Deborah Blanks, CCAP
Chief Executive Officer
(414) 906-2700

In 1997, Deborah Blanks accepted the leadership role as CEO of the Social Development Commission (SDC), a community action agency.  SDC has 350 employees, 20 programs, 100,000+ clients and an annual budget of more than $40 million.  SDC resources are directed toward achieving quality outcomes working with Milwaukee County’s low-income families.

Ms. Blanks brings to her position solid management expertise and experience in the government, corporate and non-profit sectors.

Ms. Blanks’ experience is aided by her impressive academic credentials. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Illinois, Champaign – Urbana, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Recreation and Park Administration. Ms. Blanks also has earned two Master’s degrees – one in educational psychology and another in public administration.

Ms. Blanks is President of the Wisconsin Non Profit Association, the Mid- America Community Action Association and the Planning Council for Health and Human Services. She also serves on numerous other boards. She is a certified community action professional.

An accomplished writer, Ms. Blanks has been published in several journals and publications.  Most recently Blanks authored a book, Weaving Diversity Into the Fabric of America. 

She is a single parent to an adult son, Geraud Blanks. 

Mike Hammack 
Director of Human Resources
(414) 906-2700

Mike Hammack currently serves as the Director of the Human Resources Department for the Social Development Commission. Mr. Hammack earned a B.B.A. in general business and a B.S. in English, both from the University of Wisconsin--Oshkosh. He is a member of the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM). Prior to his employ with SDC, Mr. Hammack held positions of Director of Personnel Administration for Gimbels Midwest and Director of Employee Relations for Marshall Fields Inc. He is a member of the Human Resources Management Association (HRMA). In addition, Mr. Hammack serves on the University of Wisconsin--Oshkosh Regional Advisory Council.

Angela Topetzes Strelka  
Director of Marketing and Fund Development
(414) 906-2700

Angela Topetzes Strelka serves as the SDC Director of Marketing and Fund Development.  She is in charge of SDC’s Fund Development, Planning and Communications activities.

Angela most recently served at the United Community Center and has also worked at Time Warner Cable, the Penfield Children’s Center and the Easter Seal Society.  She is an active volunteer in the community and has been on many non-profit Boards of Directors.  She is the recipient of the “Excellence in Marketing Award” from the American Marketing Association.

Gail Porath
Director of Head Start
(414) 906-2700

Gail Porath is currently the Director of the Head Start Program at the Social Development Commission. She has contributed thirty-four years of experience to the program. Ms. Porath holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and is currently working on a thesis to complete her Masters degree in Management. She is currently the Vice-Chairperson of the Wisconsin Head Start Association, and has worked as a regional Head Start trainer and program reviewer.

Jan Stenlund
Director of Program Services
(414) 906-2700

Janet Stenlund currently serves as the Director of Program Services at the Social Development Commission. Ms. Stenlund has served as the Director of the Older Adult Unit, a Manager of Older Adult Employment Programs, and the Project Director of the Juniors and Elders Together Program (JET) during her tenure with the Social Development Commission. Ms. Stenlund holds a B.A. in social work and an M.S. in social welfare from the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee. She has also completed some post-graduate studies.

Patrick Valdez currently serves as Director of Operations for the Social Development Commission. Mr. Valdez earned a B.B.A. from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Mr. Valdez has over eighteen years of experience in the areas of facilities and program operations. With the Social Development Commission, he manages facilities, maintenance, security and IT services. Mr. Valdez is an active volunteer in the Milwaukee community and co-founder of the Racine Hispanic Scholarship Foundation.