IMPACT announces new President & CEO

Lindsay Blumer has been named the next CEO/President of IMPACT, effective June 1, 2026.  

A Milwaukee-based executive leader with B.A. degrees in Journalism and Political Science and an M.P.A. in Public Policy & Nonprofit Management from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Lindsay has over two decades of senior-level leadership experience across nonprofit, higher education, workforce development, and public-sector systems. Most recently, she served as President & CEO of Wisconsin Regional Training Partnership | BIG STEP. 

Her achievements include being named a TITAN 100 Hall of Fame Member, a Woman of Influence, and delivering "The Real Story on Thriving Communities" speech by invitation from the White House.

Lindsay's professional associations include serving as a Fellow of the Aspen Institute Economic Opportunity Program, a Council Member of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, and Board Vice President of the Wisconsin Technical College System. Her areas of expertise include building equitable workforce pathways, leading complex organizations through growth and change, and aligning policy, education, and industry to drive measurable community impact.  

“I look forward to collaborating with the IMPACT Board, staff, and stakeholders to further strengthen and grow the organization’s remarkable legacy through innovation and meaningful service to the community," Lindsay expressed.

You may connect with Lindsay at lblumer@impactinc.org

IMPACT 211 Supports Community Disaster Response and Recovery

When severe storms and flooding impacted Southeastern Wisconsin in August 2025 and again in April 2026, IMPACT 211 served as a critical connection point between residents in crisis and the emergency response systems working to help them recover.

Activated by Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM), IMPACT 211 functioned as the 24/7/365 central access point for residents to report flood-related damage and access recovery resources. During the 2025 flooding event, IMPACT 211 documented nearly 27,000 damage reports and shared real-time data with emergency management officials and community partners to support targeted outreach and resource allocation.

Following additional flooding in April 2026, IMPACT 211 collected more than 660 storm damage reports, including widespread utility disruptions and structural damage. Community Resource Specialists also connected residents to essential supports including food pantries, disaster food stamp applications, housing assistance, cleanup supplies, and home repair services.

These events highlight the importance of timely, credible, and coordinated information during disasters. IMPACT 211 helps ensure residents know where to turn for help before, during, and after emergencies, reinforcing 211’s essential role in disaster response, information delivery, and community resilience.

The storm damage data collected by IMPACT 211 is supporting Wisconsin’s requests for a FEMA Preliminary Damage Assessment. Read more from Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service:

Milwaukee County flood damage assessed for possible federal individual assistance

Anti-Human Trafficking Awareness Poster Contest

IMPACT 211 is one of six regional contact centers in the 211 Wisconsin network. 211 Wisconsin has announced an Anti‑Human Trafficking Awareness Poster Contest, funded by the State of Wisconsin Department of Children and Families, with a first-place award of $750.

Wisconsin residents ages 18 and older are invited to use their creativity to raise awareness about human trafficking and promote prevention, support, and available resources.

The contest runs through August 15, 2026, and encourages artists to submit an original poster - digital or hand drawn - that sparks conversation and increases understanding of human trafficking in Wisconsin communities. Participants must use one of the provided template options to create their poster. Learn more here.

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.