Julie Strenn – 2023-2024 Wispact Chair – Opportunity Development Centers (ODC), President/CEO
Wispact’s Board of Directors provide independent oversight and strategic guidance to Wispact Staff and Operations.
As Julie Strenn steps down from her role as the Chair of Wispact’s Board of Directors, the organization reflects on her remarkable contributions. Julie’s dedication to enhancing the lives of Wisconsinites with disabilities has left a lasting impact, marked by her strategic vision, compassionate leadership, and unwavering focus on our beneficiaries.
Julie joined Wispact’s Board of Directors six years ago, completing two consecutive three-year terms. She served as Chair of the Board for two consecutive years, during which she also led as the Retained Fund Committee Chair and was the Past Chair of the Governance Committee. Under her leadership, Wispact reached pivotal milestones that will continue shaping its mission.
Record Growth and Strategic Leadership
Julie’s tenure as Chair oversaw unprecedented growth in Wispact’s operations and the support we provide. In 2023, Wispact reached a historic high with 791 new trust documents, and by 2024, this number climbed to 830. Under her guidance, assets under management exceeded $225 million, and the number of active trust accounts surpassed 5,100 — both firsts in Wispact’s history.
Beyond these achievements, Julie was instrumental in developing two strategic plans that centered on enhancing the Beneficiary experience. Her influence has led Wispact towards more responsive and beneficiary-focused services, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can fully benefit from the trust programs.
Champion of the Wispact Foundation
Julie’s commitment extended deeply into the Wispact Foundation, where she passionately supported the grant program as a transformative resource for beneficiaries. She spearheaded a strategic planning session for grantees at the Wispact Foundation Grant Partner Symposium, offering insights to help partners maximize their impact. Additionally, she organized a ‘media day’ at Opportunity Development Centers (ODC), where she serves as President/CEO, to highlight the life-changing effects of the Wispact Foundation’s grants.
Julie’s “person-first” approach has always guided her work with the Foundation. She championed the grant program not only as an opportunity to provide financial support but as a way to improve beneficiaries’ quality of life and ensure their access to essential public benefits. Her “boots on the ground” experience with ODC equipped her to lead with empathy, focusing on practical solutions that prioritize beneficiaries’ well-being.
A Legacy of Service
Julie’s influence will be felt long after her departure. Her leadership has fostered a culture of excellence within Wispact, setting high standards for compassionate and effective service. While she will be missed, her legacy will guide Wispact’s continued dedication to empowering individuals with disabilities across Wisconsin.
Thank you, Julie, for your profound service to Wispact and the disability community. Your legacy lives on in the countless lives you have touched and the path you have paved for future growth and impact.