MILWAUKEE, WI – (December 7, 2023) – During the Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. (MWF) Board of Directors meeting today, the board celebrated Don Smiley’s successful 20-year tenure as president and CEO of the organization. Smiley will continue to work for MWF on a part-time basis, providing guidance and expertise on various projects and long-range planning. In addition, today the MWF Board of Directors approved the promotion of Sarah Pancheri to president and CEO of MWF. Pancheri will assume her new role of president and CEO effective January 1, 2024.
“The board is grateful to Don for his many years of service, as well as his thoughtful approach to organizational succession,” said Mary Ellen Stanek, Chairwoman of Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. “The plan Don put into motion several years ago is completed. Sarah has demonstrated leadership, drive, and a strong commitment to Milwaukee World Festival, Inc.’s mission. Today, the board unanimously elevated her to become the new president and CEO.”
Pancheri has held the position of president since June of 2022 and previously served as chief operating officer and vice president of sales and marketing for the non-profit organization. Within these roles Pancheri has overseen several transformational sponsorships, navigated the dynamic post-pandemic environment, and worked closely with business and community leaders on behalf of Summerfest and Henry Maier Festival Park. This includes a record-setting season in 2023, where the Park hosted 83% more events than during the 2019 season and saw more than 1.2 million patrons.
“I want to thank the Board of Directors for their confidence as well as this opportunity to lead,” said Sarah Pancheri, the newly named President and CEO of Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. "The experience of serving as president during an incredible 2023 season, gives me great optimism for our future. Henry Maier Festival Park, one of Milwaukee's most important assets, is in demand. Whether it's Summerfest, ethnic and cultural festivals, concerts, or other events, our team is ready to host millions of fans, while continuing to drive tourism and economic impact to the region.”
Smiley joined MWF in June 2004 and oversaw the complete transformation of Henry Maier Festival Park, obtaining $161,594,407 in privately financed improvements. During the same time, Smiley led 33,236 employees and welcomed 25,084,661 patrons through hundreds of festivals, events, and concerts. Smiley was also instrumental in growing Summerfest’s international reputation as the “World’s Largest Music Festival,” hosting 9,546 of the world’s top artists while leading the organization. Smiley’s indelible legacy within the community while serving as the first president and CEO of MWF will continue to impact future generations of music fans.
“It has been an incredible honor to lead Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. for the last 20 years,” said Don Smiley, Chief Executive Officer of Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. “I am so proud of what our team has accomplished. We have built many strong relationships over the last two decades, and I want to thank the Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. Board of Directors, our staff, sponsors, business and community leaders, and of course, our fans, for their support.”
About Milwaukee World Festival, Inc.
Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. is an independent, private 501(c)(3) corporation founded in 1965 that produces Summerfest presented by American Family Insurance, a three-weekend music festival featuring over 600 artists across 12 stages. Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. also maintains and improves Henry Maier Festival Park, located on 75 acres on the shores of Lake Michigan in Milwaukee, WI. In addition to Summerfest, Henry Maier Festival Park hosts a variety of ethnic and cultural festivals, concerts, family programming, walks, runs, and other special events. The mission of the organization is to promote an understanding of different ethnic cultures, the histories and traditions of various nationalities, harmony in the community, civic pride as well as to provide a showcase for performing arts, activities, and recreation for the public and employment opportunities for the youth of the community. For more details, visit MilwaukeeWorldFestival.com or Summerfest.com, and on socials @MilwaukeeWorldFestival or @Summerfest.