A Legacy of Partnership: Baird and United Way Continue to Lead with Purpose
Baird received the United Way Worldwide Leading Corporate Partner award at United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County's 2025 Community Campaign Closing in December 2025.
May 4, 2026
For more than a century, Baird has built a culture rooted in generosity, gratitude, and a deep commitment to community. That culture has not only made Baird a leader in business but has also shaped their long-standing connection with United Way. Through decades of partnership, Baird has remained focused on what matters most: creating meaningful change and investing in the well-being of the communities where its associates live and work.
Their partnership with United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County goes back to Robert W. Baird, the company’s founder. As a co-founder of Milwaukee’s United Way chapter, Robert W. Baird helped establish a connection between the firm’s core beliefs and United Way’s mission from the very beginning. Both organizations share the understanding that strong communities don’t happen by chance; they are built through collaboration, innovation, and a willingness to evolve to meet changing needs. Over time, this relationship has allowed both organizations to grow together, continually refining their approach and deepening their impact.
“We are grateful to United Way for being a tremendous partner to Baird in realizing our shared goal of building stronger, more resilient communities," said Rodney Jones-Tyson, Global Chief Human Resources Officer.
Where Culture Meets Community
This shared commitment comes to life through Baird’s deeply embedded culture of giving. At Baird, philanthropy is intentionally woven into the employee experience, creating meaningful opportunities for associates to connect with causes and see the difference they're making.
And that connection matters.
Whether it’s packing backpacks for students, attending impact-focused events, or hearing directly from community leaders, Baird associates don’t just give. They engage in moments that turn generosity into something tangible, personal, and lasting.
“We talk about generosity and gratitude as huge motivators,” said Mary Ellen Stanek, Founder and Chief Investment Officer Emeritus of Baird Advisors and President of Baird Funds. “They ground you. These community events are a way to activate that and make it real.”
That sense of purpose is further amplified through structured giving and leadership development opportunities across the firm.
“One of the things that has drawn us to United Way is legacy, but it’s also the attraction of the collective impact,” Mary Ellen continued. “United Way is a very efficient and effective way for both corporations and individuals to get involved while benefiting from United Way's strategic, long-term work. We’ve watched people across Baird grow into significant leaders and donors, inspired by this powerful organization.”
“United Way is a positive force for positive change in Milwaukee and beyond,” added Steve Booth, Chairman and CEO of Baird, and Co-Chair of United Way's 2025 Community Campaign.
Supporting this culture is the Baird Foundation, which extends the firm’s impact worldwide through an associate-driven giving model. With a focus on health and human services, education, and the arts, the Foundation amplifies associates’ passion for giving through programs like Associate Match and the Paul Purcell “Kids Win!” Annual Baird Education Grant. It also serves as a resource for associates seeking deeper engagement through board service or volunteer leadership.
Turning Generosity into Action
This mindset has helped foster extraordinary participation and pride across the organization. Year after year, Baird’s workplace campaigns demonstrate what’s possible when people come together around a common goal.
“Every time I attend a Baird Gives Back event, Baird associates are volunteering with a strong sense of ownership and purpose,” Alex Craig, Manager, Baird Foundation & Philanthropy, shared. “They treat service with the same care and intention they bring to their professional work, which drives the energy of the experience and the impact it creates.” 
Even firmwide gatherings reflect this commitment. Large-scale efforts like Baird Gives Back Week include service components across the firm’s 270 locations, benefiting 60 United Ways worldwide and reinforcing that community engagement is a core part of the firm’s culture.
Steve also reflected on the firm’s enthusiastic participation in volunteer activities: “Starting with our 100th anniversary celebration six years ago, we've had three gatherings in Milwaukee where we bring all our associates and their guests together, unifying the firm’s 270 locations with two days of activities and fun. United Way has been our partner in all three of those.”
He continued, “I got a lot of satisfaction from seeing the long lines of people wanting to pack backpacks. We have various activities that people can do, and that's one that everyone chooses to do. It's a great memory.”
A Lasting Impact
Ultimately, Baird’s impact extends far beyond dollars raised or kits packed. Through its associate-driven giving model and long-standing partnership with United Way, Baird demonstrates that when organizations lead with purpose, they inspire others to do the same.
“Leading with purpose and giving back isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business,” Rodney explained. “When companies invest in their communities, they build trust, attract and engage talent, and strength the long-term health of the markets they serve. That kind of impact benefits everyone.”
United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County is grateful to Baird for their decades of partnership in creating stronger communities and we congratulate Baird on being named a United Way Worldwide Leading Corporate Partner. If you also want to help build a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, explore the many ways you can give and volunteer.
Top: From left, Dillon Schwindt of United Way Worldwide; Mary Ellen Stanek, Steve Booth, and Alex Craig of Baird; Amy Lindner of United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County; Middle right: Baird associates participate in Baird Gives Back Week; Middle left: Steve Booth, Chairman and CEO of Baird; Bottom: Baird associates participate in a kit-packing with United Way.
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