African American talent. For more information about the African American Leadership Alliance Milwaukee, please visit https://www.aalamilwaukee.org/.