MILWAUKEE—On Saturday February 1, 2020, the Board of Directors of the Milwaukee 2020
Host Committee was first made aware of concerns about the work environment and certain
members of Host Committee staff leadership. The Board took concerns raised within the letter seriously and began to look into the concerns the very same day. This evening, the Board released the following update on the steps they are taking to reset the culture of the Host Committee and restore the workplace environment:
“Every employee has a right to feel respected in their workplace. Based on the
information we have learned to date, we believe the work environment did not meet the
ideals and expectations of the Milwaukee 2020 Host Committee Board of Directors.
Accordingly, Liz Gilbert and Adam Alonso are no longer employed by the organization,
effective immediately.
The work of the Milwaukee 2020 Host Committee is critically important—but that work
cannot be accomplished unless members of the staff can work collaboratively. The Board
is committed to an inclusive and supportive environment at the Host Committee, and will
work to ensure that all employees live up to these ideals. For that reason the Board will
continue our impartial, third-party investigation and will take additional steps as needed
to ensure the Host Committee’s office culture reflects respect and dignity for each and
every employee. Wisconsin resident and convention veteran, Teresa Vilmain, will step in
to manage the day-to-day operations during this transition period.”
– Rebeca M. López, John W. Miller, Mike O’Neil, Joan M. Prince
