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 11
Contribution to Jason Fields of $6,000
September 23, 2019 - View Report
Contribution to Cavalier Johnson of $834
February 13, 2017 - View Report
Contribution to Ashanti Hamilton of $770
February 8, 2016 - View Report
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
County Free Bus-Ride Program Faces Shortfall
Free rides for seniors and disabled could cost $4 million, causing service cuts or fare hikes.
Sep 28th, 2015 by Graham Kilmer
Puppies & Kittens! Milwaukee Film Festival Unveils 2015 Sponsor Trailer
Sponsor Trailer a collaboration with Wisconsin Humane Society
Sep 25th, 2015 by Milwaukee Film
MillerCoors Celebrates 160 Years
Event attendees celebrate "Miller Time" with a lager from 1855.
Sep 24th, 2015 by Michael Holloway
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 Sign Contract for Park East Land
Press conference with Abele celebrates award of 10 acres of county land for $1 and big dreams.
Sep 9th, 2015 by Michael Horne
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
Civic Groups Fight MPS “Takeover” Plan
Coalition of 22 groups assails state plan giving county exec power over struggling schools.
Aug 27th, 2015 by Brendan O’Brien
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
Questions Remain on “Opportunity Schools”
Republican plan giving Abele power over low-performing MPS schools offers few details.
Aug 25th, 2015 by Joe Yeado
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
Will Bucks Break Their Lease?
Why the new arena deal will not lock down the franchise in Milwaukee
Aug 11th, 2015 by Pat Small
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
Abele and Lubar Help Startup Businesses
M7 region needs more entrepreneurs to reinvent economy.
Aug 4th, 2015 by John Torinus
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
Is Abele Dumping the Marcus Center?
Its takeover by new “Super District” running Bucks arena looks fishy.
Jul 28th, 2015 by Bruce Murphy
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
Why Bucks’ Entertainment District May Fail
Across the country these mega-projects have hurt cities with generic development that banishes local charm.
Jul 14th, 2015 by Bruce Murphy
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
Abele Bids to Be King?
Proposal increasing county exec’s authority is a naked power grab with no public discussion or hearings and dangerously unforeseen consequences.
Jul 7th, 2015 by Bruce Murphy
Statement on Action Taken during Today’s Joint Finance Committee Meeting
These legislative improvements will help Milwaukee County expand its impact on economic development and quality of life.
Jul 6th, 2015 by County Executive Chris Abele
Chairwoman Dimitrijevic Responds to Proposals that Would Wipe-Out Public Transparency and Erase Checks and Balances in Milwaukee County Government
Requests that Assembly and Senate Remove Item #67 in Motion #999 from the State Budget
Jul 6th, 2015 by Ald. Marina Dimitrijevic
County Executive Abele Announces All MCTS Bus Rides Are FREE on Monday
Union leaders said they will allow their members to go back on the job Saturday, July 4, 2015.
Jul 3rd, 2015 by County Executive Chris Abele
Who’s To Blame for Bus Strike?
The union? Chris Abele? John Weishan? Scott Walker? A frank assessment.
Jul 2nd, 2015 by Bruce Murphy
Weishan Says Abele Rides in Comfort While Average Citizens Wait for the Bus
“Abele’s anti-worker demands have led to a strike by Amalgamated Transit Union Local 998...”
Jul 1st, 2015 by Sup. John F. Weishan, Jr.
County Executive Calls on Union to Restore Transit Service as soon as Possible
Throughout negotiations, the County has and will continue to remain focused on one outcome only – the best service for transit riders now and in the future.
Jun 30th, 2015 by County Executive Chris Abele
15 Myths About The Bus Strike (and More)
Bus service continuing, but union president references more potential work stoppages. What else did he say?
Jun 30th, 2015 by Jeramey Jannene
Supervisor Weishan Calls Out County Executive on Selling Out Taxpayers
Weishan Calls Giving Away County Assets Irresponsible
Jun 30th, 2015 by Sup. John F. Weishan, Jr.
County Executive Abele’s Statement on Today’s Ruling Allowing Couture Construction
I appreciate Judge Foley's clear decision allowing the redevelopment of the underused Downtown Transit Center to move forward.
Jun 26th, 2015 by County Executive Chris Abele
Love and Equality Win Again!
County Executive Abele Applauds Supreme Court Ruling in Favor of Equality
Jun 26th, 2015 by County Executive Chris Abele
Supervisor Patricia Jursik Thanks the County Board for an Emergency Provision to Fix Pedestrian Foot Bridge
In May, the bridge finally washed out for the last time, and it was deemed too broken to replace.
Jun 25th, 2015 by Patricia Jursik
Transit Expansion Urged
Milwaukee is far behind other cities, which will make it harder to attract young workers, experts at conference agreed.
Jun 25th, 2015 by Michael Horne
Milwaukee County Adopts S.E.E.D. Legislation
Supervisors override executive veto of program to eliminate “food deserts” among elderly, low-income neighborhoods in Milwaukee County
Jun 25th, 2015 by Ald. Marina Dimitrijevic
Our Children “Are Not For Sale”
Local coalition uses shocking ads on bus shelters and vending machines to combat human trafficking.
Jun 19th, 2015 by Allison Dikanovic
Communication Breakdown at Milwaukee County?
Will Wisconsin Center District take over the Marcus Center? Frustrated supervisors grill Abele administration and get nowhere.
Jun 17th, 2015 by Hayley Keith
Supervisor Jursik Says County Arena Funding Plan is “Unconscionable”
"Bad Debt Not a Revenue Stream"
Jun 15th, 2015 by Patricia Jursik
An End to Chronic Homelessness?
That's the aim of a new joint county/city venture led by Chris Abele.
Jun 15th, 2015 by Hayley Keith
“Wisconsin Is a Hub of Human Trafficking…”
"And Milwaukee harbors its pimp school!" Government officials and civic leaders announce a marketing campaign to raise awareness of child trafficking.
Jun 12th, 2015 by Laura Thompson
New Housing Program for Homeless
Journey House program serves those aged 18-25.
Jun 12th, 2015 by Jabril Faraj
How Abele Bailed Out Walker
Governor made fatal error on Bucks arena, but Abele volunteered county taxpayers to solve the problem.
Jun 11th, 2015 by Bruce Murphy
Sup. John Weishan, Jr.: Missed Opportunity for Growth with Bad Arena and Park East Plan
Weishan Calls County Arena Financing Plan “Unworkable”
Jun 8th, 2015 by Sup. John F. Weishan, Jr.
Plan to End Chronic Homelessness in Milwaukee County
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele will unveil a new plan to end chronic homelessness in Milwaukee County with Mayor Tom Barrett at the site of the new Thurgood Marshall Apartments on Tuesday, June 9.
Jun 8th, 2015 by County Executive Chris Abele
A Weekend of Gay Pride
Pridefest gets all the attention, but the Pride Parade is a true slice of Milwaukee that draws a very diverse crowd.
Jun 5th, 2015 by Michael Horne
Cheaper to Keep Them: State and Local Arena Plan
For every dollar the state invests, state taxpayers will get a $3 return through income tax revenue
Jun 4th, 2015 by Gov. Scott Walker
Abele Plan for Bucks Arena Won’t Work
The county has nowhere near $4 million in annual debt for state to collect -- and Abele may lack the power to deliver it.
Jun 4th, 2015 by Bruce Murphy
Milwaukee County to Lead Development of Bus Rapid Transit Service
County Executive Chris Abele has directed the Milwaukee County Department of Transportation to explore connecting the region’s two biggest job centers with Bus Rapid Transit service.
Jun 2nd, 2015 by County Executive Chris Abele
Arena Funding Plan on Life Support; Time for Plan B
Statement of Alderman Robert J. Bauman June 2, 2015
Jun 2nd, 2015 by Ald. Bob Bauman
Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors set Public Hearing on Proposal to Develop Park East Land
Invites Public to the Table
Jun 2nd, 2015 by Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors
Arena Plan is Massive Tax Shift to Milwaukee
County taxpayers will pay far more than predicted, as state legislators back away from the deal.
May 29th, 2015 by Bruce Murphy
Cesar Chavez’s Birthday Becomes Minor Holiday for County Employees
Latino Civil Rights Leader to be Honored Annually on His Birthday, Resolution Allows Employees to Attend “Chavez Day of Action”
May 20th, 2015 by Ald. Marina Dimitrijevic
County Executive to Open New Season of Traveling Beer Garden™
Milwaukee County Parks Adds Second Tour in 2015
May 15th, 2015 by County Executive Chris Abele
The Greater Milwaukee Foundation Offers Free MCTS Rides for EVERYONE on April 28th
Rides on all MCTS buses will be free for everyone on April 28, 2015 thanks to the Greater Milwaukee Foundation.
Apr 27th, 2015 by Milwaukee County Transit System
New Outdoor Cafe for Public Market?
Plus, a new parking plan for the Pritzlaff Building and a huge increase in wedding bookings at the Pritzlaff. All were revealed at Third Ward ARB meeting.
Apr 23rd, 2015 by Michael Horne
