What’s kept you at East Town?
“My heart is here – I love building relationships with other members of the community, bringing people together to celebrate one another and the City of Milwaukee. I also enjoy getting to work outside in the sun during the fast-paced summers.”
Major plans for the association?
“Jazz in the Park and Bastille Days have been staples of the East Town neighborhood for 30 years, and I’m excited to bring fresh energy to these longstanding, signature events. We’re launching Country Nights and a DJ Night at Jazz in the Park this summer to attract new audiences to this vibrant downtown community.”
Different about this role?
“East Town has gone through a great deal of transition in the last four months. Along with our previous executive director, our entertainment buyer of 29 years retired after the 2018 season. We’ve transitioned to a new entertainment buyer, a new marketing team, and what feels like a whole new staff. Bringing this group of new stakeholders together and beginning to guide our shared vision for the organization has been a great new experience.”
In your free time?
“My husband and I own a fixer-upper bungalow in Shorewood, which we are very slowly renovating. Our free time is filled with these home projects as well as trips to Milwaukee restaurants and parks with our almost 2-year-old son.”
Why have you stayed in Milwaukee?
“Everything I love is here: my family, my partner, Lake Michigan. Milwaukee is accessible, affordable and central. I’m just now learning it’s also a great place to raise children. I love Milwaukee.”
Emily McElwee
Executive director
East Town Association
Age: 30
Hometown: Shorewood
Education: Bachelor’s in economics from Marquette University
Previous position: Assistant director at East Town Association
