Deborah Blanks
After leading the Social Development Commission for 15 years, CEO Deborah Blanks has announced her retirement.
Ms. Blanks came to SDC in 1997 after working as Director of Milwaukee County’s Disadvantaged Business Development and as the City of Milwaukee’s Purchasing Director. During her time at the agency, SDC grew from having a $23-million budget to a high of $60-million in 2010. She is a Past President of the Wisconsin Association of Community Action Programs.
In announcing her retirement which is effective January 11, Ms. Blanks said “I appreciate the opportunity to have served the low-income residents of Milwaukee County during my tenure at SDC. I respect the committed, hard-working and professional staff at SDC and wish them and the agency the best.”
SDC Board Chair Dr. Patricia Arredondo stated “I appreciate the leadership Deborah has provided to the agency and its mission to serve low-income residents of Milwaukee County, including changes that have benefited families living in poverty.” SDC Director of Program Services Jan Stenlund has been named Acting Chief Executive Officer for the Social Development Commission while a search for a permanent replacement is conducted.
Ms. Blanks says she will stay busy in her retirement by completing her doctorate in Urban Studies at UWM, traveling, spending time with her family, and deciding on her next new professional adventure.