Greenfield Resident Unites with Co-Workers to Support United Way

When Greenfield resident Karen McMahon started her career at Northwestern Mutual, she probably thought she would use her skills and talent to support the company’s long-term care operations.

This year, however, McMahon added a new role to her resumé: Franklin co-chair of Northwestern Mutual’s 2011 United Way of Greater Milwaukee fundraising campaign. As part of her key role, McMahon was responsible for planning the overall corporate campaign along with providing guidance to campaign volunteers. 

“Northwestern Mutual’s efforts to secure future generations and develop our local economy are significantly strengthened by employee volunteers like Karen who are making a major impact,” said John Kordsmeier, president, Northwestern Mutual Foundation, in a statement.

McMahon and more than 1,000 other Northwestern Mutual employees donate 30,000 hours each year to community volunteer efforts – including United Way – through group activities, mentoring, charity drives, and service on nonprofit boards.

In 2011, the volunteer effort supporting United Way delivered unprecedented results. More than 4,000 Northwestern Mutual employees pledged to contribute more than $1.7 million to United Way of Greater Milwaukee. Through employee, retiree and Northwestern Mutual Foundation donations, the company contributed $3.8 million. Donations support efforts to strengthen the community, including initiatives to enhance education, promote financial stability and increase access to health services.

For McMahon, United Way’s campaign offered her an opportunity to give back and get involved. She’s a five-year volunteer veteran who has served the cause in many ways and in many roles throughout the years.

“The United Way campaign is fulfilling because I see the results of the company’s hard work in the community. I am confident Northwestern Mutual is creating the maximum impact for its dollars,” McMahon said. “It’s special to work in an environment where the commitment to the community is so great. ”

Northwestern Mutual has contributed more than $30 million over the last 10 years to the community campaign. To learn more or get involved with United Way of Greater Milwaukee, visit www.unitedwaymilwaukee.org.