Michael Berzowski, chairman of the Milwaukee County War Memorial Center, has resigned after two years of overseeing the center’s board.
Berzowski notified the board of his resignation in an email on Tuesday. His resignation is effective immediately.
In a phone interview on Wednesday, Berzowski said he thought “this would be a good time to leave” as the War Memorial Center is “well positioned to continue to advance” with strong finances and a well-defined mission and strategic plan.
The War Memorial Center is poised to be “a more routine organization” with “fewer crises” on the horizon, Berzowski said.
Much of Berzowski’s tenure focused on fleshing out negotiations with Milwaukee County and the Milwaukee Art Museum to ensure the War Memorial Center’s survival.
David Drent, executive director of the War Memorial Center, said he is “sad” to see Berzowski go after the chair steered the organization through difficult times.
“Mike did a great job,” Drent said. “This wasn’t an ugly divorce or anything like that. Mike felt it was time and he did a great job and he laid a great foundation and I believe that the board will follow through in continuing to work in a positive manner for the War Memorial Center.”
Peter Pochowski, vice chair of the board, will take over as interim board chair, according to Drent.
The War Memorial Center will likely elect a new permanent chair during its annual meeting on March 17, Drent said, and will convene a nominating committee before the meeting to discuss candidates.
“I think the future will be bright, and they should be able to accomplish a lot of things if they apply themselves,” Berzowski added.
