Charlotte Cannon-Sain

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Charlotte Cannon-Sain is an accomplished professional with a proven track record of more than 25 years in community leadership and service. Born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53206, where she attended several Milwaukee Public Schools, graduating from John Marshall High School, she has dedicated her life to improving the lives of individuals, families and communities through her purposeful work. 

As the former Executive Director of COA Youth & Family Centers (COA), its first female and first director of color, Mrs. Cannon-Sain was pivotal in enhancing COA’s early childhood education program through the achievement of a five-star childcare center rating in 53206 and supporting expanding programs to meet the needs families across the city – including a community healthcare clinic. Under her leadership, COA became an active partner in initiatives to expand access to early childhood education in Milwaukee, like the ECE Workforce Project, which increased access to quality childcare by creating a sustainable pipeline of trained educators. Her holistic approach to servant leadership included partnerships and collaborations with key stakeholders and community-based organizations to create programs addressing the determinants of health such as: improved workforce development training and options, addressing food insecurities, fostering healthier lifestyles, reduction in violence amongst teens, and the creation of affordable new construction housing in 53206 for early childhood education teachers under the ECE New Home Initiative. ​

Prior to her role at COA, Mrs. Cannon-Sain held multiple positions in her almost ten years at the Center for Veterans Issues (CVI)- whose mission provided reintegration, housing and supportive services for low-income and homeless veterans. As Interim President and CEO, due to the sudden passing of her friend and mentor BG (ret.) Robert A. Cocroft, she helped to secure CVI’s role as housing program coordinator for the Old Soldier’s Home Project, created the BG (ret.) Robert A. Cocroft’s Veterans Resource Center and laid the framework for CVI’s veterans’ clinic. In 20216 she established the first ever “Veterans Ball” – with Lieutenant General (ret.) Russell Honore’ of Task Force Katrina as the keynote speaker. Mrs. Cannon-Sain has served in various leadership roles, spearheading initiatives aimed at serving and advocating for vulnerable populations. Because of her collaborative spirit, Mrs. Cannon-Sain is known for her ability to bring together diverse stakeholders to achieve meaningful change. She continues to inspire others with her dedication to building stronger, more inclusive communities in Milwaukee and beyond. Her work in Milwaukee has earned her a reputation as a trusted voice.

Mrs. Cannon-Sain is honored to have been recognized as a 2023 Black Excellence Award Recipient, a 2022 Milwaukee Business Journal’s "Woman of Influence" and the 2019 BG (ret.) Robert A. Cocroft Leadership Award for her leadership and impactful work in the community, particularly in nonprofit. Her commitment to service extends beyond her professional achievements. She is deeply involved in community outreach, serving on boards of local nonprofits, mentoring young professionals (TEMPO), and participating in initiatives that promote social justice, education, and economic empowerment (Bader Leadership Institute Fellow).

Mrs. Cannon-Sain has earned a Master of Science Degree from Michigan State University in Management, Leadership and Strategy, an executive MBA, Bachelors of Business Administration and a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from the University of WI-Milwaukee. She has been married to retired Milwaukee Fire Department Assistant Chief Mark Sain for over 33 years. They have four daughters and 10 grandchildren.