Madison, Wis. — Robyn Davis, J.D., president and CEO of Brown County United Way, was honored with the Hometown Hero award on Jan. 20 in Madison, in front of the full Assembly, an honor bestowed by the Wisconsin State Assembly to state residents who have made an extraordinarily positive impact on their communities.
Davis was nominated by Representative Amaad Rivera-Wagner, for the transformational leadership she has provided to the greater Green Bay region, including through her nearly 10-year tenure with Brown County United Way.
Since being named Brown County United Way’s president and CEO in 2017, Davis has dedicated herself to advancing the organization’s mission.
“Robyn Davis embodies what it means to be a hometown hero,” said Rep. Rivera-Wagner. “Her leadership is rooted in collaboration, innovation and a deep belief that every person deserves the opportunity to thrive.”
Under Davis’ leadership, Brown County United Way has created more focused pathways to supporting the one-in-three households in Brown County who live at or below the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) threshold. ALICE households are one life event away from being unable to meet their basic needs.
“Throughout my career, I’ve been a strong advocate for solutions that create positive transformation within communities, so it is a special honor to have received the Hometown Hero award in recognition of that work and the work we’re doing at Brown County United Way to ensure everyone in our community thrives,” said Davis.
Together with her Brown County United Way team, Davis has made measurable impact in Brown County by strategically focusing in three areas.
First, investments in individuals, for example, through care grants to nonprofits, the 2-1-1 helpline and community drives for items like diapers and blankets.
Second, improvements to community systems through developments such as the City East Center and partnerships like Community Schools with Green Bay Area Public Schools, which improve parent engagement and student success.
Lastly, by advocating for social policy changes that address critical issues such as childcare, affordable housing and mental health support.
These efforts have led the organization to receive two landmark grants: a $1 million bipartisan federal appropriation and nearly $1 million from the State of Wisconsin, strengthening the organization’s capacity to mobilize on behalf of ALICE households in new ways. Further, the organization celebrated its centennial in 2025.
Davis serves on multiple boards and committees, including the Green Bay Packers Board of Directors and the Governor’s Advisory Council on Equity and Inclusion. She was also recognized by Madison 365 as one of Wisconsin’s most influential African Americans and received the Outstanding Women of Color in Education award from the University of Wisconsin System.
Brown County United Way’s mission is to unite people, resources and ideas to co-create community solutions that strengthen every person and every community in Brown County. The organization works toward building a healthy community, youth opportunity, financial security and community resiliency.
