WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) — The Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin will soon be under new leadership.
President and CEO Jean Tehan announced her retirement on Wednesday, effective August 31st, 2020.
Tehan says it’s time for both the foundation and herself to go in different directions. “I’m so proud to have been able to do this work, and it’s time now for me to open that next chapter, and it’s time for the Community Foundation to have its next chapter.”
Since starting with the Foundation in 1987 Tehan has been at the helm for substantial growth in many areas including the Foundation’s financial coffers and scope of service. What started as a Wausau-area asset increased to serve other areas from Merrill to Antigo and Boulder Junction.
“A community foundation by definition is a neutral convener, and we have been able to pull people together. That is one of the things that I am really proud of,” she said.
Tehan credits that growth to the people and companies that donate to the foundation. “[We have] incredible donors that really step up and make things happen.”
Some of the projects that have been carried across the finish line thanks to money from the Community Foundation include the 400 block, Wausau Curling Center, the grandstand at Marathon Park, improvements to the Grand Theater, The Boys and Girls Club facilities, and the Medical College of Wisconsin.
Tehan has no immediate plans for retirement other than spending more time with family and friends. Though the first thing that came to mind when asked was cleaning her house.
“It’s all I can think about,” she said with a laugh. Though the tone quickly took a turn as Tehan admitted both her and her husband have lost parents in recent years. “[We still have to go through] those belongings and getting them to good homes where they will be appreciated.”
Spending more time on a pontoon and “sleeping in a few days a week” is also on the schedule.
Tehan began her tenure with the Foundation when it was known as the Wausau Area Community Foundation. In 32 years with the group, the Community Foundation has grown to over $67 million in assets, has awarded more than $87 million in grants that serve the arts, education, health, human services, and resource preservation.
In addition to her work at the Community Foundation, Tehan has served as a charter trustee for the B A & Esther Greenheck Foundation, member and president (2015-2016) of the Rotary Club of Wausau, faculty of Leadership Wausau, RAAC charter member for the Medical College of Wisconsin, co-chair of the Parish Council of St. Michael’s Parish, helped form Kids Voting USA, evaluated statewide Community Foundations for certification and National Standards, and chaired the Festival of Arts 25th Anniversary Year.
