Milwaukee Youth Arts Center Hires Del Wilson For New Executive Director Position

The Milwaukee Youth Arts Center (MYAC), home to First Stage and the Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra (MYSO), has created a new position of Executive Director as it looks forward to future growth. Del Wilson, former partner and owner of Uihlein-Wilson Architects, has been hired to fill this post, effective July 1. Wilson spent 26 years at the architectural firm he co-founded in 1991 before retiring in 2017. His experience will be an asset in his new position, which includes a strategic review of operations and building upon the success MYAC has enjoyed.

"Our unprecedented success over the past 14 years and our desire to set up MYAC to serve for generations to come created the need for this position," said Bill Mortimore, chairman of the board of MYAC. "We are fortunate to add Del to the management team to help meet these challenges and opportunities that come with success. And he is no stranger to MYAC. He served as Partner in Charge when Uihlein-Wilson designed the current MYAC structure in 2004."

"I was as ardent a supporter of MYAC's vision back in 2004 as I am today," said Wilson. "I am excited about exploring the new opportunities facing MYAC and enhancing its contribution to the cultural vitality in our community."

Wilson joins Brad Bingheim, the very capable Facility Director of MYAC since the start of construction in 2004. Wilson's expertise in architecture and project management will complement Bingheim's seasoned knowledge of the technical aspects of MYAC's physical plant and current space utilization.

Background

Milwaukee Youth Arts Center
The Milwaukee Youth Arts Center is a one-of-a-kind facility in the U.S., created to elevate the youth arts experience for young people, families, and communities in the greater Milwaukee region. Established in 2005, it is the home of First Stage and the Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra (MYSO) and provides a convening space for many other performing arts and education organizations for youth. MYAC has established itself as a facilitator of relationships between thousands of young people and families who otherwise would not have had the chance to meet and collaborate. Over the years the programming that comes to life at MYAC has grown to capacity and is now poised to expand to better serve First Stage, MYSO, and other partners as part of a larger cultural vision for the community.

Del Wilson
Del Wilson graduated with a Bachelor of Science Architectural Studies Degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 1978. He worked for several local architecture firms in the Milwaukee area before co-founding Uihlein-Wilson Architects in 1991. Wilson served as Partner in Charge for a lengthy list of projects, and a few are highlighted below:

• Basilica of St. Josaphat, Milwaukee
• H.H. Bennett Museum, Wisconsin Dells
• Lawrence University, Appleton - Warch Campus Center
• Milwaukee Public Library, Milwaukee - Central Library Renovation including the Children's Room
• Milwaukee Youth Arts Center
• Pius XI High School, Milwaukee - theater, black box theater, field house, library, chapel
• University of Wisconsin - Madison
  • Wisconsin Institute for Discovery - Morgridge Institute for Research
  • Memorial Union Renovation and Theater Restoration, Memorial Union Terrace
• University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
  • Helene Zelazo Center for the Performing Arts
• Whitefish Bay Public Library

In his spare time, Wilson loves to fish and play his guitars.

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