Citing a hostile working environment, Meghan Sprager announced her resignation as the Waukesha Business Improvement District executive director.
She said in her resignation letter sent to BID board members Tuesday that her last day will be Sept. 8 after the conclusion of the Art Fest in downtown Waukesha.
“It is my observations that the BID is very unhealthy,” wrote Sprager, who will end her relationship with the BID after just a little more than a year. “It cannot continue operating in its current state. As presently configured, the lack of civil discourse among the BID’s leadership provides a playground for manipulation and excessive bullying.
“This, in my opinion, is why it has been historically difficult for the BID to retain executive directors, and it has poisoned the organization to such a degree that I no longer feel that there is any possibility for anyone to effectively administer the organization in this capacity.”
She said that several months ago the City Attorney’s Office initiated a conversation with her and was encouraged to explore options in regard to a hostile working environment. After thinking about it, Sprager said she decided not to pursue any action "out of care and concern for the committed businesses and property owners that work to make downtown thrive."
But Sprager, who in her short time here helped increase the vendors in the Waukesha Farmers Market, was a member of the Gibson GuitarTown Steering Committee and welcomed many businesses to the BID, said she now feels that it is in her best interest to sever ties.
“My decision to leave the organization was not made rashly,” Sprager wrote. “It came after months of inexplicable conflict brought on by the BID’s leadership.
“The disgraceful manner in which I, as well as others who work for or are a member of the BID, have been treated by the present BID leadership is clear to many individuals.”
Sprager wrote her fear is that her resignation will create more controversy and conflict and that there will be a push to disband the BID. She doesn’t want this, but said a change or reorganization needs to be made.
“The organization has been a catalyst for the revitalization of our beautiful downtown,” Sprager wrote. “It would be a shame to hinder future progress when changes to the BID’s structure could resolve many problems.”
Sprager, a Carroll University graduate, was hired in May 2011 after the resignation of Karen Richards in the fall of 2010.
Sprager was previously the director of development and communications for La Casa de Esperanza in Waukesha. She was also in public affairs for the Waukesha County Executive’s Office for almost 10 years.
“I have always taken great satisfaction in working diligently and faithfully for my prior employers, and I have always been told by my past employers that my work was a great benefit for the organization,” Sprager wrote before adding “since the change in leadership at the BID, my ability to derive satisfaction in my work was unattainable due to the conflict brought about by the BID’s present leadership.”
But Sprager, who wrote that a BID constituent introduced her to her future employer, added that she is excited to join an organization “that respects their stakeholders and values their workforce talent.”