The Neighborhood House of Milwaukee has named Jeff Martinka executive director as current executive director Richard Cox prepares to retire this month.
Cox announced his retirement in February. He has headed the nonprofit organization for six years.
Martinka will move to the Neighborhood House of Milwaukee from Sweet Water, a collaboration of environmental groups, local governments, business and academia trying to enhance water resources in the five Greater Milwaukee watersheds. Martinka helped found Sweet Water, which is based at UW-Milwaukee’s School of Freshwater Sciences, and has been at the helm as its executive director.
“We are thrilled to welcome Jeff as the new leader of an organization that has served this community for more than six decades,” said Joel Brennan, chair of the Neighborhood House Board of Directors. “Jeff brings enthusiasm and a wealth of experience that includes work on the near west side and work with a diverse array of clients and funders. We are eager to partner with him to inject new energy and resources into the organization and the community.”
Martinka’s career has also included management work in nonprofits focused on family services and literacy services. Additionally, he has worked in management at the Milwaukee County Parks, in Milwaukee Mayor John Norquist’s office, and at the Milwaukee Department of City Development.
“I am so pleased to have this opportunity to return to community center work,” Martinka said. “Neighborhood House has a long and proud legacy. I look forward to working with the center’s board, staff and volunteers to build a strong future.”
Founded nearly 70 years ago, Neighborhood House provides youth and family services to residents in a number of Milwaukee’s underserved neighborhoods.
