Mary Ellen Stanek

Managing director and director of asset management, Baird Financial Group
Chief investment officer, Baird Advisors
President, Baird Funds Inc.
Trustee, The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Co.

Stanek, who is a chartered financial analyst, brings to our board of directors extensive financial and investment strategy expertise, resulting from over 40 years of investment management experience. As managing director and director of asset management for Baird Financial Group, a position she has held since 2000, Stanek's expertise in fixed income investments provides the board and management with invaluable financial strategy insight relative to WEC Energy Group and its subsidiaries, which customarily issue debt securities as a means of raising capital. As a member of the WEC Energy Group Finance Committee, she also offers valuable perspective on insurance risk matters, having served for 15 years as a director of West Bend Mutual Insurance Co. In addition to her recognition as a prominent business leader in Milwaukee's financial community, Stanek has dedicated significant time to serving on the boards of a large number of Milwaukee-area nonprofit organizations, through which she has developed strong relationships with key community leaders and stakeholders. From these experiences, she brings the board insightful perspectives on issues impacting the culture and viability of today’s workforce, as well as a deep understanding of corporate governance matters.