Call for Nominations: Oversight and Advisory Committee

The Oversight and Advisory Committee (OAC) is one of two governance committees that support the Wisconsin Partnership Program’s mission to bring about lasting improvements in health and well-being for all in Wisconsin through investments in community partnerships, education and research. OAC directs and approves available funds for community-engaged public health initiatives and public health education and training. In close collaboration with WPP, OAC develops funding categories; directs, monitors and approves funds available; and assesses impact. It is a nine-member committee composed of four community health advocates, four SMPH representatives and one representative from the Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance.

As part of UW–Madison and SMPH, WPP is committed to social impact and belonging. These are integral to WPP’s mission to serve the public health needs of Wisconsin. These commitments ensure that broad perspectives are represented within WPP’s goals, strategies and processes as the program advances this mission in communities across the state. Special consideration is given to ensuring that OAC collectively comprises a broad spectrum of expertise, experiences and perspectives.

Membership Terms

OAC members serve four-year terms. Typically, terms are renewable once. Members receive no compensation; however, travel expenses associated with attending meetings are reimbursed. Remote attendance is possible for many meetings.

Committee Responsibilities

OAC directs and approves available funds for community-engaged public health initiatives and public health education and training, which includes:

• Informing development and assessing impact of grant programs and funding initiatives
• Staying informed on progress and outcomes of funded grants
• Providing input into, reviewing and approving annual reports and five-year plans
• Reviewing and approving annual WPP administrative budgets
• Contributing to WPP convening activities and to development and refinement of committee policies and procedures

Member Commitment Pledge

Members of OAC commit to upholding these obligations to ensure effective and impactful stewardship of WPP funds to improve health and well-being for all in Wisconsin.

• Attend 80% or more of committee meetings each calendar year (monthly meetings are hybrid, typically two hours in duration, and occur 10 months during the year)
• Actively participate in committee discussions and decision-making, lending impartial expertise and advice
• Review grant applications and grant recipient progress reports and final reports
• Serve on subcommittees and working groups
• Actively participate in strategic planning and committee training and development opportunities
• Exemplify professionalism in support of WPP’s mission, vision and values
• Effectively communicate the mission, grant opportunities, and impact of the OAC to the statewide community
• Adhere to OAC’s conflict of interest policy and maintain confidentiality of grant reviews and funding decisions

Nomination Guidelines

Nominations are strongly encouraged from Wisconsin-based organizations that have operated for at least five years and are widely recognized as non-profit or governmental advocates. Self-nominations are accepted so long as an eligible affiliated organization provides a letter of support in lieu of the required nomination letter.

Organizations with a representative on OAC may apply for WPP funding during the individual’s tenure on the committee. However, the representative will not participate in discussions or votes regarding the relevant application and cannot receive salary support on a WPP grant in compliance with OAC’s conflict of interest policy.

Nominee Qualifications

The Wisconsin Partnership Program seeks nominations for individuals who demonstrate these qualifications:

• A strong understanding of health and health care issues affecting Wisconsin communities
• Experience working with philanthropic organizations, government funders or foundations
• An appreciation for community-academic partnerships and the role of collaborations in advancing health outcomes
• A commitment to WPP’s mission and values with the ability to contribute to the goals and strategies outlined in WPP’s 2024–2029 Five-Year Plan
• The ability to understand and fulfill a stewardship role while balancing the interests and perspectives of many partners
• The capacity to devote the time necessary to fulfill board responsibilities, including preparation for and participation in monthly OAC and other relevant activities (virtual participation options are available)

Nomination Materials

1. The organization’s nomination letter (maximum of 2 pages) from the organization on official letterhead addressing:
   1. Organization’s eligibility and experience in addressing the social determinants of health and health inequities in Wisconsin
   2. Nominee’s significant contributions to advancing health, health care or health equity in Wisconsin
   3. Organization’s contact information including: organization name; primary contact name; primary contact email; organization URL if applicable
2. The nominee’s letter of interest (maximum of 2 pages) addressing:
   1. Nominee’s qualifications, interest in, and commitment to serving on the Oversight and Advisory Committee and advancing the WPP mission to bring about lasting improvements in health and well-being for all in Wisconsin
   2. As applicable, describe experience with grant reviews, applications or implementation
   3. Nominee’s contact information including: full name, email address and organization affiliation
3. The nominee’s resume or CV (maximum 5 pages)

Upload Nomination Materials 

Review Process

A committee composed of OAC public members and the Insurance Commissioner’s representative will screen applications and identify candidates to interview. Interviews will be conducted virtually on November 20 (1–5 p.m.). The standard interview will consist of questions prepared in advance by the committee. Additional questions may be asked in response to the candidate’s answers to the standard interview questions. Interviews will last approximately 30 minutes, depending upon the length of candidate responses and time for questions from candidates.

The selected candidate will be presented to OAC and the SMPH Dean for formal nomination to the UW System Board of Regents in February 2027, which is responsible for the appointment.

About the Wisconsin Partnership Program

The Wisconsin Partnership Program (WPP) at the UW School of Medicine and Public Health advances its mission to improve health for all through a strong portfolio of grant programs that propel medical research, enhance health education and workforce development and support community partnerships. The work of WPP and its grantees touches all corners of the state, across a wide range of health challenges, communities, populations and geographic areas.

WPP was established at SMPH as the result of the conversion of Blue Cross Blue Shield United of Wisconsin from a nonprofit service corporation to a stock insurance corporation. Half of the proceeds from the stock sale were directed to SMPH to create WPP to improve the health of the people of Wisconsin through investments in community partnerships, education and research.

WPP’s approach to grantmaking harnesses the power of academic research and education combined with community knowledge to address some of Wisconsin’s most pressing and complex health challenges. WPP principles and practices are integrated with the time-honored concept of the Wisconsin Idea, recognizing the tremendous opportunity to bridge the knowledge and resources of the university with communities to improve life within the state of Wisconsin.

Since 2004, WPP has awarded 748 grants totaling $336 million, reaching every county in the state. Grantees have leveraged more than $983 million, more than triple WPP’s initial investments.

Impact Highlights

Strengthening Wisconsin Communities: WPP’s community engagement extends throughout the state with Wisconsin non-profits, technical colleges, tribal colleges, and public health organizations, and across the Universities of Wisconsin, creating strong partnerships and community-led initiatives to solve numerous and diverse health challenges facing Wisconsin communities. Examples:

• Addressing rural health care needs
• Advancing maternal and child health
• Expanding the public health and public safety workforce
• Fostering youth well-being and social-emotional development
• Promoting nutrition and access to healthy food

Promoting Education Innovations and Pathways: WPP’s investments in education initiatives address the health needs of Wisconsin’s patients and populations by developing innovative training opportunities, addressing critical health workforce needs and preparing future physicians and public health practitioners. Examples:

• Increasing Wisconsin’s medical workforce through scholarships and pathway programs
• Wisconsin Academy for Rural Medicine (start-up support)
• Wisconsin Academy for Rural Medicine entering Rural Residency Program (WARMeRR)
• Wisconsin Population Health Service Fellowship Program

Propelling Research and Scientific Discovery: WPP invests in research that spans a broad continuum, from fundamental investigations in the basic sciences, to clinical and translational and community-engaged research aimed at bringing laboratory discoveries into clinical and community application. WPP-funded research grants support a wide range of projects to address the multitude of health challenges facing Wisconsin’s patients and populations. Examples:

• Developing cancer therapies
• Diagnosing rare genetic disorders
• Improving access to health care
• Reducing opioid misuse and abuse
• Treating diabetes and obesity