LSS CEO Héctor Colón Shares Vision and Values in BizTimes Interview
In a recent interview with BizTimes, LSS President and CEO Héctor Colón reflected on innovation, resilience, and the road ahead for Lutheran Social Services.
Colón credits LSS’s culture—rooted in compassion, humility, and courageous leadership—for fueling transformative change. When LSS faced financial instability, tough internal questions led to breakthrough ideas that revitalized the organization, strengthened morale, and expanded its impact.
One of his favorite success stories? Hearing from a colleague who once considered leaving but now sees LSS as a place to thrive. “That’s the kind of impact that matters most,” said Colón.
At the heart of it all is a commitment to people: empowering staff to lead from wherever they are and serving clients with dignity and compassion.
“Compassion is our secret sauce,” said Colón. “We listen deeply and care personally.”
LSS Awarded $1 Million to Reopen Libertas Treatment Center in Chippewa Falls
Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan (LSS) will receive $1 million in state funding to renovate and reopen the L.E. Phillips Libertas Treatment Center in Chippewa Falls.
State Senator Jesse James (Left) and State Representative Clint Moses (Right) the two authors of the provision granting LSS $1 million. Courtesy: Facebook
The funding, a provision to the state budget authored by State Senator Jesse James (R-Thorp) and State Representative Clint Moses (R-Menomonie), follows the closure of major behavioral health facilities in the region, which left a significant gap in mental health and addiction treatment.
The new LSS-operated facility will offer 50 beds for medically monitored and transitional residential treatment.
“This grant is proof that strategic public-private partnerships can bring meaningful change to our communities,” said Héctor Colón, President and CEO of LSS. “Thanks to the leadership of Sen. Jesse James, Rep. Clint Moses, and all who supported this bill, LSS can help preserve and expand behavioral health and substance use treatment in the Chippewa Valley. These are much needed services for the community right now. LSS is ready to rise to the occasion.”
LSS CEO featured on UWM Chancellor’s Report Podcast
Héctor Colón (on screen) joined Dr. Gale Klappa (middle right), Dr. Eve Hall (middle left), in a discussion with Chancellor Mark Mone (far left) WUWM’s General Manager David Lee (far right). Photo Courtesy: Kari Pink/UW-Milwaukee
LSS President and CEO Héctor Colón was recently featured on a special edition of “The Chancellor’s Report” a University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee podcast hosted by Chancellor Mark Mone and WUWM General Manager David Lee.
Alongside fellow distinguished alumni Dr. Gale Klappa and Dr. Eve Hall, Héctor shared how his time at UWM helped shape his personal and professional journey. The conversation highlighted each guest’s unique path to success and the lasting impact of their UWM experience.
As a proud UWM alumnus, Héctor reflected on how education, perseverance, and service guided his rise to leadership at Lutheran Social Services.
LSS explores plans to acquire shuttered L.E. Phillips facility
For Immediate Release
LSS explores plans to acquire shuttered L.E. Phillips facility
The local non-profit seeks to expand services with new facility acquisition
EAU CLAIRE, Wis., DEC. 18, 2024 – An encouraging step toward addressing a critical need in substance use disorder treatment services for the Chippewa Valley, Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin & Upper Michigan (LSS), a trusted provider in the area for nearly 40 years, has announced its desire to purchase the former L.E. Phillips facility.
“We are committed to meeting the urgent need for comprehensive SUD treatment in our community,” said LSS President & CEO Héctor Colón. “Acquiring this facility would allow us to expand our existing services while honoring the work that was previously done at this location. However, we can’t do this alone. We need the community’s support to make this dream a reality.”
LSS is calling on individuals, businesses, and philanthropic foundations who are passionate about supporting the community to join the effort. Contributions of any size are welcome, and naming opportunities will be available for major donors. Those interested in learning more should contact Paul Peterson, LSS Manager of Donor Advising who lives in the Eau Claire community at (262) 606-8993 or Paul.Peterson@lsswis.org.
“This is an extraordinary opportunity for our community to come together and reclaim a vital resource,” added Colón. “With your support, we can restore this facility and provide the critical care that so many individuals and families need.”
The organization plans to reopen the facility under its own name and operations, offering a blend of services similar to those previously provided and those already available through LSS’ existing programs. LSS’ expansion will help bridge the gap in treatment and recovery services, offering hope and healing to individuals and families in the area.
LSS’ current services and locations will continue to operate as usual. The acquisition of the facility will allow the organization to expand its reach and impact without disrupting its existing programs.
“This project represents a chance to grow our mission and better serve our neighbors,” said Colón. “It’s a privilege to be part of this effort, and we hope to make significant progress toward the purchase of the facility in the near future.”
ABOUT LSS
Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan (LSS) is made up of nearly 700 professionals and peer specialists, the majority of whom are right in your community. Programs across our two-state reach address needs around housing, adoption, disabilities, refugee resettlement, mental health and substance use. LSS programs empower individuals to address life’s toughest challenges outside of a hospital or other institution. LSS’ expanded system of care offers short and long-term solutions for recovery, personal development, and independent living through safe, stable, and loving environments.
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MEDIA CONTACT
George Kmetty, Public Relations Specialist
George.Kmetty@lsswis.org
262-693-6825
In the Ring Season 3 Episode 11: “Knocking Out excess cost in Pharmacy” with Dr. Connie Perry
WATCH NOW: Héctor and Dr. Perry take on rising pharmaceutical costs
This month Ethica Pharmacy Advisors’ Managing Director, Dr. Connie Perry, sits down with Héctor to tackle the rising costs of prescription drugs, the role of pharmacy benefits, new innovations in pharmacy, and more!
M3 Insurance
Beth Skogen Photography – www.bethskogen.com
Connie Perry is the managing director of Ethica Pharmacy Advisors. In her role, Perry leads the Ethica Pharmacy Advisors team, using her clinical background as a PharmD and decades of experience in the PBM space to offer a comprehensive pharmacy solutions stack for employers and pair it with Ethica’s signature transparent and independent approach. Ethica’s solutions stack incorporates pharmacy consulting services, custom RFP services, and financial audits.
Perry’s experience spans across various sectors including clinical roles in hospitals, academia and key positions in the launch of a Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) at Walgreens Health Initiatives.
Perry was a lead consultant for national insurance brokers before leading Ethica Pharmacy Advisors. As a seasoned leader, she has successfully led national pharmacy practices and played a pivotal role in launching a pharmacy coalition tailored for mid-market employers.
- Earned a doctorate degree in pharmacy from the University of Illinois College of Pharmacy
- Over 25 years of industry experience
- Joined Ethica Pharmacy Advisors in 2024
In The Ring Season 3 Episode 10: “Beyond Rhetoric: The Truth about Immigration and Refugees”
WATCH NOW: Héctor and Krish get “In the Ring”
Héctor talks with Global Refuge President & CEO Krish O’Mara Vignarajah. In a hot political climate, the two CEOs dispel rumors surrounding immigration and refugees.
Krish O’Mara Vignarajah, President and CEO of Global Refuge, has dedicated her life to championing the rights of vulnerable communities. As leader of the largest faith-based national nonprofit dedicated to serving children, refugees and other immigrants, Krish works every day to help newcomers find safety, support, and a share in the American dream – the same dream her family pursued decades ago when they fled Sri Lanka with her as a baby.
Krish’s immigrant experience sparked a lifelong commitment to public service.
From her role as Policy Director for First Lady Michelle Obama to her strategic work as Senior Advisor at the State Department on foreign policy to her tireless work in refugee resettlement at Global Refuge, Krish leads with the heart of an ally, the fight of an advocate, and the insight of someone who knows firsthand the difference a warm welcome can make.
Krish speaking at the I95 Women of Influence Conference
She has been recognized as one of The Daily Record’s “Top 100 Women” and “Most Admired CEOs,” and The Hill’s Changemakers.
LSS Podcast puts Senate Candidates In the Ring on Healthcare
For Immediate Release
LSS Podcast puts Senate Candidates In the Ring on Healthcare
WEST ALLIS, Wis., Sep. 24, 2024 – In the Ring with Héctor Colon podcast is excited to announce a special “On the Issues” double-episode featuring Wisconsin’s candidates for U.S. Senate. The podcast, a creation of Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan (LSS), is known for its content and high-profile guests. This month, Democratic incumbent Senator Tammy Baldwin and Republican challenger Eric Hovde talk about their Health and Human Services platforms.
LSS President & CEO and podcast host, Héctor Colón asked each candidate the same questions in the same order on topics including Wisconsin’s fentanyl crisis, expanding early intervention & prevention for children and families, Affordable Healthcare and Medicaid reimbursement, and healthcare partnerships. He also asked for their ideas on how to bridge our nation’s two-party political divide.
Episode Highlights:
- Senator Tammy Baldwin – The incumbent Senator shares her commitment to strengthening access to affordable healthcare, including Medicaid expansion. The Senator cites that nearly half of all births are covered by Medicaid and she has worked to ensure that mother and child continue to receive Medicaid coverage for up to 1 year after birth. She highlights her advocacy for bolstering federal funding for community health partnerships and expanding access to addiction recovery programs.
- Eric Hovde – The challenger outlines his vision for transforming healthcare by reducing bureaucratic red tape, emphasizing private sector innovation, and a “back to competition” market approach to lower costs. The Madison Businessman advocates for continued protection for people with preexisting conditions, citing his own Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis, while also emphasizing new ideas around the country’s Fentanyl crisis.
Héctor Colón, a former boxer turned nonprofit leader, brings his unique perspective, engaging both candidates in meaningful discussions about the future of mental health services, addiction recovery, support for vulnerable populations, and beyond.
“We are thrilled to provide a platform where voters can hear directly from the candidates on vital issues,” said Colón. “Our goal at LSS is to support the health and well-being of the communities we serve, and these conversations will ensure voters are informed about key issues that directly impact Wisconsin and the nation.”
Both episodes are available now on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@intheringwithhectorcolon1073/videos
And can be streamed on all major podcast platforms.
For more information on In the Ring with Héctor Colón and to listen to the episodes, visit:
ABOUT LSS
Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan (LSS) is made up of nearly 800 professional treatment teams and peer specialists, the majority of whom are right in your community. Programs across our two-state reach address needs around housing, adoption, disabilities, refugee resettlement, mental health and substance use. LSS programs empower individuals to address life’s toughest challenges outside of a hospital or other institution. LSS’ expanded system of care offers short and long-term solutions for recovery, personal development, and independent living through safe, stable, and loving environments.
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MEDIA CONTACT
George Kmetty, Public Relations Specialist
262-693-6825
In the Ring Season 3 Episode 8: “Scalable Solutions That Empower America’s Youth” with Jim Clark
WATCH NOW: Héctor gets “In the Ring” with Jim Clark, President & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of America
Jim Clark
President & CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of America
As leader of the nation’s largest facility-based youth development organization, Mr. Clark directs a 115-year old network of 4,700 Boys & Girls Clubs that serve 4.6 million young people annually in all 50 states and on U.S. military installations worldwide.
Since joining BGCA in 2012, Mr. Clark has spearheaded a major restructuring of the organization and introduced an exciting new strategy to allow more youth to achieve positive outcomes in three priority areas: academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles. To support Boys & Girls Clubs in fostering these vital outcomes, Mr. Clark emphasizes the importance of building organizational capacity, improving program quality and consistency, expanding the Boys & Girls Club national network and positioning BGCA as the nation’s leading advocate for youth.
Under Mr. Clark’s leadership, BGCA originated a national youth outcomes study that supports continuous quality improvement and demonstrates the impact of the Club experience in the areas of education, leadership and health outcomes, as documented in the organization’s annual National Youth Outcomes Report. BGCA continues to introduce programming that supports the three outcome areas, including STEM initiatives, summer learning loss programs and workforce readiness programs.
With a commitment to support local Club success, Mr. Clark is leading efforts to strengthen digital capabilities within Boys & Girls Clubs. This includes MyFuture.net, a web platform where youth can learn digital skills; YD Toolbox, a mobile communications app for Club staff; and MyClubHub, a comprehensive site management system. Additionally, BGCA supports local Club success with training and consultations to augment key areas including child safety, executive and board development, high school graduation rate and childhood obesity.
For these and similar efforts, The Chronicle of Philanthropy ranks BGCA the top youth-serving organization. Notable milestones during Mr. Clark’s tenure include: Boys & Girls Clubs serving nearly 470,000 youth daily in 2019 – up more than 20% since he joined BGCA in 2012 – and a record $2.1 billion in revenues in 2018, an increase of 46% since 2012.
Mr. Clark began his career at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel in 1979, where he served senior leadership roles in distribution, marketing and customer service operations and advanced to senior vice president. In 2004, he departed the media company after 24 years to become president and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee, which he served as a board member for 10 years. Under his direction, the organization benefitted from seven consecutive years of revenue growth, added 17 new service locations, realized a 30% increase in membership and more than doubled staff during his seven-year tenure.
Mr. Clark holds a business administration degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. He and his wife, Samantha, live in Atlanta with their two sons.
LSS model in the spotlight of a new case study
The article by Lutheran Services in America features LSS’ School-Centered Mental Health Initiative front-and-center. LSS partnered with Milwaukee schools to serve 189 children, and their families, over the course of two years.
“The LSS approach to creating and sustaining this whole family SDOH model is an exemplar of excellence and innovation in attending to sustainability of social services,” the article writes.
“Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan’s School-Centered Mental Health Initiative is an exemplar of the power of attending to these factors to drive lasting improvements in behavioral health and access to SDOH services and supports for Milwaukee children, youth and families.”
You can read the full article here to find out what makes LSS’ School-Centered Mental Health Initiative unique. Plus, how LSS has ensured the program’s sustainability.
In the Ring Season 3 Episode 7: “Improving Lifelong Success Through Early Intervention” with Laura Gutiérrez
WATCH NOW: Héctor gets “In the Ring” with UCC Chief Executive Officer Laura Gutiérrez
Laura Gutíerrez
Chief Executive Officer, United Community Center
Laura Gutíerrez is the Chief Executive Officer of the United Community Center (UCC). UCC serves clients on Milwaukee’s southside ages 6 weeks to 100+ years old. Its programs include Early Childhood Education and elderly care. UCC operates one of the largest K-8 schools in the state, Bruce-Guadalupe Community School, and the UCC Acosta Middle School.
Laura has held several leadership positions within private and public education. She served as Assistant Principal and Director of Instruction at Bruce Guadalupe Community School. Most recently, Laura served as secretary of the state of Wisconsin’s Department of Safety and Professional Services. While there, Laura oversaw a staff of more than 250 people and managed a biennial budget of $100M.
Before working for the State of Wisconsin, Laura was Vice President of Academic Affairs at St. Anthony School in Milwaukee. Previously, Laura served as an elementary and middle school instructor in various capacities. Additionally, she worked as a clinical and microbiology laboratory assistant at Waukesha Memorial Hospital.
Education
Laura earned her master’s degree in leadership and policy from Marquette University and her bachelor’s degree from Carroll University. She also completed the District Administrator Licensure Program at Cardinal Stritch University and received her Superintendent license in 2016.
Leadership Recognition
Laura’s leadership and impact on the community is recognized throughout Wisconsin. Milwaukee Business Journal gave Laura the “Women of Influence” award and named her to the “Milwaukee-area Power Brokers” list. In 2022 Marquette University gave Laura an “Alumni National Award”. Carroll University also recognizes her as a distinguished alumnus.
Community Involvement
Laura is an active member of the Greater Milwaukee Committee (GMC), serves on the education committee of the Milwaukee Metropolitan Association of Commerce (MMAC) and was an active advocate with City Forward Collective and the Milwaukee Health Department during COVID ensuring continued education for all students in Milwaukee.
She serves on the board of the Johnson Foundation at Wingspread, All-in Milwaukee, Waukesha State Bank, and is an active member of Milwaukee Women Inc., an organization focused on increasing the representation of women onboards of directors to improve Wisconsin businesses. 