Madison, Wis.—Jan. 28, 2025—The Center for Black Excellence and Culture (The Center) announced today that Jason Fields has been appointed chief operating officer. Hired after a national search to fill the role, Fields, a Wisconsin native, brings a wealth of experience that will help transform the vision for The Center into a permanent home. 

Fields brings supreme qualifications to The Center’s leadership team, having been an instrumental player across the Madison and Milwaukee fundraising, business, community, and political landscapes – most recently as president and CEO of Madison Region Economic Partnership (MadREP). He formerly served in the Wisconsin State Assembly 11th District, worked as a stockbroker, executive manager, business and finance thought leader, and an author and has an award-winning record in driving operational efficiencies and fostering a culture of opportunity.

The Center will serve the region as a center of centers with holistic offerings, and Field’s exceptional qualifications will be critical to fostering successful, sustainable growth. The Center will be a multifunctional space where residents can connect, celebrate, rejuvenate, and advance together. It will host visual and performing arts, intergenerational programming, Pan-African events, leadership development, and more, highlighting the contributions of Black Wisconsinites. 

“I am deeply honored and excited to join The Center’s team,” said Fields. “Growing up in Wisconsin, I was raised and inspired by those who demonstrated Black excellence and its possibilities. The Center represents the freedom of intellectual arts and culture and leadership for future generations. I am excited to help lay the foundation for continuously building Black excellence and ignite the dreams and possibilities that are within each of us.”

The Center partnered with a Black-owned, highly regarded national search firm to identify candidates for the position of COO, given the enormity of the position and breadth of offerings. Qualifications sought included not only robust professional leadership in urban settings but also a deep belief in and understanding of Wisconsin’s Black community.

“Jason embodies the spirit of Black Wisconsin and understands our community’s deep capabilities,” said Rev. Dr. Alex Gee, founder and CEO of The Center. “With the immenseness of our vision and programmatic depth, Jason is an exceptionally qualified leader who will bring people of differing backgrounds and perspectives together, solve challenges, and unlock greater opportunity. We are thrilled for everything he will bring to The Center and to the generations whose excellence will shine through his support.” 

As COO, Fields will play a mixed role in both overseeing day-to-day operations and building connections with leaders, businesses, and organizations to create unprecedented opportunities for personal, professional, and cultural growth. He will focus on building early programming, including developing a business plan, staffing, fundraising, and forming strong partnerships with Black community members and regional partners.

The early hire of chief operating officer was made possible by a generous donation by the Oscar Rennebohm Foundation.

About The Center for Black Excellence and Culture: 

The Center for Black Excellence and Culture (The Center) will answer the decades-long absence of cultural space to celebrate and advance Wisconsin’s Black community. Located within the heart of a historically Black neighborhood on Madison’s South side, The Center will be a physical place where Black residents and others throughout the community can gather to plan for and celebrate current and future growth and advancement. 

Specifically, The Center will: Celebrate and promote Black excellence; Foster a sense of family and community; Pay tribute to Black history; Nurture and develop Black business and community leaders; Attract, connect and retain Black talent; and Provide the space for conversation, connection and growth.