
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 3
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele Names New Director of Communications
Wauwatosa native most recently served as Communications Director for the NBA Oklahoma City Thunder
Mar 19th, 2018 by County Executive Chris AbeleMilwaukee County Executive Chris Abele Honors Milwaukee Architect Donald Grieb
Mitchell Park Domes Among His Contributions
Mar 16th, 2018 by Milwaukee County ParksMilwaukee County Executive Abele Proposes Restrictions on Pension Payments to Former County Employees Convicted of Felonies
Amendment to County ordinances is requested in wake of recent arrests.
Mar 7th, 2018 by County Executive Chris AbeleMilwaukee Film Hires Sara Meaney to New Chief Marketing Officer Role
Organization appoints four new board members, including chancellor of University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Mark Mone, and president of Marquette University, Michael Lovell
Feb 28th, 2018 by Milwaukee FilmMilwaukee County provides $1M to residents for energy bills payments this March
Energy Assistance Program offers additional funds to help residents avoid utility disconnection
Feb 27th, 2018 by Milwaukee County Department of Health and Human ServicesHaas Calls for Renewed Search for Parks Director
Supports Sullivan for Director of Child Support
Feb 22nd, 2018 by Sup. Jason HaasMilwaukee County Executive Chris Abele Congratulates County Staff on Awards
"I am incredibly proud of the team I get to work with here at Milwaukee County."
Feb 22nd, 2018 by County Executive Chris AbeleSupervisor Anthony Staskunas Opposes Paid Parking in County Parks
"We certainly need innovative ideas for generating new revenue, but we shouldn't be creating obstacles for all people to enjoy our public parks."
Feb 14th, 2018 by Sup. Tony StaskunasLipscomb Reaffirms Wisconsin’s Good Government Values
Asks Legislators to Reject Bill that Would Undo Checks and Balances
Feb 13th, 2018 by County Board Chairman Theodore Lipscomb, Sr.County Executive Abele Proposes Elimination of “Pay to Park” Program
You spoke, County Executive Abele listened
Feb 13th, 2018 by County Executive Chris AbeleLeadership MKE Launches Campaign Around Spring Elections
George Aldrich, a lifelong resident of Milwaukee County and veteran of numerous Democratic campaigns, will lead the organization as Executive Director.
Feb 6th, 2018 by Leadership MKESupervisor Schmitt Denounces Abele’s Power Grab in Madison
"We've seen this kind of legislation before, and each time the result was more power for County Executive Chris Abele"
Feb 2nd, 2018 by Sup. James 'Luigi' SchmittMilwaukee County Executive Chris Abele Announces Appointment of Joe Lamers to Serve as Budget Director
Lamers, a Wisconsin native and UW-Milwaukee graduate, will begin his role at Milwaukee County on February 12th.
Feb 1st, 2018 by County Executive Chris AbeleLipscomb Offers Solutions to Avoid Bus Route Cuts
Questions Abele's Transit Cuts in Light of $2.75 Million Transit Surplus
Jan 31st, 2018 by County Board Chairman Theodore Lipscomb, Sr.County Executive Abele Announces Fix to Avoid MCTS Route Cuts
Abele is directing MCTS to use a one-time projected surplus to fund the routes for the remainder of 2018.
Jan 31st, 2018 by County Executive Chris AbeleCounty Executive Abele Promotes Mary Jo Meyers to Serve as Director of Health and Human Services
Meyers, a 33 year County employee, Will Continue County’s Successful Efforts on Collaborative, Community-Based, Trauma-Informed Care
Jan 17th, 2018 by County Executive Chris AbeleLipscomb Slams Abele Administration for Hidden Bonuses
Under Abele, Human Resources awarded $268,450 in bonuses between May and November of last year alone.
Jan 11th, 2018 by County Board Chairman Theodore Lipscomb, Sr.2018 Milwaukee Film Festival Opens Call For Entries
Free Entry for All Films; Festival Offers To Pay for Work That Is Screened
Jan 11th, 2018 by Milwaukee FilmLipscomb Applauds County Executive’s Turnaround on Emergency Homeless Shelter Funding
"I’m thrilled that the County Executive has agreed to abandon his proposed cuts to homeless shelters..."
Jan 9th, 2018 by County Board Chairman Theodore Lipscomb, Sr.County Executive Abele Takes Action to Reverse County Board’s Cuts to Homeless Shelter Funding
Abele Again Calls on Board to Reverse $15.7 Million Budget Cut
Jan 9th, 2018 by County Executive Chris AbeleMartin Luther King Jr. Day to be Celebrated at King Center, Jan. 15
To honor King, the program will include music, dance, and spoken word, and will feature guest speaker Nicole Brookshire.
Jan 8th, 2018 by Milwaukee County ParksGovernor Walker Announces Plan to Provide a Long-Term Solution for Wisconsin’s Juvenile Corrections and Treatment Systems
"Republicans and Democrats alike agree this is the way forward to reform juvenile corrections..."
Jan 4th, 2018 by Gov. Scott WalkerMiller Lite Free Rides Begin at 8pm
Skip the Surge Pricing and Get Home Safely
Dec 31st, 2017 by Milwaukee County Transit SystemMilwaukee County Mental Health Board welcomes community leader and veterans advocate as newest member
Bob Curry is the president and founder of DryHootch.
Dec 28th, 2017 by Milwaukee County Behavioral Health DivisionRing in the New Year with Miller Lite Free Rides® on MCTS
Miller Lite Celebrates 30 Years of Free Rides on New Year’s Eve
Dec 14th, 2017 by Molson Coors Beverage CompanyFree Skate Rentals at Slice of Ice to Celebrate Season Opening, Dec. 15, from 4-6 p.m.
Opening weekend, rink hours are Friday until 11 p.m.; Saturday, from 11 a.m.–11 p.m.; and Sunday, from 11 a.m.–9 p.m.
Dec 13th, 2017 by Milwaukee County ParksAbele Continues to Push Wheel Tax Increase In Spite of Voter Opposition, Lipscomb Remains Opposed
Pending Legislative Action Puts All Wheel Tax Revenues at Risk
Dec 13th, 2017 by County Board Chairman Theodore Lipscomb, Sr.With sub-zero temperatures on the way, Milwaukee County helps keep homes warm with Energy Assistance
Eligible homeowners and renters use Energy Assistance to save on energy costs
Dec 12th, 2017 by County Executive Chris AbeleFinance Committee Repeats Commitment to Homeless Shelter
The Finance and Audit committee adopted an amendment today to establish that the 2018 budget includes level funding for emergency shelters of $718,000.
Dec 11th, 2017 by County Board Chairman Theodore Lipscomb, Sr.Milwaukee County Behavioral Health Division’s Nurse Recruitment Campaign receives international award
Campaign challenges nurses who “have what it takes” to apply to be mental health nurses
Dec 8th, 2017 by County Executive Chris AbeleCounty Executive Abele Calls On County Board to Reverse Their Cuts to Homeless Shelter Funding
Board's $15 Million Budget Cut Includes $200,000 Reduction in Funding for Homeless Shelters
Dec 7th, 2017 by County Executive Chris AbeleSupervisor Dimitrijevic Proposal Would Keep Lakefront Free, Open
"We should be making our public parks more accessible, not creating financial barriers."
Dec 7th, 2017 by Ald. Marina DimitrijevicMilwaukee Film Celebrates 10th Anniversary; Announces 2018 Festival Dates
Festival organizers hope the later dates will expand programming opportunities.
Dec 7th, 2017 by Milwaukee FilmMilwaukee County Behavioral Health Division receives $2.6 Million to help families affected by the opioid epidemic
Family Drug Treatment Court and AODA residential and recovery services help reunite families affected by addiction
Nov 27th, 2017 by Milwaukee County Behavioral Health DivisionMilwaukee’s Film Industry is Bigger Than Beer
Film industry grew by 10% (2010-2015); double the rate of local economy
Nov 10th, 2017 by Milwaukee FilmMilwaukee County Parks Offers Military Veterans Free Greens Fees, Domes Admission, Nov. 11
Purple Heart Recipients Reminded to Apply for Year-Round Purple Heart Pass
Nov 7th, 2017 by Milwaukee County ParksAbele Statement on 2018 County Budget
"I will not endorse the County Board’s service cuts and am therefore returning the budget to the County Board unsigned."
Nov 6th, 2017 by County Executive Chris AbeleMilwaukee County Board of Supervisors Adopts 2018 Budget
Listens to Voters and Eliminates Abele's Proposal to Double the Wheel Tax to $60
Nov 6th, 2017 by County Board Chairman Theodore Lipscomb, Sr.China Lights at Boerner Botanical Gardens a Big Success
The festival saw attendance of more than 110,000 visitors.
Nov 2nd, 2017 by County Executive Chris Abele2017 Beer Garden Season in The Parks: Final Weekend, Nov. 4-5
Beer will be “free flowing” Sunday, beginning at 4 p.m., at the South Shore Terrace with free beer until it runs out or 6 p.m.
Nov 2nd, 2017 by County Executive Chris AbeleEast Side Oak Leaf Trail Reconstruction Slated to Begin in Early November
The East Side bike trail is a frequently used commuter route, and drainage problems have caused it to deteriorate.
Nov 2nd, 2017 by Milwaukee County ParksMilwaukee County Finance Committee Adopts Balanced Budget
Budget Would Spend Less than Abele, Eliminate Wheel Tax Increase
Nov 1st, 2017 by County Board Chairman Theodore Lipscomb, Sr.Public Policy Forum and Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance to Merge
Researchers at the new group will continue to focus on issues important to state government, local government, schools, Metro Milwaukee, and Wisconsin’s economy.
Nov 1st, 2017 by Public Policy ForumLipscomb Invites Public to Annual County Budget Hearing
"Tonight is our opportunity to listen to the public, and hear directly from our constituents about their priorities for Milwaukee County."
Oct 30th, 2017 by County Board Chairman Theodore Lipscomb, Sr.$2.3 Million in Grants for Estabrook Dam Removal
NEW Analysis Shows Project Would Take 50+ Homes Out of Floodplain
Oct 30th, 2017 by Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage DistrictRecord-breaking Milwaukee Film Festival Attendance; 9% Increase to 84,702
The Blood is at the Doorstep wins Allan H. (Bud) and Suzanne L. Selig Audience Award
Oct 18th, 2017 by Milwaukee FilmUCC, Latino Arts, Pabst Theater Group and American Red Cross to Host Benefit Concert
‘Los Sonidos Unidos’ Concert to Raise Funds for Relief Support in Puerto Rico and Mexico
Oct 13th, 2017 by United Community CenterMilwaukee County Executive Chris Abele Announces New Airport Director at General Mitchell International Airport
Dranzik has been serving as interim director of the airport since September 14th.
Oct 13th, 2017 by County Executive Chris AbeleMilwaukee County Board Chairman Requests $20 Million in Austerity Measures
Proposal Would Slash Funding for Parks, Public Safety, Transit, Senior Centers, and Workforce Development
Oct 9th, 2017 by County Executive Chris AbeleSupervisor West Announces 2018 Budget Deliberations
The centerpiece of Abele's budget is a $30 increase in the county wheel tax, to $60 per vehicle.
Oct 9th, 2017 by Sup. Peggy A. WestMilwaukee County Executive Chris Abele Proclaims October 9th Indigenous Peoples Day in Milwaukee County
"I’m incredibly proud that Milwaukee County is officially recognizing and appreciating the contributions of native thought, culture, and technology in our society."
Oct 9th, 2017 by County Executive Chris AbeleOver $140,000 in Cash and Production Services Awarded at Milwaukee Film Festival
$87,000 in cash and over $60,000 in production services awarded
Oct 9th, 2017 by Milwaukee FilmMilwaukee County Office on African American Affairs Announces Confirmation of Nicole Brookshire as Director of the Office on African American Affairs
Mrs. Brookshire’s confirmation comes following a comprehensive national search, a series of public listening sessions and meetings with key social justice stakeholders.
Sep 29th, 2017 by Milwaukee County Office on African American AffairsCounty Board Set to Begin Public Deliberations on 2018 Budget
"County Executive Abele continues to ignore the will of the voters, who opposed his $60 wheel tax by a landslide 72% margin in April."
Sep 28th, 2017 by County Board Chairman Theodore Lipscomb, Sr.County Executive Chris Abele Shares Highlights of County Budget
Abele Highlights Plans for New International Terminal at Airport, New Resources to Address Opioid Epidemic, Progress on Ending Chronic Homelessness
Sep 28th, 2017 by County Executive Chris AbeleJohnson criticizes Milwaukee County Executive’s continued push for a $60 wheel tax
"Executive Abele continues to push his tax first policy to cover budget mismanagement."
Sep 25th, 2017 by Tim JohnsonCounty Board Chairman Lipscomb Opposes $60 Wheel Tax
"After 72% of voters rejected Abele's $60 wheel tax this spring, he must be tone deaf to reintroduce what remains a bad idea."
Sep 22nd, 2017 by County Board Chairman Theodore Lipscomb, Sr.County Executive Abele Announces New Dedicated Revenue for County Parks and Transportation in 2018 Budget
Public Input Received Through Engage MKE Initiative Prioritizes New Revenue Over Service Cuts
Sep 22nd, 2017 by County Executive Chris AbelePattern of Poor Judgment Revealed by String of Departures
County Board Chairman Theodore Lipscomb, Sr., spoke out Tuesday regarding a rapidly growing list of departures by high-level managers in the Abele administration
Sep 19th, 2017 by County Board Chairman Theodore Lipscomb, Sr.Free Bus Rides, Free Stickers and Free Admission – Take Your Kid on the Bus Day Features Something for Everyone
Families across Milwaukee County can leave their cars, minivans and SUVs at home on Saturday, September 23rd
Sep 19th, 2017 by Milwaukee County Transit SystemAbele Appointee to County Office on African American Affairs Wins Unanimous Support from County Board’s Economic Development Committee
OAAA Poised to Continue Important Workforce Development Work Under Director Nicole Brookshire
Sep 18th, 2017 by County Executive Chris AbeleChinese Lantern Festival Opening at County’s Boerner Botanical Gardens, Sept. 22
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele announced today that the world-class Chinese lantern festival, China Lights: The Magic Returns, will open to the public Sept. 22 at Boerner Botanical Gardens.
Sep 15th, 2017 by County Executive Chris AbeleDowntown debuts Key to Change meters on Sept. 13 to aid in ending chronic homelessness
Seven parking meters retrofitted to collect coin donations for quality-of-life programs
Sep 11th, 2017 by Milwaukee Downtown, BID 21County Executive Chris Abele Statement on DACA
"These young immigrants are our friends and neighbors..."
Sep 5th, 2017 by County Executive Chris AbeleMilwaukee Film Receives Continued and Increased Support From Sponsors
Presenting Sponsor, Associated Bank, expands partnership through Milwaukee Film Checking 30 new sponsors provide increase of $301,000 in cash & in-kind support
Aug 31st, 2017 by Milwaukee FilmPresenting the Milwaukee Filmmaker Alliance
Former DreamWorks SKG executive hired as director of new organization created to cultivate, connect, and catalyze Milwaukee area film industry
Aug 29th, 2017 by Milwaukee FilmCelebratory Topping Off Ceremony Held at New Bucks Arena
The new state-of-the-art Bucks arena is currently 55 percent complete and will open in the fall of 2018.
Aug 24th, 2017 by Milwaukee BucksLaughter, Inspiration, & Cocktails: Milwaukee Film Reveals Spotlight Presentations
Director and subjects set to attend inspiring Opening Night film STUMPED. U.S. Premiere scheduled for documentary celebrating creative cocktails, Schumann’s Bar Talks.
Aug 24th, 2017 by Milwaukee FilmTraveling Beer Garden Moves to Final Stop for 2017 Season
The Traveling Beer Garden is open from 4-10pm on Mondays to Fridays and 11am-10pm on weekends.
Aug 23rd, 2017 by County Executive Chris AbelePublic Information Meeting: Proposed Designation of Multi-Use Trail in Milwaukee River Parkway, in Glendale
The trail will provide new recreational opportunities in the northeast region of Milwaukee County.
Aug 22nd, 2017 by Milwaukee County ParksMilwaukee Film Announces Full Lineup of Cream City Cinema Program
Popular annual program supports local filmmakers with $12,500 in cash prizes to be awarded. WebsterX, The Fatty Acids, and IshDARR music videos to be a part of shorts showcase
Aug 22nd, 2017 by Milwaukee FilmNational Association of Counties Appoints Milwaukee County Supervisor David L. Sartori to Leadership Positions
"I'm honored to represent Milwaukee County as part of the leadership team of the National Association of Counties," said Sartori.
Aug 21st, 2017 by Sup. David SartoriMilwaukee Film Announces Return of Cine Sin Fronteras Program
Latinx diaspora program expanded after successful inaugural year
Aug 16th, 2017 by Milwaukee FilmMilwaukee Film Announces Full Black Lens Program Lineup
John Ridley returns with new documentary Let It Fall: Los Angeles 1982-1992. Program expands with total of 8 feature films and 2 shorts programs
Aug 15th, 2017 by Milwaukee FilmWasserman to Propose Pay Caps Tied to County Exec’s Salary
The issue of setting salaries and awarding raises was the subject of a recent lawsuit between the County Board and the County Executive.
Aug 10th, 2017 by Sup. Sheldon WassermanBack-To-School Festival at King Park, Saturday
For families with back-to-school budgets that are stretched thin, the festival highlight will be the free backpack and school-supply giveaway.
Aug 10th, 2017 by Milwaukee County Parks5th Annual IndiaFest Milwaukee Returns to Humboldt Park Aug. 19
Over the past four years, the outdoor festival focused entirely on India has continued to grow.
Aug 10th, 2017 by Milwaukee County Parks“Shining Example”: Public Policy Forum Praises County Executive Abele’s #EngageMKE Initiative
The Engage MKE initiative allows County residents to balance their own budget for Milwaukee County.
Aug 9th, 2017 by County Executive Chris AbeleTicket Sales Begin for World-Class Chinese Lantern Festival at Boerner Botanical Gardens, Sept. 22–Oct. 22
The magical glow of nearly 50 larger-than-life sculptural displays will illuminate 10 acres of Milwaukee’s renowned Boerner Botanical Gardens
Aug 8th, 2017 by Milwaukee County ParksSupervisors Override Abele Veto of Salary Limits for Appointees
The County Executive failed to act on more than $21 million in allocations authorized by the Board of Supervisors during their July meeting.
Aug 3rd, 2017 by County Board Chairman Theodore Lipscomb, Sr.Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele Announces 2018 Budget Listening Sessions
These sessions will be interactive and are designed to provide meaningful and detailed feedback from all participants.
Aug 3rd, 2017 by County Executive Chris AbeleMilwaukee County Executive Chris Abele Reaffirms Commitment to Affordable Care Act, Women’s Healthcare Protections
Milwaukee County has experienced a 58 percent reduction in the County’s uninsured rate since the law took effect
Aug 1st, 2017 by County Executive Chris AbeleProfessional Golfers to Compete at Brown Deer Park Golf Course, Aug. 4-6
The field of 156 golfers from 31 countries will be competing for a $100,000 total tournament purse.
Aug 1st, 2017 by Milwaukee County ParksSupervisors Limit Excessive Pay for Top Political Appointees
Move Requires Implementation of Executive Pay Caps Adopted in 2013
Jul 27th, 2017 by County Board Chairman Theodore Lipscomb, Sr.Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele Statement on Foxconn Announcement
Abele Lauds Bipartisan Effort to Bring Good Jobs, Opportunity, and Innovation to Wisconsin
Jul 26th, 2017 by County Executive Chris AbeleChinese Lantern Festival to Return to Boerner Botanical Gardens, Sept. 22-Oct. 22
The 2017 festival will feature nearly 50 handmade, brilliantly lighted, giant-sized lantern displays.
Jul 24th, 2017 by Milwaukee County ParksMilwaukee Bucks Foundation Grants $1 Million to Local Nonprofits
Fifteen Milwaukee organizations to receive funds from the Foundation
Jul 19th, 2017 by Milwaukee BucksMayor Barrett Supports Siting Foxconn Facility in Southeastern Wisconsin
Please see the attached letter regarding my support for Foxconn facility’s location in Southeastern Wisconsin.
Jul 17th, 2017 by Tom BarrettCounty Investments in South Shore Park Pay Off
Beach and Park Upgrades Pushed by Supervisor Dimitrijevic Nearly Complete
Jul 14th, 2017 by Ald. Marina DimitrijevicKeg Tappings on Wednesday will mark halfway point of beer garden season & celebrate $20,000 of park upgrades
Beer gardens are continuing to help fund upgrades and improvements to parks throughout the county.
Jul 11th, 2017 by Milwaukee County ParksA Balancing Act: What We’ve Learned So Far
"I’m so encouraged by the thoughtful feedback we’ve received from Engage Milwaukee contributors who have balanced their own budget for the County."
Jul 7th, 2017 by County Executive Chris AbeleCounty Executive Abele Announces Retirement Sustainability Taskforce
"Our current pension system is overly complicated and unsustainable."
Jun 29th, 2017 by County Executive Chris AbeleExamination of Pension System Confirms Systemic Errors Span At Least Three Decades
"This examination also confirms that this kind of piecemeal reform strategy is a total failure for our system."
Jun 28th, 2017 by County Executive Chris AbeleMilwaukee County Behavioral Health Division Announces Community Priorities in 2018 Budget Request Narrative
Behavioral Health Division and Mental Health Board encourage public to submit feedback
Jun 26th, 2017 by Milwaukee County Behavioral Health DivisionMilwaukee Film Announces Dramatic Expansion, Leases Oriental Theatre for 31 Years
Secures Largest Gift In Its History: $2,000,000 from Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele
Jun 18th, 2017 by Milwaukee FilmCounty Executive Abele Announces Launch of “Engage Milwaukee” Initiative
Using a new software platform residents will be able to design and share their own budget for Milwaukee County.
Jun 14th, 2017 by County Executive Chris AbeleMilwaukee County Executive Chris Abele Announces Appointment of Nicole Brookshire as Director of the Office on African American Affairs
Brookshire was selected as the top candidate from a group of 250 by the OAAA Transition Committee.
Jun 13th, 2017 by County Executive Chris AbeleFyxation Bicycle Co. & Milwaukee County Parks team up to launch Traveling Beer Garden custom bicycle
The bicycles will be on display at each of the Traveling Beer Garden stops throughout summer.
Jun 5th, 2017 by Milwaukee County ParksAbele Stands Up for Milwaukee County
In a series of vetoes, Abele took steps to preserve pay for County workers, ensure the Zoo can proceed with upgrades, and expand community placement options for youth as an alternative to Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake.
Jun 1st, 2017 by County Executive Chris AbeleCourt Rules Against Abele Again, Denies Stay
The court found that County Executive Abele failed to demonstrate a "strong showing for success" on appeal.
Jun 1st, 2017 by County Board Chairman Theodore Lipscomb, Sr.






































































