Dr. Daniel (Dan) J. Bader is the President/CEO of Bader Philanthropies, Inc. (Milwaukee, Wisconsin USA). Dan has been at the helm of Bader Philanthropies since 1992, guiding one of Wisconsin’s leading foundations in its mission to improve the quality of life for diverse global communities. Under Dan’s leadership, the Foundation has committed over $500 million USD in grants and program-related investments and is setting a benchmark for philanthropic innovation. This innovation includes the creation of the Generation Growth Capital fund in 2008, which merges financial and social returns, and the establishment of the Bader Leadership Institute in 2024, aimed at nurturing Milwaukee’s community leaders. A seasoned professional in finance and strategy, Dan excels at fostering organizational development and long-term stability. Dan’s civic involvement is extensive, serving on numerous boards and committees, including the Rogers Behavioral Health Foundation and Relief International, where Dan chairs the Fundraising Committee. Dan’s approach to leadership and life is deeply rooted in the values of dignity, compassion, humility, integrity, and service. Dan is committed to cultural intentionality and continuous improvement, principles that guide both Dan’s professional work and personal life. Beyond professional commitments, Dan is dedicated to mentoring, both in his career and personal life, particularly supporting men in recovery from addiction. Dan’s passion for travel has taken him to over 50 countries, broadening his perspective and deepening his commitment to global citizenship.  

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Dan holds a Bachelor’s degree in business administration from the Saunders College of Business at the Rochester Institute of Technology (Rochester, New York USA). In 2006, the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee (Milwaukee, Wisconsin USA) conferred an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree in recognition of Dan’s efforts to improve the quality of life in Milwaukee. In 2019, Cardinal Stritch University (Fox Point, Wisconsin USA) also conferred a Doctor of Humane Letters degree in recognition of Dan’s daily commitment to active engagement and an enduring investment in educational and social justice programs that cultivate the minds and hearts of all people. In 2021, Queen’s University awarded Dan an honorary Doctor of Laws (LL.D.) degree in recognition of Dan’s leadership of Bader Philanthropies and active engagement as a member of the Board of Trustees at Queen’s, including serving as the Vice-Chair of the Advancement Committee. Dan expanded and deepened the formidable philanthropic legacy of Drs. Alfred and Isabel Bader to Queen’s with the 2019 donation of Rembrandt van Rijn’s “Head of an Old Man with Curly Hair” – The fourth painting of the Dutch master donated to the University. In addition, the recent remarkable gift from Bader Philanthropies in support of “Agnes Reimagined” will mobilize the transformative power of art to create a more equitable, inclusive, and sustainable world.