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Audra Brennan

Director, Strategic Philanthropy

Audra Brennan is the Senior Director of Strategic Philanthropy for the Northwestern Mutual Foundation.3 She has over 20 years of experience in non-profit and public policy at federal, state, and local levels.3 In her current role, she oversees the team responsible for grantmaking and strategic partnerships across the Foundation's priority focus areas, as well as employee and field community engagement.3

Brennan's background includes:

  1. Education: She graduated from Northwestern University with a degree in Mathematics and Economics, and earned a Master's Degree in Public Policy from the University of Chicago's Harris School of Public Policy in 1999.3

  2. Previous experience: She has worked in education, health, and tax equity policy roles at organizations such as the Greater Milwaukee Foundation, State of Wisconsin, City of Milwaukee, Milwaukee Public Schools, and the Congressional Budget Office in Washington D.C.3

  3. Personal: Brennan grew up in Peoria, Illinois, as the daughter of two public school educators. She currently lives with her husband Joel and two teenage children in the Brewers Hill neighborhood of Milwaukee.3

In her role at Northwestern Mutual, Brennan has been involved in the company's efforts to fight childhood cancer. Since 2012, Northwestern Mutual has committed more than $32 million to Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation, making them the largest supporter of the organization.12

Related Questions

What inspired Audra Brennan to pursue a career in strategic philanthropy?
How has Audra Brennan's work impacted childhood cancer research?
What other organizations has Northwestern Mutual partnered with under Audra Brennan's leadership?
How does Audra Brennan measure the success of Northwestern Mutual's philanthropic efforts?
What unique fundraising strategies have Northwestern Mutual's network offices used under Audra Brennan's guidance?
Audra Brennan
Audra Brennan, photo 1
Audra Brennan, photo 2
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Location

Milwaukee, Wisconsin