Wisconsin Housing Preservation Corp. (WHPC), a leader in the preservation and development of quality affordable housing throughout Wisconsin, is pleased to announce WHPC President Mary Wright has been recognized as an Executive of the Year by In Business.
In Business is the premier business-to-business publication in the Greater Madison region. Since 2014, the In Business Executive of the Year Awards have celebrated exemplary business executives based on leadership, innovation, and company success. Mary is one of six executives to receive the award this year.
“I’m honored to be recognized among many incredible leaders in Wisconsin,” said Mary. “But this award would not be possible without all of the extraordinary people in our organization who share my passion and vision to transform the affordable housing experience for individuals and families in need throughout Wisconsin.”
The In Business Executive of the Year judging panel cited the challenging and successful transformation of the organization during the pandemic under Mary’s leadership. Before the pandemic struck, Mary had already made the decision to move WHPC away from a third-party provider and take over the management of its $530 million portfolio of properties.
“The challenges Mary tackled this year and the positive transformation she led at the Wisconsin Housing Preservation Corp. was spectacular,” stated one judge. “Not only did she face COVID issues, but she grew her staff sixfold and changed the entire operational structure.
“Her success is evidenced by a 35% reduction in operating cost of the organization. With a new cost structure, WHPC will be even more effective in its mission of making affordable housing more available.”
Prior to becoming president of WHPC in 2016, Mary served as state director of the multifamily housing division for the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Association (WHEDA) in Madison. She has also held several executive-level positions in the commercial banking industry at Wells Fargo Bank and Johnson Bank in Madison.
Mary serves on several boards and committees including Journey Mental Health Center, National Leased Housing Association, Access Community Health Centers and Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corp. She is a member of TEMPO and the Downtown Madison Rotary. Mary earned a B.S. in Business Administration/Finance from University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, a Graduate School of Banking Degree from Southern Methodist University and completed The Executive Education Program through the Wisconsin Business School at University of Wisconsin-Madison.
In Business recognized Wright and its other Executive of the Year Awards recipients at a reception in Madison on January 18, 2022.
Read the full article from In Business Magazine of Greater Madison here.