Near West Side Partners has named Steven Brown, vice president of Culture & Engagement, Talent Acquisition and Early Talent at Molson Coors Beverage Co., as the new chair of its board of directors.

Brown succeeds Rana Altenburg, who has served as board chair since the organization’s founding in 2014. Altenburg will continue to support the organization as a member of NWSP’s Emeritus Committee.

NWSP is a nonprofit organization focused on revitalizing and sustaining Milwaukee’s Near West Side area.

Brown has decades of corporate leadership and community investment experience. In addition to his current position at Molson Coors, he previously held leadership roles at GE Healthcare, SC Johnson and BMO, according to an announcement from NWSP.

During his six years at Molson Coors, Brown has been actively involved in Near West Side initiatives, including helping shape NWSP’s strategic direction and contributing to the 35th Street Design Charrette.

“Steven’s proven ability to bridge business leadership with community priorities makes him an excellent choice to lead our board,” said Lindsey St. Arnold Bell, executive director of NWSP. “He understands the power of collaboration and the importance of aligning institutions, businesses and residents around shared goals.”

As board chair, Brown will support NWSP’s strategic priorities as it enters its second decade of work focused on advancing neighborhood safety efforts, strengthening housing stability, supporting commercial corridor vitality and deepening resident-centered engagement, the announcement says.

“NWSP has a strong track record of bringing people together to create meaningful, community-driven impact,” he said. “I look forward to working alongside the board, staff and partners to continue advancing this work.”

Beyond his corporate responsibilities, Brown serves on the boards of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Foundation, Disability:IN Wisconsin and Christ of the King Baptist Church.