Honoring Decades of Leadership

As IMPACT looks to the future, we take this moment to honor three exceptional leaders whose vision, integrity and institutional knowledge have helped shape the organization and strengthen our community.

President & CEO John Hyatt, Director of Research & Evaluation Lisa Larson, and Senior Account Manager Bob Waite (pictured above with IMPACT Chair, Dr. Kimberly J. Payne) have shared their plans to retire in 2026, concluding extraordinary careers marked by commitment, collaboration, and critical system change.



Together, John, Lisa, and Bob represent more than 90 years of dedicated service to IMPACT’s mission. Their work has strengthened outcomes for individuals and communities, and ensured that IMPACT remains a trusted, innovative partner for service providers, funders and stakeholders throughout Southeastern Wisconsin.

As part of a thoughtful and well-planned transition, each of these leaders will continue working closely with IMPACT’s Board and leadership team to ensure continuity and long-term organizational success. The Board extends its deepest gratitude for their enduring contributions and is committed to honoring their legacies by building on the strong foundation they helped create.

Additional information will be shared in the coming months. In the meantime, individuals interested in learning more about these leadership opportunities may contact Jill Toohill at Lauber Community Partners at jill.toohill@lauber-partners.com

John Hyatt, President & CEO

For more than 31 years at IMPACT, including the last ten as President & CEO, John Hyatt has led with steady vision, humility, and an unwavering commitment to collaboration. Under his leadership, IMPACT strengthened its client-focused culture while increasing efficiency, maximizing productivity and elevating the organization’s reputation throughout Southeastern Wisconsin. John has been instrumental in securing and stewarding critical program contracts and advancing fund development efforts that ensure IMPACT’s long-term sustainability, helping connect countless individuals and families to vital supports. His legacy is reflected in the people, partnerships and systems he brought together in service of better outcomes for all. John's anticipated retirement date is Summer 2026.

Lisa Larson, PhD, Director of Research & Evaluation

As Lisa Larson enters her 33^rd and final year at IMPACT, she leaves an enduring legacy of integrity, insight and partnership. Beginning her career with The Planning Council prior to its merger with IMPACT, Lisa has helped organizations across the community better understand client needs; evaluate programs addressing substance use, mental health, and healthy families; and translate data into meaningful improvements. Her thoughtful guidance, rigorous standards and collaborative approach have made her a trusted resource for partners working to strengthen outcomes and sustain their impact. Lisa's retirement date is June 30, 2026.

Bob Waite, Senior Account Manager

Beginning in 1985 as a volunteer with the Underground Switchboard – now IMPACT 211 – Bob Waite accepted a full-time position with the organization in 1997. Over 28 years later, Bob Waite’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping how the organization listens and responds to community needs. Bob has helped transform community data into trusted insights, producing reports that inform partners, funders and decision-makers while identifying trends and gaps in services. As a highly-respected, front-facing representative of the organization, Bob’s collaborative approach has strengthened partnerships, supported emergency response and planning efforts, and reinforced IMPACT’s role as a trusted convener and data source across Southeastern Wisconsin. Bob's retirement date is August 31, 2026.

After struggling for years with alcohol abuse issues, Jason turned to IMPACT 211. We connected him to a range of resources to not only help him stop drinking, but stay on the road to recovery. Your gift today can ensure IMPACT is here in the new year to help others seeking a brighter future.

Since 1960, IMPACT has helped people take the first step toward changing their life, for good. We assess and guide those experiencing personal crisis toward resources to achieve stability; and collaborate with community partners to foster system improvement throughout Southeastern Wisconsin.