Heart of Milwaukee Award

Juan Rodriguez, The Pfister Hotel

For more than 50 years, Juan Rodriguez has defined frontline hospitality at one of Milwaukee’s most iconic hotels. After arriving from Mexico at age 20 and beginning as a custodian, he worked his way through multiple roles before becoming the face of The Pfister’s celebrated Afternoon Tea. Generations of guests return not only for the tradition, but for the warmth, pride and consistency he brings to every interaction.

Dear MKE Award

City of Wauwatosa, Thomas Dambo “Mama Rosa” Installation

Led by Beth Gleesing of Discover Wauwatosa in partnership with Mayor Dennis McBride and city officials, the installation of Wisconsin’s first Thomas Dambo troll sculpture, “Mama Rosa,” transformed public art into a destination. The project has drawn thousands of visitors to Firefly Park, pairing curiosity-driven visitation with a newly developed accessible green space designed for people of all abilities. The result is a model of placemaking that blends creativity, inclusion and measurable economic impact

Milwaukee Magnet Award

Chad Bauman and Mark Clements, Milwaukee Repertory Theater

Recognized for leading the development of the $80 million Associated Bank Theater Center, a state-of-the-art theater complex and the largest new regional theater facility to open in the United States in the past decade. Delivered on time and under budget despite pandemic-related challenges, the project elevates Milwaukee’s performing arts landscape and strengthens the city’s national reputation as a destination for culture.

Joe Bartolotta Hospitality Award

Kelly Roecker, Underwood Events

Honored posthumously, Kelly Roecker built a career defined by leadership, creativity and mentorship within Milwaukee’s event and hospitality community. For more than two decades, she produced experiences that elevated organizations across the region while setting a standard of professionalism and generosity that continues to shape the industry.

Legacy Award

Tim Sheehy, Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce

With more than four decades of civic leadership, Tim Sheehy’s impact on Milwaukee’s economic and tourism landscape is profound. From helping secure the future of Major League Baseball in Milwaukee to advancing Fiserv Forum and Deer District and supporting two national political conventions, his work has elevated the city’s visibility and long-term competitiveness.

Past Winners

Dear MKE Award

• 2025: Harley-Davidson Museum
• 2024: Dan Jacobs 
• 2023: Milwaukee Public Library 
• 2022: America’s Black Holocaust Museum  
• 2021: Samer Ghani 
• 2019: Foamation 
• 2018: Glorioso’s 
• 2017: John Dye for Bryant’s Cocktail Lounge 
• 2016: Chef Justin Carlisle 
• 2015: Theresa and Wade Nemetz 
   

Milwaukee Magnet Award

• 2025: Amtrak 
• 2024: Baird Center expansion (Marty Brooks), Potawatomi renovation (Alexx & Dominic) 
• 2023: USA Triathlon 
• 2022: Milwaukee Bucks – NBA Champs (Peter Feigin) 
• 2021: King BID & WCD Board 
• 2019: Mayor Tom Barrett, County Executive Chris Abele, Governor Scott Walker, Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald  
• 2018: Northwestern Mutual 
• 2017: Summerfest 
• 2016: Potawatomi Hotel & Casino 
• 2015: Mayor Tom Barrett & Milwaukee Common Council 
   

Joe Bartolotta Hospitality Award

• 2025: David Marcus (Benson's Restaurant Group & Marcus Investments)
• 2024: Paul Bartolotta, Theresa Nemetz 
• 2023: Erik Kennedy (ElevAsian) 
• 2022: Teresa Mercado (Mexican Fiesta) 
• 2021: Tim & Toni Eichinger (Black Husky)  

Heart of Milwaukee Award

• 2025: Tom Tiese (Milwaukee Brewers)
• 2024: JR (Hyatt Regency Bellman) 
• 2023: Brian Johnson (BID 21)  
• 2022: Gary Strothmann (Pabst Mansion Tour Guide) 
• 2021: Caitlin Cullen (Tandem)