Growing up on Milwaukee’s south side, Hector Colon’s mom worked three jobs to provide for him and his sister. He worked hard to rise above racism, bullying, violence and overdose deaths that permeated his surroundings to become a seven-time national boxing champion and a member of the USA Boxing Team. The next three decades proved Colon a heavyweight in public service throughout Wisconsin, working with Former Governor Doyle to change policy and advance Milwaukee’s health and prosperity.
As Milwaukee’s Health and Human Services Director, he continued his mission to end chronic homelessness, transform mental health care and end a 30-year waitlist for disability services. His path ultimately led him to the role of president and CEO of Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan (LSS) where he led the organization from millions in losses to a $30 million net income turnaround.
Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan has a mission to act compassionately, serve humbly and lead courageously by offering programs that advocate for the health and well-being of individuals, families and communities.
“Today, the organization is better positioned to address the critical needs of our city and state, including school mental health, substance use disorder and refugee settlement,” said Colon’s staff.
As a servant leader, Colon has a calling to help others discover their God-given gifts, said his staff. “Serving others is at the center of Hector’s family,” they said. “He learned these lessons from his mother and sister and boxing coach and he now carries those lessons of listening, empathy and commitment to the growth of others.”
Colon developed a “virtues leadership framework” at LSS which has contributed to workplace of choice recognition at multiple organizations, ending chronic homelessness in Milwaukee by 70 percent and obtaining awards such as the “Turning the Ocean Liner Award” by the U.S. Department of Housing for Urban Development. “These virtues also helped him earn the recognition of being one of the most influential business leaders in the nation, a turnaround expert, three-time entrepreneur, author and philanthropist,” said his colleagues.
He credits his success to setting aside time each week for intentional strategic thinking. “Doing this has allowed me to focus, without interruptions, on research, creative ideation, forecasting and planning of organization-wide initiatives,” said Colon. “This time has also helped me to pause and consider the many contributions of my colleagues and put in action ways for me to recognize their efforts.”
For his unending commitment to helping others, Colon has been named a second-year Titan 100.
