Rafael Acevedo was born and raised in Milwaukee’s Riverwest community. For the past two years, Rafael has served as the Grant Compliance Manager for the City of Milwaukee’s Community Development Grants Administration.  Rafael is responsible for coordinating the City of Milwaukee’s efforts to end homelessness.  Prior to working at the City of Milwaukee, Rafael worked for seven years at the Greater Milwaukee Foundation as a Philanthropic Advisor.  Prior to his work at the Foundation, he served as the Executive Director of Public Allies Milwaukee and the Latino Health Organization.  Rafael has over twenty years of experience in the nonprofit sector. He currently volunteers his times as a Board member of Visit Milwaukee and Froedtert Hospital.

Steve Baas is the president and CEO of the Wisconsin Transportation Builders Association. At WTBA, he and his team continuously monitor and proactively support state and federal legislation that advances investment in transportation construction and helps share an acceptable regulatory environment. Prior to WTBA, Steve spent 21 years with the Metropolitan Milwaukee Area Chamber of Commerce where he lobbied on MMAC's behalf at the federal, state, and local levels, and worked with the MMAC Board to identify and advance public policy in the interest of Association members. Baas came to MMAC after more than 16 years of government and political experience, including policy positions within Governor Tommy Thompson's administration and the Wisconsin Legislature. Baas served from 1997 to 2005 as the communications director for the Speaker of the Wisconsin Assembly.

Four-time nominated, and two-time James Beard award-winning Chef Paul Bartolotta is the co-founder and owner of The Bartolotta Restaurants, the premier restaurant group in the Greater Milwaukee region. An internationally celebrated chef and restaurateur, Chef Bartolotta has brought his culinary talent and vision to kitchens all over the world – from Italy to Paris to New York to Las Vegas – for more than 30 years. With an education and training steeped in tradition and authenticity, Chef Bartolotta’s culinary skills have earned him many accolades from the James Beard Foundation, Michelin Guide, New York Times, the Distinguished Restaurants of North America (DiRoNA), AAA, Chicago Sun-Times, Chicago Tribune, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, and others. His passion for creating authentic experiences continues to inspire the growth of the company that he and his brother, Joe, launched in 1993. Their achievements have earned them national recognition, with a nomination by the James Beard Foundation for Outstanding Restaurateur four years in a row – 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020. 

Shari Black is the CEO and Executive Director of one of the largest fairs in the U.S. and the third largest of the Midwestern “Heartland” fairs – Wisconsin State Fair. Prior to serving in the interim role, Black rose through the ranks at State Fair Park since joining the team in 2016 as Event Services Director. Black initially oversaw sales and contracting of non-fair event rentals, including many long-standing events and new events she was instrumental in securing. By 2019, Black assumed the role of Chief Programming Officer, an executive leadership position overseeing Spin City, the fair's massive independent midway, with attractions, competitive exhibits, entertainment, and vendor services. Eventually, she went on to work for the Waukesha County Fair Association for nearly 20 years, including 15 years as Executive Director.
 
In addition, Black served as the board president of the Wisconsin Association of Fairs, which represents 75 district and county fairs in Wisconsin.  She currently sits on the board of the Outdoor Amusement Business Association and the Advisory Committee of the National Independent Concessionaires Association. 

Kate Braasch is Chief of Presidential Affairs at Marquette University. She has nearly 20 years of non-profit and fundraising experience; 18 in higher education. In her current position, Kate operates from a day-to-day strategic presidential lens—which includes focus on the president’s donor, corporate and community relations role, as well as overseeing presidential communications. 

She holds a Bachelor of Science from UW-La Crosse and a Master’s from Marquette University. Kate is a graduate of the Future Milwaukee program, serves on the Advancement Committee of Cristo Rey Jesuit High School, and is a member of TEMPO Milwaukee

Marty Brooks is the president and CEO of the Wisconsin Center District, owners and operators of the Wisconsin Center, UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena, and Miller High Life Theatre. From 1985-2007 Brooks worked for Madison Square Garden. He is currently overseeing a $456 million expansion and renovation to the campus. Brooks was the BizTimes Community Leader of the Year in 2021 and has been named a Milwaukee Business Journal Power Broker for several years running. Prior to joining the Wisconsin Center District, Brooks was the senior vice president and general manager of the America’s Center Convention Complex in St. Louis and before that, Marty served as executive vice president and general manager for the Scottrade Center and Peabody Opera House in St. Louis. 

Grady L. Crosby is the vice president of enterprise ESG for Northwestern Mutual. He is a senior executive who drives environmental, social, and governance strategies. Prior to joining NM, Grady was a corporate officer of Johnson Controls and was responsible for leading Johnson Controls’ global diversity and inclusion strategy, sustainability thought leadership, LATAM government relations strategies, and philanthropic endeavors. He is passionate about diversity, equity, and inclusion. He currently sits on the boards of Black Arts MKE, Froedtert, and the Wisconsin Center District. He received a bachelor’s degree in political science and business administration from Howard University and a Juris Doctor degree from Wake Forest University School of Law. 

William J. “Bill” Davidson, Vice President of the Harley-Davidson Museum, is proud to work with the talented team that manages one of the largest corporate archival collections of unrestored Harley-Davidson motorcycles and artifacts in the world. As the Museum’s top executive, Davidson is responsible for overseeing its overall business including marketing communications, special event activities and daily operations.

Brian Dranzik is a transportation industry veteran who was appointed in October 2017 as the Airport Director for Milwaukee County's General Mitchell International Airport.  Under Dranzik’s leadership, the airport has embarked on several projects to update and modernize with an emphasis on showcasing Milwaukee based businesses and brands.

Michael Evans became the President of Marcus Hotels & Resorts in January 2020. Previously, Evans was the CEO of Apex Capital Ventures and prior to that COO for MGM Hospitality. Evans also held senior roles with Marriott International and is a seasoned executive with global development experience in the US, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Latin America.

Mark Flaherty is the Managing Partner at Jackson Street Holdings and has been involved in development in Milwaukee for over 30 years. Jackson Street Holdings under the Milwaukee Hotel Collection owns 3 downtown Milwaukee hotel properties: the Westin Milwaukee, the Milwaukee Marriott Downtown and the SpringHill Suites by Marriott.  600 premium guest rooms are provided by these 3 hotels. In addition Mark developed the Aloft Hotel and the Fairfield Inn at Miller Park.Mark and Martha established The Project Grace Foundation to celebrate and empower the neuro developmentally diverse individual.

Tami Garrison is the senior director of Social Responsibility for Generac, a role she started in early 2023. Prior to joining Generac, Tami spent a little over 17 years with Molson Coors (formerly Miller Brewing Company). Outside of her work, Tami loves to give back to the city she loves. She devotes her time to several organizations, including Tempo Milwaukee, the Zoological Society of Milwaukee, the United Performing Arts Fund, and the Milwaukee Parks Foundation. Tami is an alumna of the Future Milwaukee Leadership Program at Marquette University and is also a member of the Milwaukee Forum. In 2014, she was recognized by the Milwaukee Press Club as one of the Milwaukee 6-Pack: the top 6 need-to-know people in Milwaukee. She is also the co-founder of the Women’s Affinity Alliance. Tami is originally from Southern California and attended Tulane University.   

Kristine Hillmer is the President & CEO Wisconsin Restaurant Association and Wisconsin Restaurant Association Education Foundation Board of Directors. Kristine has an MBA, has held the Certified Association Executive (CAE) credentials for 23 years, and has more than 27 years of experience working with associations, including both trade and professional societies.

Tracy is the president and CEO for CARW  – the Commercial Association of REALTORS® Wisconsin.  She has held roles as executive director for TEMPO Milwaukee, a business association for executive women; director of public affairs for the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra; and director of communications for an association of plumbing and mechanical contractors. Tracy spent several years with a global manufacturer, Bradley Corporation, as well as a local advocacy group, Partners Advancing Values in Education. She has served on a number of volunteer and professional boards and committees, and is very involved in community organizations. She is a weekly contributor on AM620 WTMJ’s ‘Week In Review” with host Jeff Wagner.

Craig Kammholz is MMAC’s chief operating officer. Kammholz has over 20 years of experience in government and non-profit management, and has served as budget director for Milwaukee County and as deputy comptroller for the City of Milwaukee. Kammholz earned his bachelor’s degree from UW-Milwaukee, his master’s degree in finance from the American University in Washington, D.C. and his master’s degree in accounting from Regis University in Denver, Colorado. 

Jim is the Chief Commercial Officer for Central Standard Craft Distilling and is a member of the Wisconsin Center District Board of Directors.  Jim previously worked for Sprecher Brewing, ACTDental and MillerCoors. He was recognized as the only person to ever hold title of Sr. Director of Commercial Operations at MillerCoors with responsibilities of the commercial execution strategy for the company.

For Milwaukee native, Curt Kluth, Partner and CEO of Saz's Hospitality Group, creating memorable experiences and building win-win partnerships through hospitality is incredibly rewarding. A Marquette University High School and UW-Madison grad, Kluth has been a part of the Saz's team since 1994, finding passion in helping produce dozens of annual festivals including Bastille Days, Summerfest, and the Wisconsin State Fair, where he also serves on the Board of Directors for the Wisconsin State Fair Foundation.
 

Lynda joined SHARP Literacy in 2012 as its President & CEO. With a Bachelor’s degree from UW-Lacrosse, Lynda has previous experience as President of Ronald McDonald House Charities and as an executive at Midwest Airlines. In partnership with the Board of Directors, Lynda is responsible for providing leadership, strategic direction and vision to develop and achieve SHARP’s mission. She is the chief advocate for fundraising and community presence and is responsible for the management and development of the staff. Lynda partners with other community and non-profit organizations to improve the education and lives of local youth.

Jeremy Lucas is the Director of Administration & Planning at Milwaukee County Parks. He has over 7 years of experience in government relations. Jeremy has served on a number of volunteer boards and committees, including Friends of Hoyt Park Pool and the UWM Masters of Public Administration Alumni Board. He received a Masters of Public Administration degree in Municipal Management from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

Samantha Maldonado, a Milwaukee native, is focused on community growth, building relational bridges, and fostering a shared sense of purpose. She is an agile organizational leader with proven success in creating and executing a vision to sustain a strong culture focused on transformational change, innovation, and measurable and scalable business results. She has held positions with Northwestern Mutual, the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, and currently Kohl’s as a senior leader in Diversity & Inclusion. Samantha has a proven track record of demonstrating a growth mindset with all levels of leadership across the organization to lead, direct, negotiate, and influence long-range goals, continuous improvement, and interpret business strategy into actionable plans. She is passionate about creating an environment that fosters equity and inclusion to bring out the best in teams and colleagues. With more than eight years of experience in D&I, Samantha is regarded as a leader in D&I and is a sought-after consultant, presenter, and facilitator. She is an accomplished speaker both locally and nationally. Beyond her experience in the for-profit and non-profit sectors, Samantha has been—and continues to be committed and involved in the community through the various board leadership positions.   

Dennis McBride is Wauwatosa’s 17th Mayor. He is dedicated to guiding the City’s growth in a fiscally responsible way that balances economic growth with maintaining strong neighborhoods and quality city services.Before becoming Mayor, McBride served 10 years on the Wauwatosa Common Council and two terms as Council President. He also served as Chair of the Council’s Financial Affairs Committee and Transportation Affairs Committee. He was a member of the Village Streetscaping Committee and aldermanic liaison to the Historic Preservation Commission. Before his election as alderman, he served 15 years on the Civil Service Commission, including several terms as Chairman.

Arlisia E. McHenry joined the office of the Common Council – City Clerk on April 7, 2001 as a Legislative Assistant working with Alderman Terrence Herron, She would soon then go to work for Common Council President Ashanti Hamilton as his Legislative Assistant and Campaign Manager, positions she would hold for the next 13 years. In April 2016 Ms. McHenry was promoted to Chief of Staff for President Hamilton, and in April 2020 she was appointed Executive Assistant to Common Council President Cavalier Johnson. Ms. McHenry graduated from the University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee with a bachelor’s degree in Education.

Prior to her work at City Hall, she spent several years as a Deputy Project Director with Lockheed Martin, working closely with local municipalities across Wisconsin.

Kevin Newell is a MBA graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater with an emphasis in Finance and Management, and an ACRE Alum at Marquette University. As Founder, Newell serves as President and CEO of Royal Capital. Prior to founding Royal Capital, Newell spent three years in public finance where he led efforts to allocate over $200Million in Federal and State resources as the Senior Underwriter and in the former he successfully managed over $100Million in loan assets as the Asset Manager of the Risk Based Portfolio. Newell’s leadership led to the deployment of the largest single allocation of Federal 9% Tax Credits in US History. Newell’s commitment to the community is highlighted by his community and corporate affiliations including Junior Business Academy, Guest House of Milwaukee, Greater Milwaukee Foundation, MLK Economic Development Corporation. He also received the following awards and recognitions: 40 Under 40 (Business Journal), Top 75 Power Brokers (Milwaukee), and 17 People to Watch in 2017 (Business Journal).
 

Kathleen O’Leary is a leading tourism industry expert, certified Fair Executive, and visionary marketing professional in the Greater Milwaukee area. CEO of the Wisconsin State Fair until 2021, Kathleen spent 24 years with the fair in several different roles, shaping the landmark celebration of all things Wisconsin into what it is today. Recognized for her efforts by the Milwaukee Business Journal in 2017, one of the publication’s Women of Influence, Kathleen is a leader in the community as an active member of TEMPO Milwaukee and Professional Dimensions.

Meagan O’Reilly is an experienced leader in Milwaukee’s public and nonprofit sectors and has been vocal bridging divides throughout the region. An expert in organizational growth and change management, Meagan is excited to join the Zeidler Group at a pivotal time. Meagan has represented the 6th District on Wauwatosa's Common Council since April 2020. Prior to her service to Wauwatosa, she was elected to the Milwaukee Public Schools board where she served until 2015, and was twice selected by her colleagues to serve as board Vice President. Meagan graduated from Oberlin College and holds a Master’s degree in Public Policy from Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government. Holman was a 2016 Emerge Wisconsin candidate. Emerge America is an organization that supports Democratic women running for office. 

Jason Rae is the President & CEO of the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce and a partner at Nation Consulting, a Milwaukee-based public affairs consulting firm. Jason moved to Milwaukee to attend Marquette University, where he graduated from in 2009. He currently lives in Glendale with his husband.

Gerard A. Randall, Jr. is the Executive Director of the Milwaukee Partnership Academy (MPA), a PK-16 education partnership that aims to bring every Milwaukee student to grade level in reading, writing, math and science. Mr. Randall is also the Managing Partner of The Lazarus Group, which provides education and workforce development guidance, strategic planning and support. Formerly, Mr. Randall served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Private Industry Council of Milwaukee County (PIC), a workforce development board. Prior to leading the PIC, he served as Community Relations Counsel in the County Executive’s Office since June 1995. He also served as a member of the University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents from May 1994 through February 2007, having served two years as Vice President. In addition to serving for Milwaukee Public Schools on the Board of Commissioners for the Social Development Commission, he currently serves on the Board of Trustees for Cardinal Stritch University and on the Board of Directors for the Milwaukee Public Museum and Milwaukee’s Fresh Coast Basketball Classic.

Beth Weirick is a native Milwaukeean who is a self described Downtown lover. Beth has been in the industry of promoting downtown Milwaukee for over two decades and always knew that Milwaukee is a great product - she just wants to make sure the rest of the world knows this too.

Melissa Weiss is Director of Administrative Services for the City of Wauwatosa, overseeing communications, tourism, and contributing to city management. Prior to this, Melissa was the Assistant Village Administrator and Director of Public Works in Sussex. Melissa holds a Master’s of Public Affairs from Indiana University. 

Dennis is the SVP and GM at Fiserv Forum, Home of the Milwaukee Bucks and Marquette Golden Eagles with responsibilities that include daily oversite of building operations, revenue generation, event management.  Dennis and his wife Andrea, have three children (5 – Aidan, 4 – Ryan, 2 – Gracie).  Originally from Chicago, IL, Dennis and his family moved to Milwaukee in 2017 to oversee the construction build of Fiserv Forum and the Deer District. Dennis currently serves on the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum Board and Children’s Wisconsin Board.  

Alexx Zawada is the Director of Marketing for Potawatomi Casino | Hotel. She is an experienced Marketing Executive with a demonstrated history of working in the hospitality industry. Skilled in Negotiation, Market Research, Management, Event Planning and Marketing Strategy. Strong administrative professional with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) focused in Communication and Media Studies from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Alexx volunteer experience includes Visit Milwaukee’s Marketing Committee, Hunting Moon Pow Wow - Marketing Coordinator for Forest County Potawatomi Community, and the Young Athlete Program at Special Olympics Wisconsin.