The March of Dimes Wisconsin Chapter board of directors has named Joanne Szymaszek chair.
Szymaszek, market vice president for Humana, Inc., has served the nonprofit organization as a board member for the past three years and is also a co-chair of the board’s Resource & Volunteer Development Committee. In 2012, she was chair of the Milwaukee March for Babies, the organization’s signature fundraising walk.
“I’m honored to be asked to serve in this role (of board chair),” Szymaszek said. “The March of Dimes’ mission to prevent prematurity and birth defects directly correlates with Human’s efforts to promote wellness and preventative care. I look forward to building the Wisconsin Chapter and bringing in new companies and volunteers to support this important cause.”
Additionally, March of Dimes’ Wisconsin Chapter named four new board members: Dr. Judith Hibbard, professor and vice chair of obstetrics at the Medical College of Wisconsin; Agatha Raynor, shareholder at Crivello Carlson; Barbara Swartos, vice president of medical management at Managed Health Services; and Nathan Schleifer, senior counsel at the Harley-Davidson Motor Company.
“I’m honored and excited to welcome our new board chair and our four new members,” said Jodi Legge, state director of the nonprofit. “Our volunteer leaders are the lifeblood of this organization, and they are critically important in helping us raise awareness and funds to achieve our mission.”
According to the March of Dimes, 1,300 babies are born in Wisconsin each week with 143 babies born prematurely and 10 premature babies a week suffering fatal complications.
“I’m sure everyone will agree that Wisconsin can do better,” Legge said. “And together with our board and community leaders we can do much more to ensure that every baby born in Wisconsin has a healthy start.”
