MADISON (WKOW) — The Center for Black Excellence and Culture announced its chief operating officer on Tuesday.
Jason Fields has been appointed to the position.
Fields, a Wisconsin native, was hired after a national search to fill the role, according to a press release.
“Fields brings supreme qualifications to The Center’s leadership team, having been an instrumental player across the Madison and Milwaukee fundraising, business, community, and political landscapes – most recently as president and CEO of Madison Region Economic Partnership (MadREP),” a press release stated.
The Center will be a physical place where Black residents and others throughout the community can gather to plan for and celebrate current and future growth and advancement.
Fields was born in Milwaukee. He formerly served in the Wisconsin State Assembly 11th District, worked as a stockbroker, executive manager, business and finance thought leader and an author. He has an award-winning record in driving operational efficiencies and fostering a culture of opportunity.
“I am deeply honored and excited to join The Center’s team,” Fields said in a statement. “Growing up in Wisconsin, I was raised and inspired by those who demonstrated Black excellence and its possibilities. The Center represents the freedom of intellectual arts and culture and leadership for future generations. I am excited to help lay the foundation for continuously building Black excellence and ignite the dreams and possibilities that are within each of us.”
As COO, Fields will play a mixed role in both overseeing day-to-day operations and building connections with leaders, businesses, and organizations to create opportunities for personal, professional and cultural growth, according to the release.
He will focus on building early programming, including developing a business plan, staffing, fundraising, and forming strong partnerships with Black community members and regional partners.
“Jason embodies the spirit of Black Wisconsin and understands our community’s deep capabilities,” said Rev. Dr. Alex Gee, founder and CEO of The Center, in a statement. “With the immenseness of our vision and programmatic depth, Jason is an exceptionally qualified leader who will bring people of differing backgrounds and perspectives together, solve challenges, and unlock greater opportunity. We are thrilled for everything he will bring to The Center and to the generations whose excellence will shine through his support.”
