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
Announcing 2016 Milwaukee Film Festival Dates: September 22 – October 6
Donald and Donna Baumgartner renew support with organization’s largest gift to date
Feb 2nd, 2016 by Milwaukee Film
Supervisor Steve F. Taylor Demands Department on Aging Remain Independent
He Also Asks That Interim Director Jonette Arms Be Made Permanent Director
Jan 28th, 2016 by Steve F. Taylor
New Poll Shows County Executive Race Close
Poll Shows Abele Highly Unpopular, Larson within Striking Distance
Jan 27th, 2016 by State Sen. Chris Larson
Citizen Action of Wisconsin Endorses Chris Larson for Milwaukee County Executive
Citizen Action of Wisconsin has 12,812 members in Milwaukee County.
Jan 26th, 2016 by Citizen Action of Wisconsin
An End of an Era – MCTS Produces Last Paper Passes
The final weekly pass includes an image of the first pass from May 4, 1930 on the back side.
Jan 26th, 2016 by Milwaukee County Transit System
Quotations from the campaign trail
1/17/16 - 1/24/16
Jan 25th, 2016 by Joseph Thomas Klein
Chris Abele Sends Campaign Dollars Out-Of-State
According to his campaign finance reports, Abele paid a Chicago-based direct mail firm, The Strategy Group, almost $300,000.
Jan 24th, 2016 by State Sen. Chris Larson
Civil Service Protections Need to be Restored
The weakening of civil service protections can lead to cronyism and corruption.
Jan 20th, 2016 by State Sen. Chris Larson
Chris Larson Congratulates Deputy Graduating Class of 2016
“Under Abele, we continue to fall short of our public safety goals.”
Jan 12th, 2016 by State Sen. Chris Larson
Supervisor Romo West Applauds County Executive’s Efforts to End “Chronic Homelessness”
But She Says Abele Has Done Little or Nothing to Help “Situational Homelessness”
Jan 12th, 2016 by Sup. Peggy A. West
As Concerns Over Homelessness in Milwaukee Increase, Chris Larson Addresses County Executive Abele’s Insufficient Emergency Shelter Funding
“County Executive Abele has actually lectured homeless shelters on searching for other sources of funding while simultaneously requesting $100,000 taxpayer money to fund his private armed bodyguards.”
Jan 11th, 2016 by State Sen. Chris Larson
Chris Larson’s Statement on Corporate Interest Loophole in New Campaign Finance Law
"Wisconsin should follow our long tradition of open, transparent government. The latest changing of the rules by Republicans currently in power shuts the public out of what their government is up to and why."
Jan 9th, 2016 by State Sen. Chris Larson
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele Announces Next Major Economic Development in Park East
New Proposal Will Create Jobs, Expand Property Tax Base
Dec 30th, 2015 by County Executive Chris Abele
Milwaukee County Declares Snow Emergency On Monday, December 28th, Effective at 2:30PM, CST
Pursuant to this declaration, all non-essential departments will be closed for the safety of our employees and the public, and are scheduled to re-open tomorrow.
Dec 28th, 2015 by County Executive Chris Abele
Abele Cannot Dodge Judicial Review
Lipscomb Says Let the Court Decide
Dec 22nd, 2015 by County Board Chairman Theodore Lipscomb, Sr.
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele endorses Joe Donald for Wisconsin Supreme Court
“Judge Joe Donald is a dedicated public servant who has consistently put politics aside to deliver justice fairly,” said County Executive Chris Abele.
Dec 18th, 2015 by Joe Donald
What’s on County Executive Chris Abele’s Holiday Wish List?
1. Power 2. More Power 3. Less Public Oversight
Dec 16th, 2015 by County Board Chairman Theodore Lipscomb, Sr.
Supervisor Supreme Moore Omokunde Troubled By Lincoln Hills Allegations
Calls for Juvenile Justice System Reform in Wisconsin
Dec 11th, 2015 by State Rep. Supreme Moore Omokunde
Supervisor Weishan Criticizes County Executive Chris Abele Over Sheriff’s Department Defunding
The Sheriff’s Department Proved Their Commitment to Milwaukee County
Dec 11th, 2015 by Sup. John F. Weishan, Jr.
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele Congratulates County Child Support Attorney Kristela Cervera on Receipt of Statewide Award
Milwaukee County’s Department of Child Support Services continues to set records and win awards as they empower children and families, with County Child Support Attorney Kristela Cervera being named the Child Support Attorney of the Year
Nov 30th, 2015 by County Executive Chris Abele
Budget Discussion with Alderman Nik Kovac and County Executive Abele
Alderman Nik Kovac and County Executive Chris Abele invite you to join them for a town hall discussion on both the city and county budgets
Nov 30th, 2015 by Nik Kovac
City of Milwaukee, Milwaukee County Host 9th Annual Holiday Drive
Items Collected to Support Local Veterans and Families
Nov 25th, 2015 by City of Milwaukee
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele Announces $100,000 Grant From Bader Philanthropies to Support Housing First initiative
Foundation supports County-wide collaborative to end chronic homelessness
Nov 25th, 2015 by County Executive Chris Abele
Help the Less Fortunate this Holiday Season and Stuff the Bus
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele and Waukesha County Executive Paul Farrow Will Help Collect Food at Noon
Nov 24th, 2015 by Milwaukee County Transit System
Supervisors Haas, Weishan Blast County Executive Chris Abele Over Sex Offender Placement
They Received Little Notice of County Decision of “Inappropriate Placement”
Nov 20th, 2015 by Sup. Jason Haas
MCTS Launches the FAVRE LINE to Honor Packers Legend
Passengers and Fans Will Have One Week to Ride the FAVRE LINE
Nov 19th, 2015 by Milwaukee County Transit System
County Board Overrides Abele’s Vetoes
Board Action Includes Restoration of $4 Million in Funding for Public Safety
Nov 19th, 2015 by Sup. Jason Haas
County Board Restores $4 Million of County Executive’s Cuts to Public Safety
Board Overrides Veto of Funding for Public Safety
Nov 18th, 2015 by County Board Chairman Theodore Lipscomb, Sr.
Supervisor John Weishan, Jr. Calls Out County Executive on “Personal Vendetta” Against Sheriff Clarke
Weishan Calls for County Board to Override Abele’s Veto of Funding Restoration to Sheriff’s Department
Nov 17th, 2015 by Sup. John F. Weishan, Jr.
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele Announces Budget Vetoes
Abele Budget Holds the Line on Property Taxes and Calls for Removal of Estabrook Dam
Nov 17th, 2015 by County Executive Chris Abele
MCTS Launches Another Upgrade for Riders
1-Day Pass Available to Buy on the Bus Beginning Sunday
Nov 13th, 2015 by Milwaukee County Transit System
Abele made right choice in Demond Means
“I believe Mr. Means has what it takes to get the job done.”
Nov 12th, 2015 by State Sen. Lena Taylor
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele Appoints MPS Graduate, Long-Time Public School Advocate Dr. Demond Means Commissioner of Opportunity Schools Program
Dr. Means is a graduate of Milwaukee’s Riverside University High School.
Nov 12th, 2015 by County Executive Chris Abele
Oak Leaf Trail Extension Bike-Chain-Cutting Ceremony Celebrates Milwaukee Lakefront to Ozaukee Interurban Trail Connection
Bridges along the corridor were instrumental in providing unimpeded access over I-43, Port Washington Road, Silver Spring Drive, the Milwaukee River Parkway, and the Milwaukee River.
Nov 11th, 2015 by Milwaukee County Parks
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele Statement on Veterans Day
“Today I’m honored to celebrate our nation’s heroes and thank them for the sacrifices they’ve made to keep us safe and protect our freedoms.”
Nov 11th, 2015 by County Executive Chris Abele
Chairman Lipscomb: County Board Passes Responsible Budget
More Money for Public Safety, Less Borrowing, and a Balanced Budget
Nov 9th, 2015 by County Board Chairman Theodore Lipscomb, Sr.
Milwaukee County Board Passes Measure Calling for Creation of an Office on African American Affairs
Resolution by Supervisor Khalif Rainey Seeks to Identify and Address Issues In the African American Community
Nov 5th, 2015 by Ald. Khalif Rainey
Sup. Jursik: Softball, Baseball Diamonds in South Shore Parks Suffer Under County Executive Abele
She Says South Shore Diamonds Could Have Been Repaired With $300,000 Surplus in Parks Revenue
Nov 5th, 2015 by Patricia Jursik
County Supervisor Moore Omokunde has lost patience with Sheriff David Clarke
Says Clarke’s Comments About “Black Lives Matter,” Personal Attacks, Have “Ventured Out of Bounds”
Nov 4th, 2015 by State Rep. Supreme Moore Omokunde
Milwaukee County Board to Hold Budget Public Hearing November 2
Hearing at 6:30 p.m. at Mitchell Park Domes; Public Invited to Speak Out on Budget Issues
Oct 30th, 2015 by Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors
Supervisor Rainey Calls for Office on African American Affairs
Office to Identify Ways to Improve Quality of Life for African Americans
Oct 28th, 2015 by Ald. Khalif Rainey
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele Statement on Sup. Rainey’s Resolution Creating Office on African American Affairs
“Study after study, and statistic after statistic, confirms that racial and ethnic disparities exist in Milwaukee and are having a harmful effect on families and communities."
Oct 27th, 2015 by County Executive Chris Abele
MATC Board Politicized by GOP and Chamber of Commerce
Reverend Julian Jasper, a former MATC board member, said, “The legislative changes drafted by the MMAC are undemocratic.”
Oct 26th, 2015 by Press Release
A Democracy with out Debate is a Farce
I am dedicated to the dream of transforming our society into a just society, where social and civil rights are upheld for all citizens, including the powerless.
Oct 23rd, 2015 by Joseph Thomas Klein
Lawsuit Filed Against County Executive Chris Abele
The following is a statement from Milwaukee County Board Chairman Theodore Lipscomb, Sr., on the filing of a lawsuit against County Executive Chris Abele
Oct 22nd, 2015 by County Board Chairman Theodore Lipscomb, Sr.
Breaking News! Contract Ratified by 81% of ATU Local 998 Members
ATU Local 998 president James Macon released this statement.
Oct 21st, 2015 by Amalgamated Transit Union Local 998
County Executive Chris Abele “Hiding” From Public
He Refuses Three Requests From County Board to Answer Questions in Public Forum
Oct 20th, 2015 by County Board Chairman Theodore Lipscomb, Sr.
Public Policy Forum Agrees: Milwaukee County is “Turning the Corner” Under County Executive Abele
County’s “Diligent Efforts” Lead to “Positive” State of Affairs
Oct 20th, 2015 by County Executive Chris Abele
Flexible services help more Milwaukee County residents apply for energy assistance
New locations, new approach put applications 26% ahead of last year
Oct 15th, 2015 by County Executive Chris Abele
County Executive Cuts Millions from Sheriff’s Department
Sheriff David Clarke told the Finance committee that the Executive’s budget “gives me no chance to succeed in terms of balancing the budget.”
Oct 14th, 2015 by County Board Chairman Theodore Lipscomb, Sr.
2015 Milwaukee Film Festival Attracts 70,885 Attendees for a 10% Increase Over 2014
The Allan H. (Bud) and Suzanne L. Selig Audience Award for feature film goes to Romeo is Bleeding
Oct 13th, 2015 by Milwaukee Film
“Very Strong Management”
S&P Affirms Milwaukee County Bond Rating Under County Executive Abele’s Leadership
Oct 12th, 2015 by County Executive Chris Abele
Statement from Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele
Statement from Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele on State Sentator Larson’s announcement of candidacy for County Executive.
Oct 12th, 2015 by County Executive Chris Abele
Supervisor Taylor Announces Town Hall Meetings
Meetings set for October 14 & 22
Oct 12th, 2015 by Steve F. Taylor
Truth in Advertising: Games, Claims and Frames
A Review of the Milwaukee County 2016 Budget
Oct 9th, 2015 by Patricia Jursik
Abele Raids Reserves in Attempted Budget Bail-Out
Uses About $20 Million to Cover Pension Error. And $4 Million for Bucks Arena
Oct 9th, 2015 by County Board Chairman Theodore Lipscomb, Sr.
Milwaukee County to Host Job Fair for Veterans Thursday, October 8th
More than 80 employers will be present at the job fair.
Oct 7th, 2015 by County Executive Chris Abele
Milwaukee Transit Workers Reject MCTS Proposal
The union has sent a letter to MCTS requesting they come back to the bargaining table to resume negotiations.
Oct 5th, 2015 by Amalgamated Transit Union Local 998
Milwaukee Transit Workers to Vote on MCTS Proposal Tomorrow
“This proposal doesn’t make sense for our members or for Milwaukee riders.”
Oct 4th, 2015 by Amalgamated Transit Union Local 998
Supervisor Michael Mayo, Sr. Expresses “Shock and Disappointment” at County Executive’s Remarks About African Americans
“What Was Chris Abele Thinking When He Addressed African American Concerns?” Mayo Asks
Oct 1st, 2015 by Sup. Michael Mayo
Supervisor Moore Omokunde Offended by County Executive’s Remarks
Says Chris Abele’s Comments on African Americans “Worthy of Talk Radio,” Not a Leader
Oct 1st, 2015 by State Rep. Supreme Moore Omokunde
Supervisors Rainey and Weddle Outraged by County Executive’s Comments at Budget Address
They Say Chris Abele Lacks Sensitivity on Issues Affecting African Americans
Oct 1st, 2015 by Ald. Khalif Rainey
Puppies & Kittens! Milwaukee Film Festival Unveils 2015 Sponsor Trailer
Sponsor Trailer a collaboration with Wisconsin Humane Society
Sep 25th, 2015 by Milwaukee Film
Milwaukee County DHHS launches new energy assistance application program
Community events on Saturday, September 26 aim to raise awareness, help people apply
Sep 24th, 2015 by Milwaukee County
Milwaukee County Executive Abele Statement on City of Milwaukee Vote to Approve Arena Financing
“Today is a great day for Milwaukee.”
Sep 22nd, 2015 by County Executive Chris Abele
Chairman Lipscomb Commends Abele on Uplift MKE Proposal
UpLift MKE Similar to Ready to Work Initiative Created by Lipscomb, Former Supervisor Eyon Biddle, Sr.
Sep 22nd, 2015 by County Board Chairman Theodore Lipscomb, Sr.
Milwaukee fights back against school takeovers with “walk-ins” at more than 100 public schools
Thousands of parents, educators, students and community leaders held “walk-ins” at more than 100 public schools across the city of Milwaukee.
Sep 18th, 2015 by Milwaukee Teachers’ Education Association
500th Purple Heart Pass Issued
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele, Milwaukee County Veterans Service Office Announce Issuance of 500th Purple Heart Pass
Sep 18th, 2015 by County Executive Chris Abele
Milwaukee Film Festival Announces Over 100 Expected Guests
Headliners include actors Raven-Symoné and John Ashton; documentary subjects April Carrión and Moziah Bridges; award-winning directors Chad Gracia and Stanley Nelson
Sep 17th, 2015 by Milwaukee Film
Abele Thumbs Nose at Court
Attempts to Ignore County Policy on Estabrook Dam
Sep 15th, 2015 by County Board Chairman Theodore Lipscomb, Sr.
Abele Exceeds His Authority
Outside Lawyers Seek to Clarify Limits of His Power
Sep 10th, 2015 by County Board Chairman Theodore Lipscomb, Sr.
2015 Milwaukee Film Festival Box Office Now Open
Opening Night Party melds film and community with audience, donors and sponsors
Sep 10th, 2015 by Milwaukee Film
Bucks Statement on Park East Purchase Agreement
“We’re grateful for the leadership of County Executive Chris Abele and his team to seize this opportunity to revitalize the heart of downtown Milwaukee."
Sep 9th, 2015 by Milwaukee Bucks
Supervisor Taylor Says Park East Sale Lacks Transparency
Chairman of Economic and Community Development Committee calls sale a “Momentous Development,” happy Bucks are staying in milwaukee
Sep 9th, 2015 by Steve F. Taylor
Taxpayers Must Pay the Tab Chris Abele Ran Up
State of Milwaukee County Board Chairman Theo Lipscomb, Sr. on the sale of the Park East
Sep 9th, 2015 by County Board Chairman Theodore Lipscomb, Sr.
Milwaukee Film Festival Announces 2015 Panels
Chicago Tribune film critic, Michael Phillips, to deliver Keynote Address; Panels on Policing and Education highlight the imperative and topical nature of festival documentaries
Sep 8th, 2015 by Milwaukee Film
Milwaukee Film Festival Announces Full 2015 Lineup
Festival to open with Youth; Oscar winner Paolo Sorrentino’s new film stars Michael Caine & Harvey Keitel. Award-winning films plentiful in Documentary Festival Favorites and Worldviews programs
Sep 3rd, 2015 by Milwaukee Film
2015 Milwaukee Film Festival Announces Competition Films
Eight Feature Films Competing for $10,000 Cash Prize - South Milwaukee Native Chad Gracia’s The Russian Woodpecker Included
Sep 1st, 2015 by Milwaukee Film
2015 Milwaukee Film Festival Announces Cream City Cinema Lineup
The Milwaukee Music Video Show debuts as new program
Aug 27th, 2015 by Milwaukee Film
MCTS Driver Praised for Helping Elderly Passenger – And It Was Caught on Video
This is not the first time Chris has been nominated for a commendation for his actions on the job.
Aug 26th, 2015 by Milwaukee County Transit System
2015 Milwaukee Film Festival Announces Shorter Is Better Lineup
Presenting nearly 60 of the best festival-circuit short films and the return of the Shorter Is Better juried award
Aug 26th, 2015 by Milwaukee Film
Opening of Two New Memory Cafés Continues Progress Towards a Dementia Friendly Milwaukee County
Memory Cafés improve the quality of life for individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias.
Aug 25th, 2015 by County Executive Chris Abele
2015 Milwaukee Film Festival Announces Passport: Sweden Program
Passport: Sweden proves that cold weather produces cool art
Aug 25th, 2015 by Milwaukee Film
Executive Mismanagement and Poor Arena Negotiations Led to Larger Budget Gap
Chairman Lipscomb Responds to Five-Year Financial Forecast
Aug 24th, 2015 by County Board Chairman Theodore Lipscomb, Sr.
2015 Milwaukee Film Festival Announces Cinema Hooligante Films
Highlighted by 35 mm Anniversary Screenings of Jaws & The Shining
Aug 20th, 2015 by Milwaukee Film
Bright Cellars Closes $2 Million Seed Round
Bright Cellars is helping members discover what wines they love.
Aug 19th, 2015 by Bright Cellars
Amani Neighborhood and Milwaukee County to Celebrate Grand Re-Opening of Moody Park
A $2 million investment, the design of the new Moody Park recognizes the intergenerational diversity of the surrounding neighborhood and seeks to weave together different assets to foster community cohesion.
Aug 19th, 2015 by County Executive Chris Abele
2015 Milwaukee Film Festival Announces Return of Film Feast Program
Film Feast celebrates Milwaukee’s proud food culture with eight food-related films
Aug 18th, 2015 by Milwaukee Film
County Executive to Open New South Shore Terrace
The design of the South Shore Terrace is intended to bring the community together in celebration of Milwaukee’s natural beauty and storied history.
Aug 17th, 2015 by County Executive Chris Abele
2015 Milwaukee Film Festival Announces Rated K: For Kids
All-ages program features live action, animation and 20th Anniversary of Babe: The Gallant Pig
Aug 13th, 2015 by Milwaukee Film
County Executive Abele To Hold Budget Town Hall Meetings
County Executive Chris Abele invites the community to two town hall meetings on his 2016 Proposed Budget.
Aug 13th, 2015 by County Executive Chris Abele
2015 MFF Reveals Return of African-American-Focused Black Lens Program
Showcasing fiction and documentary films from emerging and established directors in the black community. The Johnson Controls Foundation provides new financial support.
Aug 12th, 2015 by Milwaukee Film
2015 Milwaukee Film Festival Announces Sound Vision Program
Music film program returns with scheduled appearance by legendary DJ Marco Collins. Koss joins as new sponsor, presenting the program and donating headphones
Aug 11th, 2015 by Milwaukee Film
Supervisors Weddle and Rainey Blast Chris Abele and Hector Colon Over Energy Assistance Contract
They say move to award energy assistance contract to UMOS and Community Advocates defies last week’s county board vote granting an extension to SDC.
Aug 6th, 2015 by Martin Weddle
MCTS Launches M•CARD Online
Passengers Can Now Buy and Refill M•CARDs from Smartphone or Computer
Aug 5th, 2015 by Milwaukee County Transit System
County Executive Abele Welcomes New County Board Chair
Congratulations to Supervisor Theo Lipscomb on being elected as the new Chair of the Milwaukee County Board.
Jul 30th, 2015 by County Executive Chris Abele
National Night Out in The Parks
Neighborhoods Celebrate Community in Area Parks
Jul 30th, 2015 by County Executive Chris Abele
Milwaukee County Residents Not Well-Represented in Arena Financing Plan
"A rose, by any other name, is still a rose"
Jul 29th, 2015 by Patricia Jursik
Milwaukee County Continues Transition toward a Robust Community-Based Model of Mental Health Care
The County is seeking a provider to provide inpatient, observation and emergency services.
Jul 16th, 2015 by County Executive Chris Abele
Downtown employees to enjoy week of summertime perks
Milwaukee Downtown to host Downtown Employee Appreciation Week July 27 – July 31
Jul 8th, 2015 by Milwaukee Downtown, BID 21
