Kathy Schmitz

Executive Director, VCEDC

A native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Kathy received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Journalism at Marquette University, and her Master of Science Degree in Business at Cardinal Stritch University. Kathy has a strong background in media and public relations having begun her career at Channel 12 News & WISN Radio in Milwaukee as a public affairs producer. For the majority of her career, Kathy worked in health care administration serving as the Chief Communications Officer for Columbia St. Mary Health System-Milwaukee (Ascension Health), and most recently as the Executive Director of the Medical Society of Milwaukee County & Medical Society of Milwaukee Foundation.

Kathy and her husband helped to co-found a non-profit 501c3 children's home in Lumakanda, Kenya, called Okoa Toto, Inc., which means Save the Child in Swahili.

Kathy’s hobbies include horseback riding, traveling and hiking with her husband and two dogs.