5 minutes with
Kenneth Munson

Kenneth Munson is president and CEO of Children's Service Society of Wisconsin. CSSW, a member of Children's Hospital and Health System, is the state's largest private, not-for-profit provider of child
welfare services. The mission of Children's Service Society is to build, sustain and enhance a nurturing environment for Wisconsin children. 

Munson joined CSSW in December 2004. A native of Milwaukee, he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and his
law degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He and his wife, Jane, and their two children live in Milwaukee.

What is it like to be one of the organization's top leaders?

I am very proud to be one of the leaders of CSSW and the health system. What has been accomplished by the health system and CSSW is almost immeasurable.

When I give speeches about the health system, one of the things I talk about is the incredible number of people who have been served by all of our entities over the past century and a quarter. There are tens of thousands of people whose lives have been improved, enriched or, in many cases, saved. That, to me, is inspirational.

Tell me a story about a day when it felt really good to be part of this organization.

I feel that every day is a good day in some way. I am no Pollyanna - some days are hard. One of the very good days at CSSW is Adoption Day. Every year the Milwaukee Children's Court joins a national Adoption Day celebration where a great many adoptions happen at the same time. Last year, I was able
to witness the adoption of a set of beautiful infant triplets.

That day shows a palpable hope for the future. Our organization serves children who have been traumatized, who have been through awful experiences. No matter what brings a child to our door, we are convinced that tomorrow can be a better day for them. Adoption Day is one of those better days. Going to those courtrooms, seeing those new families and seeing the hope in the children and the parents is wonderful.

Who or what inspires you?

I look toward my own family for inspiration. Being with my children every day helps to keep me focused on what is important, their future. I look at my children, every morning and every night, and know why I do the work I do.

Another thing that inspires me is talking to parents who are struggling with huge challenges but with great determination to bring some measure of happiness and comfort to the children in their care. One woman comes to mind. She died recently, but specialized in taking care of children who were seriously or terminally ill. This woman had 34 foster and adoptive children over many years. Eleven of those children died in her home. She knew they were terminally ill but it was important to her, even at the end of their lives, that those children had the care they deserved.
 
With 48 hours to do anything you want, where would you go, what would you do and who would you spend them with?

That is easy - I would spend those hours with my daughters. I don't think
it matters much where we would go. I am not a huge traveler. I love to see new places, but to me it is the people you spend time with that really matter the most. I would be with my daughters.