Patti Habeck believes that the answer to solving challenges faced by a community lies in bringing people together, where trust and communication build pathways for shared impact. As the president and CEO of Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin, she is known as a powerful change agent. “She enjoys tackling complicated issues and finding solutions where most see none,” said her staff. “She embraces social innovation and enterprise.”
Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin is the leading local hunger-relief organization in the state with locations in Milwaukee and Appleton. Founded in 1982 by the Rotary Club of Milwaukee, the firm is a local and independent member of the Feeding America network and collaborates with nearly 400 hunger-relief programs, including food pantries, meal programs and shelters to provide for half a million people facing hunger across 35 counties in eastern Wisconsin.
Over the last few years, under Habeck’s leadership, the organization has built the capacity, infrastructure and resources to address not only the immediate needs of the more than 500,000 people relying on the firm’s work, but also to create sustainable, innovative solutions to food insecurity. During this time, Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin has doubled its distribution to more than 60 million pounds annually as well as increasing investments by more than 200 percent.
According to her staff, Habeck played a pivotal role in guiding the organization through the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. “Patti’s leadership during such a critical time underscores her strategic thinking, empathy and ability to navigate complex challenges,” they said. “Her efforts have not only positively impacted the lives of those facing hunger but have also demonstrated the importance of community and human service charities in times of crisis.”
Her efforts over the years have not gone unnoticed. Habeck received the Donald Driver Driven to Achieve Northwestern Mutual Leadership Award, as well as the Athena Leadership Award and many more accolades. It’s her passion that makes her stand out as a titan, said her staff.
“I am a passionate supporter of our work and keep myself very grounded in our ‘why,’” Habeck said. “Keeping myself present in the heart of our work will always provide me with the necessary spark to continue to drive solutions to food insecurity.”
As a leader, Habeck said that she is very aware of the need to provide opportunities for personal and professional growth while providing a safe place for members of the team to receive feedback and practice new skills. “I lead with the philosophy of a return on investment in our people,” she said. “While I always hope that means they will stay with us, I also believe that my job is to support and celebrate the individual’s journey wherever it may lead.”
For her constant support of her team and the community, Habeck has been named a titan.
