Susan Martin

About

Directed corporate governance function of Fortune 500 company for ten years, developing deep experience with a board's role in strategic decision-making, enterprise risk oversight, succession planning at board and C-suite levels, and shareholder engagement.  As general counsel in a highly-regulated industry,   demonstrated expertise in strategic acquisitions, complex commercial litigation, and regulatory strategy and compliance.  Broad legal background combined with earlier successful career in communications consulting and liberal arts education results in excellent skills as communicator with diverse range of stakeholders or audiences.

Board Profile

Managed all governance matters for board of WEC Energy Group. Served as director on boards of its seven major operating subsidiaries, corporate business services company, and two charitable foundations.   Serving as experienced board member and board committee chair for three large non-profit organizations.  Currently serving as Board Chair of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, the largest performing arts organization in Wisconsin.                                                                                                                             

Board Experience

2015 – 2018:  WEC Energy Group Board of Directors for seven major operating subsidiaries, business services company, and two foundations

2011 – 2019: Milwaukee Public Museum Board of Directors; served as Chair – President/CEO Search Committee

2015 – present: Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra Chair, Board of Directors since 2020; Director; former Chair – Advocacy Committee, Governance Committee

2018 – present: Milwaukee Women inc Steering Committee member; former Director

2011 – present: United Community Center Board of Directors

Professional Summary

2012 – 2018

WEC Energy Group — Executive Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary

• Managed all governance matters of public company; delivered strategic advice and support to Board; directed governance of all subsidiaries.
• Conducted innovative outreach program to large institutional shareholders.
• Served as chief compliance officer.
• Successfully closed acquisition of another large public utility holding company, including managing strategy and processes to secure multiple federal and state regulatory approvals.
• Directed strategy and execution on all legal risks and matters; conducted internal investigations and directed defense strategies; oversaw legal and regulatory compliance with requirements of SEC, NYSE, FERC, state regulatory commissions, EPA, and state environmental agencies.
• Led development of enterprise risk steering committee, cybersecurity incident response protocols, and crisis response planning.

2007 – 2012

Wisconsin Energy Group — Assistant General Counsel and Corporate Secretary

2006 – 2007

Wisconsin Energy Group — Law Director, We Generation

2000 – 2006

Wisconsin Energy Group — Attorney, We Energies

1994 – 2000

Foley & Lardner — Attorney, Regulatory Department/Environmental Law Practice

1987 – 1991

Independent Writing Consultant

1976 – 1987

College Professor, English Language and Literature

Beloit College, University of Wisconsin Center-Rock County, College of St. Thomas

Recognition & Awards

2018 United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF) Community Campaign Co-Chair

2017 Woman of Influence Award – Corporate Executive, by Milwaukee Business Journal

2015  Best Corporate Counsel Award- Large Public Company, by Milwaukee Business Journal

Personal

My career has been shaped by a broad, varied education:  J.D. in 1994; Ph.D. in English Language and Literature in 1982; M.A. in English Language and Literature in 1976; and B.A. in Comparative Literature in 1974.