 FIT CLUB MKE 2022, All rights reserved. We reserve the right to correct any errors.
FIT CLUB MKE does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, clients, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, and clients. FIT CLUB MKE is an equal opportunity employer. We will not discriminate and will take affirmative action measures to ensure against discrimination in employment, recruitment, advertisements for employment, compensation, termination, upgrading, promotions, and other conditions of employment against any employee or job applicant on the bases of race, color, gender, national origin, age, religion, creed, disability, veteran's status, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. FIT CLUB MKE is 501(c)(3) and all donations are tax deductible. EIN# 86-1493242
 Terms & Conditions  Privacy Policy  Disclaimers
Larry A. Whitley is Assistant General Counsel - Real Estate Investments in the Law Department of Northwestern Mutual. In this role, he represents the company (and its subsidiaries) in all aspects of its real estate investment activities, including permanent and construction financing transactions, acquisition and disposition of real estate assets, asset management, and leasing transactions. He is a member of the NM 's Summer Clerkship Committee; NM 's Sustained Action for Racial Equity Task Force; and NM's Impact Investment Committee. Mr. Whitley earned his B.S. in Marketing and his J.D. from Marquette University. The Milwaukee native is a graduate of Rufus King High School. Why did you join the Board of FIT Club MKE? I joined the board of FIT Club because I am committed to improving the economic and life outcomes of Milwaukee's Black and Brown youth. FIT Club (and its comprehensive programming) is just another avenue for me to serve.
Julian is born & raised in Milwaukee, WI. He attended UW Whitewater with an undergraduate degree in Speech Public Relations and Professional Business Law (2007). Currently, Julian is a Vice President & Business Banking Relationship Manager at US Bank (8.5 Years) specializing in several areas. He has a focus on Real Estate Financing (Investment & Owner User). Julian is also an expert in company equipment and vendor financing needs. Equipment financing ranges from leasing to standard equipment loans. He also works with a team to provide full banking solutions from deposit accounts to treasury management services to payment solutions. Julian is a repeat Annual Star of Excellence award winner. Julian, also serves as President of the Southeast Black Heritage Business Resource Group Which has over 300 members in three years. Duties include planning and chair board meetings, providing leadership and guidance for the chapter. Presides at most chapter events. Communicates with the Management Advisor and the Global Inclusion & Diversity team as requested. Gives updates and shares ideas with other members Is active in the recruitment of new members. Attends monthly BRG meetings with other chapter leaders and quarterly BRG meetings with leaders of all BRGs. Is ultimately responsible for the management of, and submission of, all events, attendance and budget information to the corporate contacts. Collaborates with other community and corporate organizations. Julian enjoys traveling with his wife Melissa and Daughters Ashlyn and Skylar attending sporting events, grilling out on his deck with family and friends and volunteering in the community.
A devoted practitioner and racial equity advocate, Jennifer’s career spans across higher education to local government program management and research. As the Research and Program Manager for the Office on African American Affairs-she is devoted to achieving Racial Equity throughout Milwaukee County. With experience ranging from elementary education to higher education, Jennifer possesses experience in student services and administrative duties on for-profit, private, public (Research 1), online, and technical college campuses. Her experience managing large institutional grants from the Department of Labor, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, and other funding sources afford her great insight into student development, cultivating cross-departmental efforts, and personnel professional development facilitation experience. Second-generation alumni of Carroll University, Jennifer earned a Master's of Education and Bachelors of Science in Business Administration (Marketing and Politics) from Carroll. She received additional training from UW-Madison (Grainger School of Business) and UCLA (HERI Institute) and has published and presented on the topic of student retention and student service administration at regional, national, and international conferences. Beyond her professional accomplishments, she has served on boards and councils that promote the arts, sciences, social justice, and resource equity. Her interests include her love for international travel and community service. Jennifer is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, the first Greek-letter organization for African American collegiate women. She engages in service with the Epsilon Kappa Omega Chapter in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Kara is an Assistant Professor of Business Administration at Mount Mary University, where she teaches accounting and finance courses to undergraduate and graduate students. Upon graduating from Old Dominion University with a Master’s in Business Administration (M.B.A.) and gaining several years of practical experience, Kara obtained her license as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Her many years in a higher education environment, as a learner, employee, and faculty member solidified her enthusiasm for teaching and finding creative solutions to complex problems. Kara enjoys working in and for the community; she has a passion for financial literacy and engages in conversations around money and budgeting whenever possible. In 2019, Kara was appointed to Governor Evers’ Council on Financial Literacy to increase financial literacy throughout Milwaukee. She has also facilitated several seminars and training around personal and small business finance. She finds it incredibly fulfilling to act as a resource for learners and gain new perspectives from a diverse group of people. With a bachelor’s degree in Nonprofit & Community Leadership, Kara has a passion for community progression and collaborating with local leaders and organizations. Her continued investment in Milwaukee is reflected through her service to its residents. In her free time, she volunteers as a financial mentor for SecureFutures and hosts financial workshops through WWBIC.
Dan, a native of upstate New York, moved to the Milwaukee area in 1998 following five years of service as an officer in the United States Army. Dan previously worked in several operational roles for GE Healthcare and was the General Manager for the Master Lock facility on 27th Street from 2005 to 2009. Dan is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and received his MBA in Finance from Marquette University. He is currently the Vice President of Preconstruction Services for Glenn Rieder LLC in West Allis, WI. Dan is active in the community as he is the Head Coach for the University School of Milwaukee Girls Hockey Co-op Team and is the Founder of the Whitefish Bay Memorial Ceremony.
Odell became an All-City, High School All-American basketball player, who played at Marquette University and drafted by the Denver Nuggets. Although dead set on a professional basketball career, a career ending eye injury would dash those hopes. He was forced to decline an invitation back to the Nuggets after being the last player cut during veteran camp. God had other plans for Mr. Ball. He would try several Public Service jobs with the Next-Door Foundation, The Milwaukee Boys and Girls Club, and several sales jobs which included one as a liquor salesman. It was the liquor sales job that would change his life. His father, who developed an addiction of alcohol, died on his doorstep from extreme cold, and the very alcohol that Odell sold. Mr. Ball came to an epiphany powered by his faith in God to serve and seek a life of community service. He returned to the Baptist Church that was instrumental in his early growth. Ball went back to school to gain an educational degree and a Masters in Instructional leadership. He also met the love of his life, Denita Renee Ball. They had two sons who joined the beautiful daughter from an earlier relationship. She also was one of the top candidates to become Police Chief for the City of Milwaukee and currently serves as the Chief Deputy Sheriff for the Milwaukee County. Mr. Ball became the Head Trainer of Trainers for the Drug Free Office of the Milwaukee Public Schools. He along with Debra Rash, one of the nation’s top legal mind for drug and alcohol issues developed one of the top ATODA programs in the country. These talented trainers were used by the Department of Education to help states across America to produce drug prevention programs. Additionally, he became the Head Grant writer for the Northwest Side CDC, a non-profit group that address community issues. He was voted to the role of Chairman for the Milwaukee Police Athletic League, a Non-Profit arm of the Milwaukee Police Department. Odell also became a board member for the Milwaukee County Drug Prevention program. Mr. Ball was chosen as Technology Coordinator at Marquette University where he created the first community base collaboration between churches and Educational entities. His work help create the first Modeling, Rendering and 3-D animation labs in the country in a public school. Currently Mr. Ball has opened a new chapter in his life as the President of the Board for FIT Club MKE. This organization has developed a new and ambitious vision of developing the Mind, Body and Soul of the children and families in Milwaukee. He seeks to continue developing and empowering Milwaukee’s youth to reach their athletic and academic goals.
Marcellus is a Milwaukee native, husband, and dedicated father. Dawson held the position of Head Baseball Coach at University School of Milwaukee for seven seasons. During his tenure at USM, he led the Wildcats to a conference championship in 2017, and he earned a district 6 coach of the year award. Dawson decided to step down from his post to direct his energy and knowledge to help strengthen the Milwaukee neighborhoods and communities in which he was raised. Drawing on his own experiences growing up, Dawson understands the importance of engaging youth through sports, education, and overall wellness, which is why he decided to launch FIT Club MKE, Inc. In high school, Marcellus was multi-sport star athlete, excelling in football, basketball, and baseball at Wauwatosa East. As a senior, Dawson earned numerous awards but the one that stands out the most was baseball player of the year honors from the Journal Sentinel for the area and from the Wisconsin Baseball Coaches Association for the state. He is the only African American in WBCA history to earn such honors. Dawson was inducted into the Wauwatosa East Athletic Hall of Fame in 2018. Due to Dawson’s work ethic, he was drafted by the San Diego Padres and Boston Red Sox in 1999 and 2000. He went on to earn scholarships to play baseball at Muscatine Community College, the University of Nebraska and UW-Milwaukee. Marcellus was also cast as stand in for the late Bernie Mac in the motion picture Mr. 3000.
 FIT CLUB MKE 2022, All rights reserved. We reserve the right to correct any errors.
FIT CLUB MKE does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, clients, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, and clients. FIT CLUB MKE is an equal opportunity employer. We will not discriminate and will take affirmative action measures to ensure against discrimination in employment, recruitment, advertisements for employment, compensation, termination, upgrading, promotions, and other conditions of employment against any employee or job applicant on the bases of race, color, gender, national origin, age, religion, creed, disability, veteran's status, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. FIT CLUB MKE is 501(c)(3) and all donations are tax deductible. EIN# 86-1493242
 Terms & Conditions  Privacy Policy  Disclaimers
Larry A. Whitley is Assistant General Counsel - Real Estate Investments in the Law Department of Northwestern Mutual. In this role, he represents the company (and its subsidiaries) in all aspects of its real estate investment activities, including permanent and construction financing transactions, acquisition and disposition of real estate assets, asset management, and leasing transactions. He is a member of the NM 's Summer Clerkship Committee; NM 's Sustained Action for Racial Equity Task Force; and NM's Impact Investment Committee. Mr. Whitley earned his B.S. in Marketing and his J.D. from Marquette University. The Milwaukee native is a graduate of Rufus King High School. Why did you join the Board of FIT Club MKE? I joined the board of FIT Club because I am committed to improving the economic and life outcomes of Milwaukee's Black and Brown youth. FIT Club (and its comprehensive programming) is just another avenue for me to serve.
Julian is born & raised in Milwaukee, WI. He attended UW Whitewater with an undergraduate degree in Speech Public Relations and Professional Business Law (2007). Currently, Julian is a Vice President & Business Banking Relationship Manager at US Bank (8.5 Years) specializing in several areas. He has a focus on Real Estate Financing (Investment & Owner User). Julian is also an expert in company equipment and vendor financing needs. Equipment financing ranges from leasing to standard equipment loans. He also works with a team to provide full banking solutions from deposit accounts to treasury management services to payment solutions. Julian is a repeat Annual Star of Excellence award winner. Julian, also serves as President of the Southeast Black Heritage Business Resource Group Which has over 300 members in three years. Duties include planning and chair board meetings, providing leadership and guidance for the chapter. Presides at most chapter events. Communicates with the Management Advisor and the Global Inclusion & Diversity team as requested. Gives updates and shares ideas with other members Is active in the recruitment of new members. Attends monthly BRG meetings with other chapter leaders and quarterly BRG meetings with leaders of all BRGs. Is ultimately responsible for the management of, and submission of, all events, attendance and budget information to the corporate contacts. Collaborates with other community and corporate organizations. Julian enjoys traveling with his wife Melissa and Daughters Ashlyn and Skylar attending sporting events, grilling out on his deck with family and friends and volunteering in the community.
A devoted practitioner and racial equity advocate, Jennifer’s career spans across higher education to local government program management and research. As the Research and Program Manager for the Office on African American Affairs-she is devoted to achieving Racial Equity throughout Milwaukee County. With experience ranging from elementary education to higher education, Jennifer possesses experience in student services and administrative duties on for-profit, private, public (Research 1), online, and technical college campuses. Her experience managing large institutional grants from the Department of Labor, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, and other funding sources afford her great insight into student development, cultivating cross-departmental efforts, and personnel professional development facilitation experience. Second-generation alumni of Carroll University, Jennifer earned a Master's of Education and Bachelors of Science in Business Administration (Marketing and Politics) from Carroll. She received additional training from UW-Madison (Grainger School of Business) and UCLA (HERI Institute) and has published and presented on the topic of student retention and student service administration at regional, national, and international conferences. Beyond her professional accomplishments, she has served on boards and councils that promote the arts, sciences, social justice, and resource equity. Her interests include her love for international travel and community service. Jennifer is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, the first Greek-letter organization for African American collegiate women. She engages in service with the Epsilon Kappa Omega Chapter in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Kara is an Assistant Professor of Business Administration at Mount Mary University, where she teaches accounting and finance courses to undergraduate and graduate students. Upon graduating from Old Dominion University with a Master’s in Business Administration (M.B.A.) and gaining several years of practical experience, Kara obtained her license as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Her many years in a higher education environment, as a learner, employee, and faculty member solidified her enthusiasm for teaching and finding creative solutions to complex problems. Kara enjoys working in and for the community; she has a passion for financial literacy and engages in conversations around money and budgeting whenever possible. In 2019, Kara was appointed to Governor Evers’ Council on Financial Literacy to increase financial literacy throughout Milwaukee. She has also facilitated several seminars and training around personal and small business finance. She finds it incredibly fulfilling to act as a resource for learners and gain new perspectives from a diverse group of people. With a bachelor’s degree in Nonprofit & Community Leadership, Kara has a passion for community progression and collaborating with local leaders and organizations. Her continued investment in Milwaukee is reflected through her service to its residents. In her free time, she volunteers as a financial mentor for SecureFutures and hosts financial workshops through WWBIC.
Dan, a native of upstate New York, moved to the Milwaukee area in 1998 following five years of service as an officer in the United States Army. Dan previously worked in several operational roles for GE Healthcare and was the General Manager for the Master Lock facility on 27th Street from 2005 to 2009. Dan is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and received his MBA in Finance from Marquette University. He is currently the Vice President of Preconstruction Services for Glenn Rieder LLC in West Allis, WI. Dan is active in the community as he is the Head Coach for the University School of Milwaukee Girls Hockey Co-op Team and is the Founder of the Whitefish Bay Memorial Ceremony.
Odell became an All-City, High School All-American basketball player, who played at Marquette University and drafted by the Denver Nuggets. Although dead set on a professional basketball career, a career ending eye injury would dash those hopes. He was forced to decline an invitation back to the Nuggets after being the last player cut during veteran camp. God had other plans for Mr. Ball. He would try several Public Service jobs with the Next-Door Foundation, The Milwaukee Boys and Girls Club, and several sales jobs which included one as a liquor salesman. It was the liquor sales job that would change his life. His father, who developed an addiction of alcohol, died on his doorstep from extreme cold, and the very alcohol that Odell sold. Mr. Ball came to an epiphany powered by his faith in God to serve and seek a life of community service. He returned to the Baptist Church that was instrumental in his early growth. Ball went back to school to gain an educational degree and a Masters in Instructional leadership. He also met the love of his life, Denita Renee Ball. They had two sons who joined the beautiful daughter from an earlier relationship. She also was one of the top candidates to become Police Chief for the City of Milwaukee and currently serves as the Chief Deputy Sheriff for the Milwaukee County. Mr. Ball became the Head Trainer of Trainers for the Drug Free Office of the Milwaukee Public Schools. He along with Debra Rash, one of the nation’s top legal mind for drug and alcohol issues developed one of the top ATODA programs in the country. These talented trainers were used by the Department of Education to help states across America to produce drug prevention programs. Additionally, he became the Head Grant writer for the Northwest Side CDC, a non-profit group that address community issues. He was voted to the role of Chairman for the Milwaukee Police Athletic League, a Non-Profit arm of the Milwaukee Police Department. Odell also became a board member for the Milwaukee County Drug Prevention program. Mr. Ball was chosen as Technology Coordinator at Marquette University where he created the first community base collaboration between churches and Educational entities. His work help create the first Modeling, Rendering and 3-D animation labs in the country in a public school. Currently Mr. Ball has opened a new chapter in his life as the President of the Board for FIT Club MKE. This organization has developed a new and ambitious vision of developing the Mind, Body and Soul of the children and families in Milwaukee. He seeks to continue developing and empowering Milwaukee’s youth to reach their athletic and academic goals.
Marcellus is a Milwaukee native, husband, and dedicated father. Dawson held the position of Head Baseball Coach at University School of Milwaukee for seven seasons. During his tenure at USM, he led the Wildcats to a conference championship in 2017, and he earned a district 6 coach of the year award. Dawson decided to step down from his post to direct his energy and knowledge to help strengthen the Milwaukee neighborhoods and communities in which he was raised. Drawing on his own experiences growing up, Dawson understands the importance of engaging youth through sports, education, and overall wellness, which is why he decided to launch FIT Club MKE, Inc. In high school, Marcellus was multi-sport star athlete, excelling in football, basketball, and baseball at Wauwatosa East. As a senior, Dawson earned numerous awards but the one that stands out the most was baseball player of the year honors from the Journal Sentinel for the area and from the Wisconsin Baseball Coaches Association for the state. He is the only African American in WBCA history to earn such honors. Dawson was inducted into the Wauwatosa East Athletic Hall of Fame in 2018. Due to Dawson’s work ethic, he was drafted by the San Diego Padres and Boston Red Sox in 1999 and 2000. He went on to earn scholarships to play baseball at Muscatine Community College, the University of Nebraska and UW-Milwaukee. Marcellus was also cast as stand in for the late Bernie Mac in the motion picture Mr. 3000.