Franciscan Peacemakers Announces Megan O'Halloran As Next Executive Director
MILWAUKEE – Franciscan Peacemakers is proud to announce that Megan O'Halloran will be joining the organization as the next Executive Director. O'Halloran brings more than twenty years of experience in non-profit development and corporate administration, bolstered by a strong passion for Franciscan Peacemakers’ mission to serve women in Southeastern Wisconsin who have been sexually exploited.
“This transition represents an opportunity to further increase the impact Franciscan Peacemakers can have in the lives of women who are survivors of sexual exploitation in Southeastern Wisconsin. Megan’s passion, faith and impressive philanthropic and business acumen make her the perfect person to lead Franciscan Peacemakers into the future,” said Jim Wesp, Franciscan Peacemakers Board President. “We have the utmost confidence in Megan and her ability to build on the incredible foundation Deacon Steve Przedpelski helped lay for Franciscan Peacemakers during his tenure as executive director.”
A lifelong Milwaukee-area resident who has called Milwaukee’s south side home for over 20 years, O’Halloran graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee with a Bachelor of Arts in History & Spanish and a Master’s in Business Administration.
“I'm honored to serve Franciscan Peacemakers as the next Executive Director,” said O'Halloran. “This position combines the things I'm most passionate about - strengthening our community, advocating for change, and working toward a more just world. The beauty and power of this organization is women using their experiences to help other women recover. I'm grateful to support this incredible team and advance our shared mission."
Previously, O'Halloran served as Director of Development and Communications at Walker’s Point Youth & Family Center, where she worked to increase the visibility of the organization in the community, strengthen fundraising strategies, and advocate for youth.
“Franciscan Peacemakers is grateful for Deacon Steve's leadership for the past 29 years, providing holistic healing, housing, employment, and educational resources to women who have been sexually exploited in Wisconsin as they recognize their inherent worth and escape from lives marred by prostitution, sex trafficking, and addiction,” said Wesp.
Deacon Steve will continue to have a presence with Franciscan Peacemakers, particularly in this transition period. The Franciscan Peacemakers Board of Directors and community will celebrate his service, legacy and retirement on Wednesday, May 1, during festivities at Mount Mary University. All are welcome and additional information about the dinner and program is online: eventbrite.com/e/celebrating-service-opening-doors-to-the-future-tickets-845118872297
About Franciscan Peacemakers
Franciscan Peacemakers is an independent, faith-based nonprofit organization established in 1995 that offers housing, employment and a healing network of support to women survivors of sexual exploitation, trauma and addiction. The organization serves women in Southeastern Wisconsin who have been sexually exploited, and advocates to end human trafficking.
Franciscan Peacemakers meets immediate needs through immersive street outreach, and long-term needs through a two-year, trauma-informed program during which survivors live in the St. Bakhita Catholic Worker House.
Survivors find meaningful employment and earn living wages with Franciscan Peacemakers’ Social Enterprise – manufacturing Peace + All Good bath and body products, which are good for consumers and good for the earth. Learn more and Shop for Good at https://franciscanpeacemakers.org/.
