Jill Economou

Director of Community Relations, Ellenbecker Investment Group

Jill Economou joined Ellenbecker Investment Group in 2008 and now leads the firm’s community outreach efforts and is the host of MPC: Milwaukee’s Philanthropic Community podcast, where she spotlights nonprofit leaders and mission‑driven work across the region. Her passion for service extends into volunteer roles, including leading EIG’s monthly Bible Study since 2012 and supporting various charitable organizations.

Jill brings a diverse professional background in administration, technology support, sales, and management, and is a cum laude graduate of Cardinal Stritch University with a degree in Business.

She lives in Lake Country with her husband and enjoys time with her growing family—especially her new role as “Gigi.” Jill loves the outdoors, global travel, and connecting with people wherever she goes.

Julie Ellenbecker-Lipsky, CFP®, CDFA®

President & Senior Wealth Advisor, Ellenbecker Investment Group

Julie Ellenbecker-Lipsky, CFP®, CDFA®, is President and Senior Wealth Advisor at Ellenbecker Investment Group, where she has been a key leader since the firm’s founding. With more than 30 years in financial services, she oversees EIG’s operations, guides its advisory team, and is known for her strong client and community relationships.

A CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst®, Julie is an active member of the Financial Planning Association of Southern Wisconsin and a graduate of the Leadership Intensive Program, a powerful personal development program for individuals and leaders who care passionately about living and working a life of significance.

Julie is deeply committed to philanthropy and nonprofit leadership, having served in key roles with the Rogers Behavioral Health Foundation, The Women’s Center in Waukesha, the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Milwaukee, the EIG Charitable Foundation, and Pillows with Wings.

Julie lives in Nashotah with her husband and is enjoying the “empty nest” phase of life. She loves spending time with her family and friends, boating, reading, entertaining, concerts, traveling, teaching, and learning.

Karen Ellenbecker

Founder & Senior Wealth Advisor, Ellenbecker Investment Group

Karen Ellenbecker is the Founder and Senior Wealth Advisor of Ellenbecker Investment Group, which she established in 1996 to create a firm grounded in thoughtful guidance, education, and a holistic approach to financial planning. Her philosophy centers on helping clients integrate their financial decisions with their life goals, a vision that continues to define EIG’s culture and client experience

For over three decades, Karen has hosted Money Sense, WISN AM 1130’s longest‑running financial radio program, now available as a podcast, where she interviews experts and shares insights on financial and life planning. She is also a passionate community leader, founding the EIG Charitable Foundation, Lake Country Charity Connection, and the Pillows with Wings Foundation. In 2021, she delivered a TEDxUWMilwaukee talk titled The Power of Positive Disruption.

Karen has been recognized with numerous honors, including the Inspirational Entrepreneur Award, Women of Distinction, and Women of Influence. She also co‑authored the children’s book My Pillow Has Wings with her granddaughter.

She enjoys living in Milwaukee’s Third Ward while still being connected to Lake Country, and loves photography, traveling, ballroom dancing, golfing, cooking, and time spent with her growing family.

Martha Putnam

Executive Director, Pillows with Wings and Founder of Nonprofit Navigators

Martha Putnam's 28-year tenure in the nonprofit sector brings a deep understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing organizations today.

As an executive professional, her experience encompasses all aspects of nonprofit management, including fundraising, program development, strategic planning, advocacy, and community engagement. This breadth of expertise allows her to offer valuable insights and guidance to boards and agency staff alike. She is pivotal in fostering collaboration, innovation, and sustainable practices among nonprofit agencies.

By leveraging her expertise in building strong partnerships with other organizations, government agencies, and community stakeholders, she amplifies the collective effort in tackling significant issues. Her focus on setting standards and creating measurable outcomes not only reflects her strategic thinking but also her desire to drive positive change.

Martha's career exemplifies a profound dedication to nurturing others. As a respected authority in nonprofit structure, fundraising, and board governance, she shares her expertise to bolster resilience and well-being within these organizations. Her role as a speaker in faith-based communities, addressing topics like parenting and mental health, is enriched by her personal experiences as a mother of five and foster parent, offering a unique and relatable perspective.

Rooted in her Native American heritage, Martha has the innate ability of storytelling, a cornerstone of her Haida tribal culture, which allows her to engage audiences through compelling narratives, effectively conveying messages that resonate deeply.