Feeding America CEO will lead Northeast Wisconsin economic development corporation
Patti Habeck, CEO and President of Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin whose professional career spans a quarter-century in the area, has been named President and CEO of New North Inc., the regional economic development corporation for the 18 counties of Northeast Wisconsin, effective Dec. 1. A unanimous selection of the New North board of directors, she leads the largest hunger-relief organization in the state, one which has experienced transformational growth strategically, financially and in culture over her tenure.
She replaces Barb LaMue, who formally announced her retirement in May 2025.
“We are thrilled to welcome Patti Habeck as the next President and CEO of New North,” says New North Co-Chairs Sachin Shivaram and Mary Goggans. “Patti brings a remarkable track record of transformational leadership, community impact and organizational growth. Her success in building one of Wisconsin’s most respected nonprofits – from revitalizing strategy and culture to expanding statewide operations – makes her the right leader to guide our region into its next chapter. Patti understands the power of collaboration and regional identity, and we believe her energy and vison will position the New North as a national model for inclusive and forward-looking economic development.
“We also want to extend our deepest thanks to Barb LaMue for her incredible leadership over the past six-and-a-half years. Barb’s passion and tireless commitment have laid a strong foundation. We are confident Patti will continue that momentum with creativity and purpose.”
LaMue will continue as President and CEO of New North up to Dec. 1, then will remain with the organization for a limited time to ensure a smooth transition.
Patti Habeck (pronounced HA-beck) has served as CEO and President of Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin (Appleton and Milwaukee) since 2011. She led a complete turnaround of the strategy, finances and culture to grow Feeding America into the largest and leading hunger-relief organization in the state with two major locations, supporting more than 550,000 people annually through 400 partner organizations.
Under her leadership, Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin reached the strongest financial position and food resource inventory in its history, doubling food distribution to 60M pounds annually and revenues to $97M. It also increased its fleet to 15 trucks and staffing to 94 individuals. She additionally diversified and balanced revenue sources to include earned, philanthropic, donated and governmental.
Habeck raised funding for and oversaw construction of her organization’s 40,000-square-foot distribution center and office space in Little Chute, Wis. The organization also earned its highest employee engagement scores and lowest turnover recorded.
“I look forward to contributing to the vibrancy of the New North region in a new way while growing and expanding my work,” says Habeck. “The mission of New North is to collaborate with community partners and stakeholders, and that is something I enjoy and excel at. I look forward to building on the successes of Barb LaMue and her team.
“It has been a privilege and honor to lead Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin for the past 14 years. It is hard to leave, but I believe this new opportunity gives me an even greater ability to make an impact on the lives of people across a region I love.”
Habeck holds a bachelor’s of science degree from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, a master’s of science degree in education from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville and a certification in AI Business Strategy from Johns Hopkins University.
Beyond her professional work, she has a deep level of community involvement and has been recognized with a large number of service awards. Earlier this year, Habeck was appointed to the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) Board by Gov. Tony Evers.
Her service includes the Council of Trustees for the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, chair of the state association of food banks, the leadership council of the statewide Food and Beverage Industry Association and the leadership team of Be Well Fox Valley. She also has been a participant with the TEMPO Milwaukee and Rotary Club of Milwaukee.
Habeck’s many accolades include the Wisconsin Titan Award in 2024 and ’25, the Donald Driver Driven to Achieve Award, the ATHENA Leadership Award from the Fox Cities Chamber, and a Women of Influence Award from the Milwaukee Business Journal in 2024.
Habeck began her professional career in leadership roles with the Building for Kids Children’s Museum (2001-08) and the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region (2008-11), both in Appleton, before joining Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin.
A Northeast Wisconsin resident for nearly three decades, she and her husband, Kevin, have three grown children and live in Appleton.
New North Inc., is a 501(c)3 non-profit, regional economic development corporation fostering collaboration among private and public sector leaders throughout the 18 counties of Northeast Wisconsin, known as the New North region. The New North brand unites the region both internally and externally around talent development, brand promotion and business development, signifying the collective economic power behind the 18 counties. The counties include Brown, Calumet, Door, Florence, Fond du Lac, Green Lake, Kewaunee, Manitowoc, Marinette, Marquette, Menominee, Oconto, Outagamie, Shawano, Sheboygan, Waupaca, Waushara and Winnebago. www.thenewnorth.com