Milwaukee Domes Alliance Board of Directors
Board Officers
PRESIDENT: Beverly Smiley
A veteran of the Board, Beverly Smiley is Board President and Chair of the Executive Committee and previously served as Treasurer and Chair of the Finance Committee. Bev has held senior leadership positions with Badger Meter and retired after 40 years of service with the company as Vice President/Controller. In addition, she has held board roles for over a decade with the Milwaukee Public Museum and Notre Dame School of Milwaukee. Joining the Milwaukee Domes Alliance years ago was important to Beverly as it became apparent that the Milwaukee Domes Alliance will play a major role in not just preserving the Domes, but in enhancing its impact, expanding its mission, and making it financially sustainable for the benefit of future generations. Outside of supporting the Domes, Beverly keeps connected with family and friends. Since retiring, she has enjoyed traveling within the U.S., Ireland and Costa Rica. The best destination, however, is still ‘up north’ for our Wisconsin summer fun.
VICE PRESIDENT: Tom Mortensen
TREASURER: Andy Holman
SECRETARY: Margaret Wittig
Board Members
Alex Chou
As a passionate advocate for the Milwaukee Domes Alliance, Alex Chou brings a unique blend of expertise and enthusiasm to the Board. With more than 25 years of success across the commercial real estate banking, education, and social services industries, Alex has lent his breadth of experience and diverse perspective to the Board, actively participating in various initiatives. He also is a member of the Rotary Club of Milwaukee since 2016. Alex has served on the boards of numerous nonprofits, including Charles Allis Villa Terrace, Bader Hillel Academy, and civic organizations in various leadership roles including finance, fundraising, and programs. He knows firsthand the impact that dedicated nonprofits can have so he joined the board to help the Domes have a bright future. He believes the Domes are an important part of our community and supports the Domes because of his love for flowers and plants.
Derek Clayton
With a background in engineering, consulting, and technology development, Derek Clayton’s career includes working at Fortune 500 companies to innovative startups, where he consistently drove and supported engagements across public and private markets for water infrastructure and connected community solutions. As a water industry professional and licensed hydrogeologist with over 20 years of experience in team and community capacity building, strategic partnerships, and stakeholder engagement, Derek brings a unique blend of technical expertise, business acumen, and community passion to the Milwaukee Domes Alliance.
Derek joined the board because the Mitchell Park Domes represent the intersection of education, sustainability, community enrichment, and regional economics. The opportunity to transform the facility and community beyond the status quo aligns perfectly with his professional mission of creating lasting positive outcomes through thoughtful infrastructure investment, community resiliency, and economic vibrancy.
When not advancing water sustainability initiatives, Derek is dedicated to the community and the outdoors. He serves as an assistant track coach at St. Mary Parish School in Menomonee Falls, is on the Board of Directors at Community Water Services, and provides content and conversations on water education to organizations as requested. He is an avid fisherman and enjoys spending time with family and friends while grilling or tending his smoker. He also trains in Tae Kwon Do, holding a 3rd Degree Black Belt.
Kathleen Dohearty
Kathleen Dohearty Penniston’s career is rooted in client relationships and marketing strategy. She has served in a leadership role as president of Branigan, Inc. for more than a decade and leads new business development and strategic direction for clients which include small, midcap, and Fortune 500 companies. She has been a fierce advocate for Milwaukee arts organizations and is passionate about institutions, like the Domes, that leave a lasting impact on our community. In addition to Milwaukee Domes Alliance, Kathleen is a current board member for the Marcus Performing Arts Center and most recently served on the Historic Third Ward Association, First Stage and UPAF boards. Kathleen is a Milwaukee Business Journal 2021 Women of Influence honoree and as a Marquette University alumnus, served as an adjunct faculty member in the Diederich College of Communication for 5 years. Kathleen and her husband, Scott, live in Whitefish Bay, love to spend time with family and friends, travel, cook together and play pickleball.
Patricia Habanek
Patricia Habanek is an accomplished corporate and community relations professional with over 36 years of experience in event management, community outreach, and executing effective internal and external communication strategies that foster change and drive business results. She also has a background as an historian/archivist and curator of corporate museum cataloguing and safekeeping of all artifacts. Pat’s passion for the Domes stems from her own experiences growing up visiting the Domes with her Mom and Dad, taking pictures for weddings, and attending concerts with friends. From childhood experiences to professional milestones, Pat joined the Milwaukee Domes Alliance because she believes that the Domes is an iconic landmark of the city offering a sanctuary for many during times of stress or uncertainty. It is a place of beauty, learning, and wonder allowing individuals to explore nature within its unique conoidal spheres. When she’s not advocating for the Domes, Pat is busy working on her own garden. She enjoys travelling in Wisconsin and the world meeting new people and experiencing all life has to offer.
Mike Haeberle
Michael Haeberle is the managing member of Patterson Law Firm, LLC, litigating commercial cases while managing a 17-attorney firm. Prior to joining Patterson, he was an associate at a Chicago law firm where he litigated a variety of cases at the trial and appellate level. Mike has been featured on CNN.com and Law.com and also presents continuing legal education classes for attorneys on many topics, including liability and collections, non-compete agreements and restrictive covenants, attorney ethics, and contract litigation. His record of managing complex initiatives and navigating diverse landscapes will be invaluable as we work to realize our vision for the Domes’ future. As an avid fan and visitor to the Domes since childhood, Michael joined the Milwaukee Domes Alliance to help ensure that this world-class institution, which helps make Milwaukee unique, is not only here for generations, but continues its path of growth and improvement. When not advocating for Milwaukee Domes Alliance or driving his two daughters to one activity or another, Michael can be found enjoying the outdoors, skiing in the winter and biking in the summer.
Jenne Hohn
Jenne Hohn is a chiropractor in Thiensville and is actively engaged in community service having served as the past-president of the Thiensville-Mequon Rotary Club. She grew up in Cedarburg where many school field trips were spent at the Domes. With a longstanding passion for the Domes, and the opportunity to connect wellness to nature, she is delighted to bring her industry experience and volunteer service to the board. In addition to her involvement with the Domes, Dr. Hohn coaches Special Olympics sports and SOfit, teaches sailing at the Milwaukee Community Sailing Center, and co-chairs the development of an all-user playground in Mequon.
Carter Kauth
Carter Kauth is an Investment Specialist at J.P. Morgan Private Bank where he works in partnership to serve the wealth management needs of individuals, nonprofits, and family offices across Wisconsin. Throughout a 7-year career in private banking at J.P. Morgan, Carter has built a reputation for his ability to assess situations quickly and analyze impacts on financial decision making, a trait he brings to the Milwaukee Domes Alliance. Carter joined the Milwaukee Domes Alliance Board because he believes in preserving historical and architectural landmarks, has a desire to contribute to community development, and holds an interest in promoting educational and cultural programs. He is particularly excited about working with community leaders and change makers to facilitate the individual and group work that will transform the Domes. A native of Steven’s Point, Carter lives with his wife, Alyssa, and their dog in Franklin. In the past, he has also volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, the Boys and Girls Club, and the Hunger Task Force. In addition, he enjoys golf, football, and Formula 1.
Falamak Nourzad
Falamak Nourzad is a visionary architect and founding principal of Continuum Architects + Planners, with over 30 years of experience creating spaces that are functional, inspiring, and deeply responsive to their context. Under her leadership, Continuum has become a respected force in Wisconsin’s architectural landscape, known for award-winning projects that blend purpose, aesthetics, and sustainability. Falamak joined Milwaukee Domes Alliance because she believes in the transformative power of nature, public space, and community access to beauty. As someone who has spent her life designing places that bring people together, she is passionate about preserving and enhancing the Domes as a cultural and environmental treasure for future generations. When not advocating for community-centered design or volunteering her time, Falamak enjoys painting, gardening, travel, and spending time with her family. She has called Milwaukee home for over four decades, she is deeply connected to the city’s cultural and natural landscapes—and values opportunities to give back through service and design.
Mike Roemer
With over 30 years of dedicated service to education in the Milwaukee area, Mike Roemer has distinguished himself as both a teacher and administrator, including 25 years within Milwaukee Public Schools. He currently leads the consistently top-ranked Ronald Reagan IB High School as principal, earning recognition through accolades like the 2016 Herb Kohl Foundation Leadership Award and his selection as a Fulbright Scholar. Mike’s contributions extend beyond his school, having served as Wisconsin State Coordinator for the National Association of Secondary School Principals and on the Board of Directors for the Association of Wisconsin School Administrators, where he is now past president. A Milwaukee native, Mike’s connection to his community is strong, leading him to join the Milwaukee Domes Alliance. He deeply appreciates the Domes as a unique educational and cultural asset, aligning with his passion for fostering enriching environments for learning and growth. Mike believes the Domes offer invaluable opportunities for exploration and connection for people of all ages. Outside of his professional life, he cherishes spending time with his family and friends.
Marianne Schmid
Marianne Schmid is an accomplished leader with over 30 years of experience in the retail and hospitality industries. Throughout her career, she has held executive leadership roles at several major retailers, including pivotal positions overseeing retail operations at Six Flags Great America and Boerner Botanical Gardens. Additionally, Marianne has a strong entrepreneurial background, having launched small business startups and engaged in nonprofit retail initiatives. Since her retirement, Marianne has worked as a retail consultant, leveraging her extensive knowledge to help businesses thrive. Although she did not grow up in Milwaukee, her first experience moving to Wisconsin was with the Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory, which left a lasting impression on her. She remains captivated by the beauty and significance of the Domes and is deeply appreciative of all it has to offer the community. Marianne enjoys engaging in various activities, including being a member of her local book club for over 10 years. She enjoys actively researching her ancestral roots and traveling to Italy to visit family. When she is not volunteering at the Domes, she treasures spending time with family in Sarasota, Florida.
Karen Von Rueden
Karen Von Rueden is a not-for-profit operations and development executive with over 30 years of experience. She began her career at the YMCA where she helped drive strategic initiatives, assisted and directed campaigns to secure thousands in funding, and served as a YMCA young professional abroad in southern Germany. Her career has spanned roles in executive leadership, program management, and development and marketing at organizations like Friends of Boerner Botanical Gardens, Habitat for Humanity, Zoological Society of Milwaukee, and Cardinal Stritch University. She also worked as a principal fundraising consultant for capital and annual campaigns, board engagement, and strategic planning, and served with various professional organizations and nonprofit committees. Karen is serving in her third term on the Board, is a member of the Board Executive Committee, and Chair of the Governance Committee. She also serves on the Board at St. Joan Antida High School, serving as Vice President, member of the Executive Committee, and Co-Chair of the Advancement Committee.
A native of Milwaukee, Karen grew up in Milwaukee alongside her 12 siblings. She was first drawn to the Domes as a young child and became motivated to get involved after visiting many gardens during her travels throughout the states and abroad. Over the past 25 years, Karen and her husband Ben have cared for five rescue dogs and enjoys time with her large extended family.
Ellen Wilkinson
Ellen Wilkinson is a mission-driven leader committed to advancing educational equity and social mobility. Her background spans school operations, fundraising, and community engagement, with a focus on serving historically marginalized populations. A lifelong advocate for access and inclusion, Ellen brings a global perspective shaped by years abroad and ongoing studies in strategic leadership and innovation. Ellen’s diverse expertise positions her as an invaluable member of the Milwaukee Dome Alliance’s Board of Directors, in perfect alignment with the organization’s goals and mission. Her work has revolved around working with neighborhoods that are seeking a healthy community and adequate green spaces. She serves on the board to champion equitable access to the restorative power of nature and has a simple belief that green spaces are a force for peace, healing, and empowerment. Ellen is an outdoor enthusiast, athlete, and gardener. When she isn’t advocating for the Milwaukee Domes Alliance, she and her husband Rodrigo and 3 children enjoy hiking, swimming, and camping.
A native of Milwaukee, Karen grew up in Milwaukee alongside her 12 siblings. She was first drawn to the Domes as a young child and became motivated to get involved after visiting many gardens during her travels throughout the states and abroad. Over the past 25 years, Karen and her husband Ben have cared for five rescue dogs and enjoys time with her large extended family.
Board Committee Members
Nicole Craneen (Education)
Melinda Myers (Education)
Norma Sanchez (Governance)
Gail Zieman (Education)
Emeritus Board Members
Jeremy Guth
Roger Krawiecki
Jack Smiley
Peter Smiley
Milwaukee Domes Alliance Staff
AT THE DOMES
We are now Milwaukee Domes Alliance!
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Domes Reimagined Plan: The Future of the Domes
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Fall Show: Mythical Menagerie, Sep 20 – Nov 9
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Day of the Dead, Oct 31
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