Between that first presentation and this new role with Iditarod, Willie’s journey brought him into our lives and community: first as the coordinator for evening and weekend community programs at Washington Park, then as the Branch Manager. It is with mixed emotions that we send our well-wishes to Willie as he leaves his post as Branch Manager at Washington Park.

Willie has been leading our efforts in Washington Park through a transformational time at the Center. In the same month that he decided to pursue this new amazing opportunity, Washington Park earned national recognition for our work here in Milwaukee with the Frontline Park award from the City Parks Alliance — the national expert in best practices in revitalizing urban parks. They selected Washington Park for its innovation in environmental education and partnerships. This award also belongs to the community, as we could not have created a safe place for children and families to learn and play without deep engagement from community partners, businesses, neighbors and supporters. What an amazing send-off for Willie, whose relationship building, leadership and hard work are at the core of this community engagement. So, we are excited by Willie’s leadership and accomplishments, excited by the amazing opportunity ahead, and excited by the foundation he has laid for the future of our Washington Park branch.

We are also saddened by his departure. Willie has been a thought partner in refining our programs and branch operations, and we will miss him dearly. He’s built a strong team of staff, volunteers and friends, all while having fun, laughing and enjoying the process. Willie reflects, “My coworkers here are nothing short of wonderful; dedicated, creative, fun, problem solvers ... truly inspirational in every way. The people who walk through our doors, whether a volunteer, participant or guest, have opened my eyes to all the possibilities which exist here each day. The future is bright with the plans for engaging the community, expanding our programs and raising the money to ‘Urban Ecologize’ the Washington Park pavilion. I will miss being part of this process and it deeply saddens me.”

While Milwaukee is his childhood home, he spent the majority of his adult life in Alaska. Being a talented story teller, Willie often shares tales of the amazing adventures he had in the Alaskan wilderness — and his eyes light up. Yes, his eyes light up when talking about his team and the accomplishments of his branch in Milwaukee, too. Somehow, though, his love of the gorgeous land and seascapes of Alaska show through in a way that leads us to believe that he is heading home. As Chief Operating Officer of the Iditarod, he will be building a new collection of amazing stories and reconnecting to the awe of the Alaskan wilderness. And in his last official Urban Ecology Center role, he will lead this September’s “Great Alaska Adventure” travel program. What could be a more fitting way to wrap up this chapter of his life and start a new one? Thank you to Willie and to all of you who have been a part of the Washington Park branch transformation.