Chris Abele is the Milwaukee County Executive. He was first elected in a special election in 2011, and re-elected in 2012 and 2016. He did not seek re-election in 2020.
Official Biography
Elected with an overwhelming 61% of the vote in a special election Chris Abele became Milwaukee County Executive on April 4, 2011. After serving one year, he ran unopposed and was re-elected to a full four year term April 3, 2012. As County Executive, Chris is focused on providing important, effective and efficient services to residents, disciplined decision-making, and making the county more sustainable. He is also focused on bringing civility back to politics. Chris wants to use his position to remind people political labels are not as important as getting things done. He’s proud to work with Democrats and Republicans on numerous issues.
Prior to his election, Chris served for seven years as CEO of the Milwaukee-based Argosy Foundation, where he remains a trustee. The foundation aims to support leaders and organizations that employ creative and entrepreneurial approaches to solving systemic problems. He’s also a highly successful business owner. He founded a successful hospital services business the he sold in 2012 and he still runs a flourishing real estate company, which owns commercial property in Wisconsin, New York and Maine.
Chris is a dedicated personal philanthropist. His philanthropic work has been primarily in arts, education and human rights. Over the past 15 years, his volunteer work has included serving on 31 local, national and international non-profit boards. He currently serves on boards at the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Schools that Can, and the Carr Center for Human Rights Policy at Harvard University. Chris is also an active fundraiser, chairing and co-chairing campaigns that raised more than $150 million. He has received numerous awards for his effective leadership and speaks regularly on leadership, philanthropy and nonprofit best practices.
County Executive Abele is proud to live in Milwaukee with his wife Miriam and their two young daughters, Lauren and Katherine.
Content referencing Chris Abele - Page 6
County Officials Delay Solving Bus System’s Woes
Contractor chosen would save taxpayers $15 million a year. So why the delay?
Jan 30th, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
Dan Adams’ Assembly Fundraiser
He's got Abele's backing for the Milwaukee legislative seat, while Barrett backs Dimitrijevic.
Jan 24th, 2014 by Michael Horne
Will Taxicab Issue Ever Be Settled?
City Attorney’s legal opinion helps clarify things, but it’s still a contentious issue.
Jan 21st, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
Is Zamarripa’s Democratic Challenger Really Republican?
He's just 18, but candidate Vincent Synowicz is already mastering the slick verbal skills of a veteran politician.
Jan 16th, 2014 by Michael Horne
Crystal Ball for 2014
25 predictions that are certain (well, maybe) to come true this year.
Jan 3rd, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
Tom Ament Strikes Again
Author of infamous pension plan also devised a 1990 measure giving supervisors unconstitutional power over executive appointees.
Dec 17th, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
The Legacy of Betty Quadracci
Her impact on local journalism and the creation of Quad/Graphics was great -- and greatly underestimated.
Dec 10th, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
Can County Board Solve Taxicab Problem?
The board's resolution got media play, but will probably accomplish nothing.
Nov 21st, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
Larson Aide May Run for Richards Seat
Plus: problems for the Bucks' Larry Sanders and redevelopment at Reed Street Yards.
Nov 14th, 2013 by Michael Horne
2013 Veterans Day Parade
Politicians, patriotism and marching bands on parade, all captured in our photos.
Nov 11th, 2013 by Urban Milwaukee
Ground Breaking Day in the Park East
A flock of public officials turned out to celebrate the Avenir, a $20.7 million, 104-unit mixed-use building that begins construction.
Nov 10th, 2013 by Dave Reid
The Nuclear Option
Supervisors nuke Chris Abele’s staff salaries. Will this hurt the county?
Nov 7th, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
Brookfield Square Welcomes County Buses
Unlike Southridge and other suburban malls, Brookfield Square actually runs ads to attract bus-riding city residents.
Nov 7th, 2013 by Michael Horne
Why Governments Never Cooperate With Each Other
Chris Abele seeks to improve efficiency through cooperative ventures with municipal governments. Will the county board resist?
Oct 24th, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
Why We Should Move the War Memorial
Veterans are poorly served there; the War Memorial and MacArthur statue should both move to west-side Veterans Center campus.
Oct 11th, 2013 by Michael Horne
How to Nab Bad Guys
ShotSpotter has become a key tool for city police, but Walker says no to funding and Abele says yes.
Oct 10th, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
How to Kill a Democracy
Glenn Grothman’s proposal would shield 96% of all political donations, ending transparency in campaigns.
Oct 8th, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
Jonathan Jackson’s Very Urban Condo
The Milwaukee Film Festival leader lives in a converted, 1890 cream city building with a long history.
Oct 6th, 2013 by Michael Horne
David Clarke the False Conservative
Sheriff Clarke claims the right to spend as much as he wants, while the media ignores this and simply reports on his rants.
Oct 3rd, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
The Problem of Poverty
Poverty is rising faster in Wisconsin and the city of Milwaukee than nationally.
Sep 26th, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
In Defense of County Bus System
MTS has done a great job of running county transit and shouldn’t be replaced.
Sep 24th, 2013 by Bill Sell
Who Let the Dogs Out?
Sheriff Clarke grabs canine units from House of Correction, endangering safety of staff, only to be forced to return them.
Sep 4th, 2013 by Michael Horne
East Library Groundbreaking
Photos capture groundbreaking for new mixed-use development combining East Library, retail and apartments. Take that, Bayshore.
Jul 30th, 2013 by Jeramey Jannene
Abele Dumps County Transit Company
Public bidding process awards bus contract to for-profit company.
Jul 29th, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
Supervisors Stall $60 Million Park East Proposal
Citing lack of "information," county committee in essence reopens the process of selecting a developer for Park East Block 22.
Jul 16th, 2013 by Dave Reid
The Curious Case of Kimberly Walker
The board is angry at Abele so they fired Walker. Go figure.
Jul 2nd, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
Why Kimberly Walker Was Fired
The county board had ample grounds for dismissing the Corporation Counsel.
Jun 28th, 2013 by Dominique Paul Noth
The Decline of Sheriff Clarke
The weirder and crankier he gets, the more unlikely his reelection.
Jun 18th, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
Ahoy! Pirate Party Will Rally Downtown
The Wisconsin affiliate of the populist-flavored party, organized by political activist Joe Klein, will rally on June 29th.
Jun 13th, 2013 by Michael Horne
The Story Behind the Strike
Thin reporting and overheated commentary have obscured the real story of why workers are striking against Palermo’s.
May 23rd, 2013 by Dominique Paul Noth
The Not-So Fiscally Conservative Governor
Scott Walker hasn’t solved the state’s longterm fiscal deficit. He may actually make it worse.
May 16th, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
The War Between Steve Schultze and Chris Abele
County exec tries to undermine county reporter because of his slanted stories.
May 2nd, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
County Board Violates Its Own Law
Lobbyists have worked without board approval, which could be a cause for “discharge” of board chair Dimitrivjevic.
Apr 18th, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
Myths About a New NBA Arena
In their zeal to build new, publicly-funded arena, proponents are misleading the community.
Apr 16th, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
Sue Black’s Cape Cod Cutie
The Milwaukee Wave owner and former parks director lives modestly near the Waukesha county line.
Apr 12th, 2013 by Michael Horne
County Backdrops
Unions have filed suit to protect the infamous backdrops, which made many county employees wealthy.
Apr 4th, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
Winners and Losers
It was a good election for Scott Walker and conservatives but there were some bright spots for liberals.
Apr 4th, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
Sheriff Clarke’s New Buddies
The conservative lawman and liberal county board have suddenly gotten very friendly. Why?
Apr 2nd, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
Who’s the Conservative for Circuit Judge?
The race between Rebecca Bradley and Janet Protasiewicz is hard to call.
Mar 28th, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
Abele and Other Pols Push Gay Rights
Gay activist Daniel Choi comes to Milwaukee three days before his trial for protesting "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."
Mar 27th, 2013 by Michael Horne
New Front Door for Lakefront
Dramatic plan moves freeway ramps and creates a grand boulevard that connects downtown and the lakefront.
Mar 11th, 2013 by Jeramey Jannene
The Not-So-Straight Story
Journal Sentinel coverage of county board downsizing misleads folks on both sides of issue.
Feb 19th, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
The Return of Sue Black
How she got the new job. And will she run against Chris Abele?
Feb 12th, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
County Lobbyists Asleep on the Job?
They should be working to get more state funding. But they’re too busy protecting the county board.
Feb 5th, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
Every Politician in Town
Well, not quite, but the City's Birthday Party had a big turnout of politicians and insiders.
Feb 5th, 2013 by Michael Horne
America Discovers Sheriff Clarke
Clarke appears on Piers Morgan with Tom Barrett and gets beat up by both Morgan and the mayor.
Jan 30th, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
Brian Taffora’s Piece of Suburbia
How dare you live in Cedarburg, said the Milwaukee County Board. So the economic development director quit rather than lose $91,000 selling his home.
Jan 25th, 2013 by Michael Horne
The Incomplete Story
How the Journal Sentinel slants the story on venture capital -- and on downsizing the county board.
Jan 24th, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
Bill to Cut Supervisor Pay Likely
Despite Republican delays and opposition by the board, the bill has a good chance of passage.
Jan 17th, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
Why We Need a Part-Time County Board
For 125 years, the board was part-time. Then Tom Ament and company nudged it up to full-time. Why?
Jan 9th, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
Still Defending the Infamous Pension Plan
County Exec Abele wants to cut back the lucrative backdrop provision. Why are supervisors delaying this?
Dec 19th, 2012 by Bruce Murphy
The Moody Blues
With the closing of Moody Pool, the city's North Side now has half the number of public pools as the South Side.
Dec 4th, 2012 by Edgar Mendez
The High Cost of the County Board
We could save millions and improve efficiency by cutting the county board and its huge staff.
Nov 14th, 2012 by Bruce Murphy
Marina Dimitrijevic’s Bay View Beauty
Traditional architecture meets Space Age vinyl in the 21st Century dwelling of the Milwaukee County board chair.
Oct 31st, 2012 by Michael Horne
Who’s Right in County Budget Battle?
County Board Chair Marina Dimitrijevic trashes Abele’s budget. But did she improve it?
Oct 30th, 2012 by Bruce Murphy
County Board Junks Bus Fare Proposal
Proposal to kill transfers and cut fares suddenly lost its supporters.
Oct 29th, 2012 by Jeramey Jannene
New Journalists in Town
Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service could be the future of journalism.
Oct 22nd, 2012 by Michael Horne
Should Chief Flynn Resign?
The city is divided over the chief. But is it all his fault?
Oct 5th, 2012 by Bruce Murphy
Too Many Cops in Milwaukee County?
The high cost of a huge sheriff’s budget and 19 local police departments.
Oct 3rd, 2012 by Bruce Murphy
Rush to Judgement
Whew. A county committee quickly approves a barely-vetted proposal for a new hotel.
Sep 26th, 2012 by Dave Reid
The Mighty County Board
A doormat a decade ago, the board is now far more powerful -- much to Chris Abele’s chagrin.
Sep 25th, 2012 by Bruce Murphy
The Latest Journal Sentinel Purge
Some big names could be leaving the ever-shrinking newspaper.
Sep 18th, 2012 by Bruce Murphy
Rich Park, Poor Park
Milwaukee County Parks is increasingly a two-tier system, with the worst maintained parks in poor areas.
Sep 14th, 2012 by Bruce Murphy
Can Tammy Beat Tommy?
She wouldn’t have a chance against the old Tommy, but the newer edition could be beat.
Sep 9th, 2012 by Bruce Murphy
Abele Under Fire
Has the Johnny Thomas situation poisoned relations between the county exec and county board?
Aug 29th, 2012 by Bruce Murphy
The Tragedy of Chris and Sue
How the friendship of Abele and Black turned into bitter enmity.
Aug 24th, 2012 by Bruce Murphy
Beer Gardens Back at Pere Marquette
It was off after Sue Black's firing. Now it's back on.
Aug 23rd, 2012 by Jeramey Jannene
Myths About Black’s Firing
Strip away the myths and you begin to see why Abele dumped her.
Aug 20th, 2012 by Bruce Murphy
Why Was Sue Black Fired?
The development is a shocker as Abele was a friend and supporter of the highly regarded parks director.
Aug 16th, 2012 by Bruce Murphy
The Milwaukee Olympics
Why Milwaukee isn't likely to ever to host the Olympics, and why it would have been nice if Chicago did.
Aug 9th, 2012 by Jeramey Jannene
Chris Abele’s Castle
The County Executive calls the largest house in Milwaukee home.
Aug 8th, 2012 by Jeramey Jannene
County Board Approves Negotiations for The Couture
Proposed 44-floor building for lakefront stays on track
Jul 26th, 2012 by Jeramey Jannene
The Couture Press Conference
Developers and politicians unite behind the podium to unveil 44-story project.
Jul 16th, 2012 by Jeramey Jannene
Abele vs County Board — Again
Someone leaked the info on Abele's plan for a 44 story lakefront tower, leaving him apologizing to the board.
Jul 12th, 2012 by Bruce Murphy
44-Floor Tower Proposed for Lakefront
A new 44-story tower proposed for Milwaukee.
Jul 11th, 2012 by Jeramey Jannene
Rocky Road
Some aldermen want to dump DCD head Rocky Marcoux, but Mayor Barrett disagrees.
Jun 26th, 2012 by Bruce Murphy
Will Allen Goes Viral
From ABC News to Colbert, everybody is celebrating Will Allen.
Jun 20th, 2012 by Bruce Murphy
The Trial of Chris Abele
Sued by Shepherd Express editor Lou Fortis, Abele goes on the stand for allegedly stealing a film festival.
Jun 12th, 2012 by Bruce Murphy
The Farley Fiasco
Is the County board punishing Abele’s aide Patrick Farley for whistle blowing?
Jun 4th, 2012 by Bruce Murphy
Did Donovan Make Bauman Soil His Pants?
Another week, another Ald. Donovan anti-streetcar press conference. Plus: will the Bucks get a new owner and new arena? And: East Side zoning changes and the return of the Downtown Trolley loop.
May 24th, 2012 by Jeramey Jannene
Will Abele Run for Mayor?
That's one way to consolidate city and county government, by grabbing both executive positions.
May 15th, 2012 by Bruce Murphy
Common Council Committee Appointments, Milwaukee County Attraction Pass, The Moderne Lands a Restaurant, and More
Eyes on Milwaukee this week focuses on the committee appointments by Milwaukee Common Council President Willie Hines, Supervisor Haas' efforts for a Milwaukee County attraction pass, the restaurant coming to The Moderne, and more.
Apr 25th, 2012 by Jeramey Jannene
Suburbs Overwhelmingly Want to Reduce Size of the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors
Almost all of Milwaukee County's suburbs had a referendum questions that asked for voter's opinions on reducing the size of the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors and reducing the position to part-time during Tuesday's election. In every community it was asked, voters overwhelmingly voted to reduce the number and pay of supervisors, but what would that achieve?
Apr 5th, 2012 by Jeramey Jannene
Kohl’s, The Moral of the Story
For over a year the City of Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and various regional entities worked together in attempt to bring Kohl's corporate headquarters to downtown Milwaukee. Unfortunately, they were unsuccessful. Some have been quick to judge saying the moral of the story is, the city is a failure, and Mayor Barrett can't get the job done. Now, it is true the city didn't win, this time, but is the moral of the story, failure?
Feb 21st, 2012 by Dave Reid
The North End Phase Two Groundbreaking Photos
A ceremonial groundbreaking took place at the corner of Pleasant and Water streets today for the Portrait and Silhouette buildings at The North End, collectively known as Phase Two of The North End. A number of public officials were on hand representing the large number of public funding sources required to get the project off the ground (or more aptly, in the ground) with the state of private financing for development.
Feb 16th, 2012 by Jeramey Jannene
A Year in Review
As the US economy continued it slow recovery from the Great Recession, Milwaukee was left with a couple of failed development projects to complete or redefine, a changing real estate market, the opportunity to make small infrastructure changes, and questions about the future of transit.
Dec 15th, 2011 by Dave Reid
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele and Transit
Chris Abele was recently elected to fill the remainder of Governor Scott Walker's term as Milwaukee County Executive. That gives Abele less than one year to accomplish anything as Milwaukee County Executive before he must seek re-election. Given the relatively short time for which Abele is assured to be in office, what can the newly-elected County Executive hope to achieve when it comes to transit?
May 19th, 2011 by Jeramey Jannene
MSO Exec Mark Hanson Moves to Houston Symphony
Hanson brought smart business practice to the Milwaukee Symphony and restored credibility with donors.
Feb 19th, 2010 by Tom Strini
Plale Recall Drive Begins
Can a group of south side political activists pull themselves together enough to acquire 13,212 signatures to force a recall election against Sen. Jeff Plale? Rep. Jon Richards said he doubts it. “This thing is going nowhere,” says Rep. Josh Zepnick. “These people are so lazy! They’ve taken out a newspaper ad asking people to come by and sign a recall petition. Who is going to do that?” True enough. To win an election, you’ve got to knock on doors, post signs in windows and do all kinds of grass-rooted activities. There is scant evidence of this in the Plale recall attempt, and absolutely no evidence of it in the northern fringes of Plale’s district, including Brady Street and the East Side. That hasn’t stopped Plale from printing up thousands of football schedules that he is handing out at every turn. The South Milwaukeean made the journey to St. Rita’s Church last week to attend the Brady Street Association monthly meeting where he was asked about the recall. “They’ve got until September 7th to get the signatures to recall me,” Plale told the audience. When told there seemed to be no effort on the East Side to circulate petitions, Plale said, “well, these people wouldn’t know how to find Brady Street.” Plale was also in the Brady Street area for what the neighborhood hopes is an annual Artisinal Food Festival. The gig was held Sunday, July 25th, and Plale was there along with his schedules. The recall effort against him stemmed from his crucial vote to uphold Governor Doyle’s veto of a republican-sponsored measure to limit property tax increases. Plale says the upcoming plans to sponsor a constitutional amendment known as the Taxpayers’ Bill of Rights, (TABOR) is similarly flawed, and a potential recipe for disaster. He cites Colorado, a state that has enacted similar provisions into its laws and is now in the midst of its worst fiscal crisis ever. Amendment on the Run The legislature republicans spent the last unedifying session promoting the agenda of Gays, Guns and Gambling. The Madison gang came up with loads of goofy legislation, none of which could sustain a veto by the governor. Leave it to this group to be able to reconvene and pass a constitutional amendment, no less, in just one week. This was the decision of Sen. Mary Panzer, the republican leader who had earlier been criticized for not rushing a Taxpayers’ Bill of Rights law through the Solomonic deliberations of the nation’s most august lawmakers. But, as soon as she faced a primary challenge from Rep.Glenn Grothman, an ambitious fellow republican who covets her senate seat, Panzer decided to schedule a vote for this week. Then, the legislature can go home and come back next year to vote again. Then, finally, the matter will be put to public vote in a referendum, if it is still alive. But, if the legislature does not act by August 5th, the whole procedure would have to be repeated in yet one […]
Jul 26th, 2004 by Michael Horne
My Campaign Blog
Two hundred fifty bucks or a free press pass?
Feb 16th, 2004 by Michael Horne
Pratt’s “Reimbursement” Mystery Money
Acting Mayor Pockets $7,500 with no explanation
Feb 9th, 2004 by Michael Horne
Clark Picks Up Two State Endorsements
Two of Wisconsin’s elder statespeople jumped on the Wesley Clark for President bandwagon recently. Former alderman, secretary of state and attorney Vel Phillips, who most recently issued the oath of office to Acting Mayor Marvin Pratt says she backs the Arkansas general for president. With her support, she joins such black leaders as Charles Rangel and Andrew Young. Phillips was at a fundraiser for Clark Tuesday, January 27th at the home of Julilly W. Kohler. Phillips said she had just got off the phone with Henry Aaron who has offered to send her airplane tickets and to put her up in Atlanta February 6th for his birthday party. “Oh, I’m not sure I’m going to go,” said Vel, to the dismay of partygoers who could not imagine turning down any invitation from Henry Aaron, with or without free air travel and lodging. She still hadn’t decided by Sunday. Vel Phillips faces many decisions. When she left the Common Council, she bought the old roll-top desk aldermen once used until the present gems were installed. The desk will probably go to the Historical Society of Wisconsin. Why not the city-owned Milwaukee Public Library? “Well, the historical society already has a full-size statue of me,” Phillips said. Good enough reason. The attendees, including Frank Gimbel (who has a huge Clark sign posted in his east side yard), Mort and Dani Gendelman, Curry First, Dennis Conta and about 40 others filled the Kohler residence to talk up their man and to dine on way too much food provided from such disparate sources as Sam’s Club and Watermark restaurant. A special guest of honor was to have been former Senator Gaylord Nelson, ranked fourth on a list of the most important Wisconsinites in history. He’s the only one of the top five who is still alive. Alas! Nelson hadn’t even made it as far as the end of the driveway of his Kensington, Maryland home in days, so he called in his visit by speakerphone. Heavy snowfall complicated by quaint Maryland snow removal traditions kept him home, Nelson said. He endorses Clark for president, the Earth Day founder told the attendees in Milwaukee. Nelson speaks very slowly these days. The delivery, although halting, does nothing to mute the intellectual vigor and wit of Nelson. Regarding his choice of the military man for president, the anti-Vietnam War ex-Senator said, “People were wondering how could Gaylord Nelson support a general for president?” (Pause.) “Well, George Washington was a general.” (Pause.) “And he was a pretty good president.” (Laughter.) Apparently, Nelson held republican president Dwight D. Eisenhower in high regard. He noted that General Ike warned us about the military-industrial complex. “This is a fascinating race,” Nelson said, (Pause.) But there is a long way to go.” The State of Wisconsin constitution, as amended, does not give the Lieutenant Governor much to do. This suited Scott McCallum fine, but Lt. Gov. Barbara Lawton is a restless sort and has been an early supporter and campaign groupie of […]
Feb 2nd, 2004 by Michael Horne
