President & CEO

Polina Makievsky

With over 25 years of nonprofit leadership experience, Polina is an energetic, results- and mission-driven nonprofit leader with a passion for helping people and organizations realize their full potential. Polina has served in management and executive leadership roles in nonprofit human services organizations, with a focus on strategic planning and execution, marketing and business development, innovation, program development, advocacy, fund development and quality improvement. In addition to her experience leading community-based nonprofits in Wisconsin, Polina has served in leadership roles at national nonprofit associations including Social Current (formerly Alliance for Strong Families and Communities), the National Human Services Assembly and the Points of Light Foundation in various roles all focused on building the strategic capacities of community-based organizations.

An engaging and participatory presenter and facilitator, Polina has been invited to train, facilitate and speak at conferences with diverse organizations including Children’s Wisconsin, national YWCA, Axelson Center for Nonprofit Leadership at Northpark University (Chicago, Ill.), the Rochester Area Community Foundation and other community-based nonprofits throughout the United States.

Polina has earned a Master’s in Public Policy with a focus on social policy from Johns Hopkins University. She has been certified as a Blue Belt in Innovation Design by Eureka Ranch; has earned a yellow belt in Lean Six Sigma by University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and completed the Annie E. Casey Foundation 2-year program in Results Based Leadership for nonprofit leaders. She has been published in the Stanford Social Innovation Review with her article on “Rethinking Six Management Mantras for Innovation.”

She resides in the Milwaukee area with her two children and menagerie of pets.

CFO, Vice President of Administration

Kara Coleman

Kara Coleman is a highly accomplished business professional driven by her passion for
community progression and unwavering dedication to promoting economic justice. With a
Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) under her belt, Kara embarked on a career focused
on financial management within mission-based organizations. During her time as a Senior
Financial Analyst at Cardinal Stritch University, she not only excelled in her role but also
obtained her license as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). As her expertise grew, she became
the head of the administrative department at the ACLU of Wisconsin. With extensive experience
within nonprofit organizations, Kara has successfully led audits and skillfully acted as a liaison
between external and internal stakeholders, including the board of directors and financial and
regulatory institutions.

While pursuing her career, Kara also found fulfillment in sharing her knowledge and expertise
with others. She served as an Accounting Instructor part-time at MATC and Gateway Technical
College before joining the faculty at Mount Mary University as a Professor in the Business
Administration department. During the pandemic, she enrolled in her doctoral program at the
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Kara’s firsthand experience in business school and her deep
understanding of the role of higher education in nurturing the next generation of business leaders
led her to a profound realization: a college cohort that is not reflective of the community at large
cannot distribute economic power and leadership in a meaningful and equitable way. Her
research explores the underlying perceptions and realities that impede marginalized students
from applying and matriculating through business programs.

Born and raised in Milwaukee, WI, Kara Coleman is actively engaged in her community,
consistently seeking opportunities to initiate conversations on racial and economic equity and
serving as a catalyst for positive change. Kara’s proven commitment to creating inclusive and
safe spaces both on and off campus has earned her recognition as the recipient of the WICPA’s
2023 Diversity and Inclusion Impact Award. In her free time, she dedicates herself to serving on
Governor Evers’ Council for Financial Literacy, volunteering as a financial mentor for
SecureFutures, and facilitating financial workshops through WWBIC.

Kara is enthusiastic about aligning her personal and career goals in her new role at the Penfield
Children’s Center. Utilizing her strategic, creative, and critical thinking skills, she aims to make a
significant impact on the lives of students. With a strong focus on ensuring sound operations and
providing accurate financial information, Kara is deeply committed to supporting the mission
and functions of the Penfield Children’s Center.

Vice President of Programs

Ann Becker

Ann Becker, OTR/L, is the Vice President of Programs at Penfield Children’s Center. With
nearly three decades of dedicated service in non-profit organizations, Ms. Becker stands as a
dedicated advocate and leader in ensuring the well-being and growth of children and their
families. Ms. Becker brings forth a wealth of pediatric experience, working within both clinical
and home-based settings.

Ann Becker holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Mount Mary College, with a major in
Occupational Therapy and a minor in Biology. Complementing this academic pursuit, she holds
a certificate in non-profit management from the University of Milwaukee, School of Continuing
Education. She is certified as an NDT therapist by the Neuro-Developmental Treatment
Association, and is a former member of the Maternal Child and Health Pass Advisory Board.
Prior to Penfield, Ms. Becker worked for the Racine County Opportunity Center in Racine,
Wisconsin.  

Throughout her tenure, Ms. Becker has spearheaded transformative projects, leveraging her
deep understanding of pediatric development to create impactful interventions. Her strategic
acumen, coupled with a genuine passion for the cause, has enabled her to navigate complex
challenges and drive sustainable change within the organization and beyond.
As the Vice President of Programs, Ann Becker remains steadfast in her commitment to
advancing the organization’s mission of empowering children and families through innovative
programs and unwavering advocacy. Her legacy of service and impact serves as a testament to
her enduring dedication to creating a brighter future for generations to come.

Vice President of Development & Communication

Megan Wurz

Megan Wurz is the VP of Development at Penfield Children’s Center, bringing over 10 years of non-profit experience. Born and raised in the Milwaukee area, she holds a BA in Communications and Public Relations from UW-Stevens Point. Reporting directly to the CEO, Megan develops and implements strategies for fundraising, donor relations, and communications, collaborating with senior leaders to achieve organizational goals. She leads efforts in major gifts, corporate sponsorships, foundation grants, and annual campaigns, while managing grant proposals and ensuring consistent messaging. As the primary media contact, she has established local media relationships and leads a team of development and communications professionals. Megan also engages board members in fundraising and supports board committees, utilizing data analytics to track success and prepare reports.

Before joining Penfield, Megan served as a Senior Corporate Director at the American Heart Association, leading a fundraising team for the largest campaign in the state, the SE WI Heart & Stroke Walk. She coordinated initiatives like the Heart Challenge and Hard Hats with Heart, developed strategic partnerships, drove new business development, secured high-level corporate sponsors, and mentored team members. Earlier, as the Socials & Heart Walk Director, Megan managed events like the Heart & Stroke Ball and Racine Kenosha Heart Walk, organized volunteers, created budgets, and conducted community public speaking engagements.

Megan has demonstrated her leadership through various presentations and coaching roles. She was invited to coach the Iowa Heart Walk team and presented on successful business partner campaigns. Additionally, she presented on National Heart Challenge calls and at Heart Walk Bootcamps in Dallas, TX, focusing on leadership, business partner campaigns, and chair recruitment. As part of the Midwest Buddy Program, she mentored new hires every six months. Megan received the top award for the Midwest Region – Building Powerful Partnerships, and the 100K Club Achievement & Excellence Award.

Megan is actively involved in the community, serving on the board for Rooted in Community and the WWBIC Marketing Advisory Committee. Her passion for making a difference in the lives of children and families, particularly those facing developmental challenges, drives her dedication to building meaningful relationships with donors and supporters. Her leadership and expertise continue to significantly contribute to the success of Penfield Children’s Center.