From the Gridiron to the Boardroom with the Green Bay Packers

 

From Barriers to Breakthroughs — A Powerful Conversation on Women in Leadership

When Vince Lombardi—now one of the most revered coaches in NFL history—first considered a career in football, he believed he could never coach in the NFL because he was Italian. At the time, his heritage felt like a barrier too big to overcome. But as history shows, he broke through those limits and became a leader who inspired generations.

That story, shared by Green Bay Packers President and CEO Mark Murphy at Milwaukee Women, inc.’s (MWi) June 2 leadership event, was more than a reflection on the past. It was a timely and powerful reminder: when we challenge outdated assumptions and remove systemic barriers, we open the door to extraordinary leadership and better outcomes.

Held in Green Bay and attended by more than 40 women leaders including MWi members from Milwaukee, the Schrieber Institute for Women's Leadership, as well as local Green Bay companies, the panel discussion explored the evolving role of women in leadership including on boards of directors.

The Panelists:

• Mark Murphy, President and CEO, Green Bay Packers
• Marcia Anderson, Retired Major General, U.S. Army and Green Bay Packers Board Director
• Nicole Ledvina, Vice President of Human Resources, Green Bay Packers
• Maribeth Achterberg, MWi Steering Committee member and EVP/Chief Information and Technology Officer at The Boldt Group moderated the panel discussion.

Mark Murphy reflected on his commitment to diversifying the Packers’ board from the moment he joined the organization. He spoke about the value of diverse thinking in leadership and decision-making, and how inclusion strengthens organizational performance. Sharing Lombardi’s story reinforced the message that excellence is found in every background.

Marcia Anderson, a groundbreaking leader in the U.S. Army and now a Packers board director, shared her own journey of breaking barriers. She shared the barriers she had to overcome to prove her value. “But now, we have the data—diverse boards lead to stronger economic performance.” Her insight drew a direct line between inclusion and measurable results.

Nicole Ledvina brought the discussion into the day-to-day workplace, offering a view into how the Packers are building inclusive systems through hiring, culture, and leadership development. Her remarks highlighted the essential role HR leaders play in shaping long-term success through equity and access.

The event closed with a powerful insight from Susan Finco, the first woman to serve as a lead board director in the NFL. She encouraged attendees to “know your expertise and own it. You have to position yourself based on what you bring to the table.”

MWi is grateful to our panelists, moderator, and attendees for making this event a meaningful step forward in the journey toward more inclusive leadership. We believe that by elevating stories, sharing knowledge, and building community, we can accelerate change across industries.

Special thanks also to event sponsor The Boldt Company.