Philanthropists | Milwaukee
Philanthropists Donald and Donna Baumgartner have invested millions in support of Milwaukee’s nonprofit arts scene. The couple donated $10 million for the construction of the Milwaukee Ballet’s headquarters in the Historic Third Ward and $8 million to the Milwaukee Art Museum’s endowment fund to pay the future salary of museum directors. They have also made $1.5 million in gifts to Milwaukee Film, Milwaukee Repertory Theater, the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and the Florentine Opera, along with a $1 million contribution for the renovation of Uihlein Hall at the Marcus Performing Arts Center.
Donald is past president of the art museum’s board of trustees and was instrumental in bringing the Santiago Calatrava addition to fruition at the museum. He is also a life director of the Florentine Opera and a member of the Greater Milwaukee Committee. Donna serves on the board of the Milwaukee Ballet and Milwaukee Film and is a Milwaukee Art Museum trustee. They also serve on the board of Sculpture Milwaukee.
Donald founded and led Milwaukee-based Paper Machinery Corp. to become an international manufacturer of forming machinery for the production of paper cups, paperboard containers and custom packages. Following the company’s transition in 2016 to 100% employee ownership, he remains chairman of the board.
Education: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-Madison (Donald); Stevens College (Donna)
Advice for first-time leaders: Donald: “Be sure to acknowledge the value of the people reporting to you.”
One decision to do over: Donna: “I regret quitting piano lessons. I learned that patience and tenacity are good values to cultivate.”
Historical figure you look up to: Donald: “General Douglas MacArthur, a great leader in war and peace.”
Your secret talent: Donna: “Race car driving. I have been racing for 30 years and have at least one trophy.”
Click here to read Donald Baumgartner’s 2022 Wisconsin 275 profile
