We are so pleased to welcome Manni Marquez to the Director of Administration role, which he will begin on December 8, 2025. From the beginning, Manni impressed us with his depth of experience, expansive skill set, and warm demeanor. Manni was born and raised in Milwaukee’s Southside. With strong established roots throughout the city, Manni has made it his lifelong mission to be an advocate of supporting urban communities and marginalized populations.
Manni comes to us with over 20 years of nonprofit management experience, including most recently as the Director of Operations for Cathedral Center. A former community organizer, Manni has led initiatives to improve the quality of life for youth, families, and stakeholders in Milwaukee’s urban communities. His efforts have been widely recognized, including through the citywide Mi Comunidad Award which recognizes an unsung hero in Milwaukee’s Hispanic Community and the Next American Vanguard which honors 30 of the nation’s most influential and involved urban leaders. Manni has also served on a number of non-profit Boards, including the Hispanic Business professionals Association, and the Latino Non-Profit Leadership Institute.
Manni has held leadership roles at Cathedral Center, UMOS, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Milwaukee, and the Clark Square Neighborhood Initiative. He has three business degrees: an Associate Applied Science in Business Management from MATC, and a Bachelor of Science in Management and a Master of Business Administration both from Cardinal Stritch University. Manni also completed a Latino Nonprofit Leadership Program (LNLP) from UW-Milwaukee. Recognizing the importance of education and continuous learning, Manni is excited and looking forward to learning even more in this new journey with the First Unitarian Society of Milwaukee.
Our search team consisted of Amanda Panciera representing the Personnel Team, Holly Patzer from the Finance Team, and Russ Drewry from t the Buildings & Grounds Team, as well as Senior Minister Rev. Jennifer Nordstrom. It was a pleasure to consider candidates for the Director of Administration role. We had over 100 applicants and selected 24 for screening, 5 for the panel interview, and 2 for final consideration with our ministerial team.
We were lucky to have many wonderful candidates, and we are thrilled Manni will be joining us as our new Director of Administration. Welcome Manni!
In celebration and gratitude,
The First Church Director of Administration Search Team:
Amanda Panciera, Personnel Team
Holly Patzer, Finance Team
Russ Drewry, Building and Grounds
Rev. Jennifer Nordstrom, Senior Minister