Board of Commissioners

Charlotte Hayslett, Chairwoman
Term: November 27, 2024 - November 27, 2029

Ms. Hayslett was appointed Commissioner in November 2024. She is a human resources and management professional with over two decades of experience. Ms. Hayslett most recently served as the Vice President of Human Resources with VISIT Milwaukee, the destination marketing organization for the Greater Milwaukee area. Her other work experience includes Milwaukee County Government, Devry University, the Medical College of Wisconsin, the City of Memphis, and the Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee. In the community, Ms. Hayslett is actively involved in initiatives that focus on empowering underserved populations and fostering community engagement.

Karen Gotzler, Vice Chair
Term: November 13, 2024 - November 13, 2029

Ms. Gotzler was appointed Commissioner in November 2024. She brings over three decades of leadership experience in affordable housing, community development, and diversity and inclusion initiatives. As Partner and Executive Director of Urban Strategies, Ms. Gotzler worked with public housing authorities, nonprofit organizations, and private sector partners to optimize asset management, strategic planning, and governance. She also has extensive experience in workforce development, having led multimillion-dollar public-private partnerships. Ms. Gotzler is deeply committed to fostering equity and sustainable solutions in Milwaukee’s communities through collaboration and innovative problem-solving.

Jackie Burrell, Commissioner
Term: December 4, 2024 - December 4, 2029

Ms. Burrell was appointed Commissioner in December 2024. She brings over 30 years of experience as a dedicated advocate for children, families, and communities. As President of the Westlawn Resident Council in the Westlawn Gardens development, she has overseen the development and implementation of community programs, led organizational initiatives, and built partnerships to support residents' needs. A foster care parent and Early Childhood Education Ambassador, Ms. Burrell is committed to fostering safe, nurturing environments and empowering individuals through advocacy, mentorship, and leadership in Milwaukee’s neighborhoods. 

Alderwoman Sharlen Moore, Commissioner
Term: December 3, 2024 - December 3, 2029

Ms. Moore was appointed Commissioner in December 2024. She is a passionate advocate for community justice and youth empowerment. As Co-founder and Director of Urban Underground, a nationally recognized grassroots youth development organization, she has led efforts to inspire youth-led social change in Milwaukee since 2000. Ms. Moore is also a founding member of Youth Justice Milwaukee, a campaign promoting restorative, community-based alternatives to youth incarceration. On April 16, 2024, she was elected to serve as a member of the Milwaukee Common Council, representing the residents and employers of District 10 on the city’s west side.

Term: August 4, 2022 - August 4, 2027

Ms. Yépez Klassen was appointed Commissioner in August 2022. She is currently the Equitable Homeownership Strategy Director in Product Development at MGIC, a leader in the private mortgage insurance industry that supports and helps borrowers find a better way to achieve their dreams of homeownership. Ms. Yépez Klassen’s career has been grounded in Milwaukee's affordable housing and community economic development efforts for over 30 years. Ms. Yépez Klassen serves on several local and national boards, committees, and councils.

James Nelson Sr, Commissioner
Term: August 1, 2025 - August 1, 2030

Mr. James Nelson Sr. was appointed Commissioner in August 2025. He previously served as a Legislative Aide to State Representative Leon Young and spent three decades with Career Youth Development, Inc., mentoring youth, coordinating fundraising, and supporting community programming. Mr. Nelson also served in leadership roles with the Arlington Court Residents Organization and has a long history of community service and advocacy in Milwaukee.

Howard Snyder, Commissioner
Term: August 1, 2025 - August 1, 2030

Mr. Howard Snyder was appointed Commissioner in August 2025. He is an independent consultant with more than 40 years of experience in community economic development. Mr. Snyder founded the Northwest Side Community Development Corporation in 1983 and served as its Executive Director until 2019, leading efforts in neighborhood revitalization, job creation, and small business investment. He has served on numerous local and national boards and continues to serve the community through the Milwaukee County Commission on Aging Senior Center Committee, the Clarke Square Neighborhood Initiative Board, and as a trustee for the Milwaukee County Federated Library System Board.