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 12
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
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
How To Become An Entrepreneur
Panel at The Commons offers advice, encouragement, and anecdotes.
Apr 16th, 2015 by Jack Fennimore
Milwaukee County to be recognized as Silver Award winner at upcoming Well City Milwaukee event
The wellness program at Milwaukee County was designed and implemented with best practices based on what’s worked well in other organizations.
Apr 16th, 2015 by County Executive Chris Abele
County Executive Asks State Leaders to Build on Family Care’s Strength
MCDFC’s most recent quality audit noted measures in the Quality Management Program were 100% met.
Apr 15th, 2015 by County Executive Chris Abele
The Secret Tax Subsidy Society
Republicans and Democrats conspire to create stealth taxes to fund the NBA arena. Will they succeed?
Apr 14th, 2015 by Bruce Murphy
Bucks Plan Envisions Arena Streetcar
$1 billion plan for new arena and other development would transform Park East land and tear down Bradley Center.
Apr 8th, 2015 by Michael Horne
The Boom in Walker’s Point
A new project on South Water St. continues the pace of development.
Apr 6th, 2015 by Dave Reid
New App Helps Domestic Violence Victims
Created by Sojourner center and UWM students, it's available to 99 percent of smartphone users.
Apr 6th, 2015 by Andrea Waxman
Brewers Line Begins Service on Opening Day
Getting to Miller Park to cheer on the Brewers has never been easier with the MCTS Brewers Line getting you straight to the game.
Apr 3rd, 2015 by Milwaukee County Transit System
The Transportation Circus
Story and photos on Tuesday's celebration of transit in Milwaukee.
Apr 1st, 2015 by Grace Fuhr
Milwaukee County Board Chairwoman Marina Dimitrijevic Joins Dane County in Call for Indiana Travel Ban
Says Milwaukee County Taxpayer Dollars Should Not Be Spent in Indiana Due to State’s Discriminatory New “Religious Freedom” Law
Apr 1st, 2015 by Ald. Marina Dimitrijevic
Don’t Sell O’Donnell Park
The proposed plan is being sold as a chance to simply get bids from buyers, but it's really about selling our heritage to private developers.
Mar 24th, 2015 by John Lunz
Should City/County Donate More to NBA Arena?
Actually, local taxpayers will be donating $450 million. But the press won’t report the details.
Mar 24th, 2015 by Bruce Murphy
Milwaukee County Unveils Street Sign for Medal of Honor Recipient Gary Wetzel
Wetzel was a door gunner for the 173rd Assault Helicopter Company when his helicopter was shot down in Vietnam on January 8, 1968.
Mar 23rd, 2015 by County Executive Chris Abele
MCTS Names Brendan Conway Chief Marketing and Communication Officer
The Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) is proud to announce the hiring of Brendan Conway as its new Chief Marketing and Communications Officer.
Mar 18th, 2015 by Milwaukee County Transit System
Milwaukee County Parks Receives EPA Grant
$635,000 Grant for Great Lakes Restoration Initiative
Mar 17th, 2015 by Milwaukee County Parks
Mayor Barrett’s 2015 State of the City Address
Monday, March 9th, 2015 - Alverno College
Mar 9th, 2015 by Mayor Tom Barrett
Veterans’ job fair will be Thursday at War Memorial
Event will be 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 5; 80 employers expected
Mar 4th, 2015 by County Executive Chris Abele
HOC Finds Stolen Gun in Laundry Delivered from County Jail
The incident is under investigation, but it appears the weapon was snuck into the County jail.
Feb 23rd, 2015 by County Executive Chris Abele
Latest Pension Fix Explained
Supervisor Theo Lipscomb, Sr., issued the following statement regarding the latest pension fix:
Feb 17th, 2015 by County Board Chairman Theodore Lipscomb, Sr.
Critical Projects Move Forward; Dam Included
Supervisor Theo Lipscomb, Sr., issued the following statement regarding the veto of repair of Estabrook Dam:
Feb 17th, 2015 by County Board Chairman Theodore Lipscomb, Sr.
The County Board’s Anti-Environmental Boondoggle
Its Estabrook Dam decision will cost taxpayers millions and harm environment.
Feb 17th, 2015 by Bruce Murphy
County Board Offered Opportunity to Save Taxpayers $10 Million
Abele Asks Supervisors to Stop Pension Overpayments
Feb 16th, 2015 by County Executive Chris Abele
Streetcar Signing Is Quite a Celebration
The mayor, business leaders and pols toasted the streetcar in Cudahy's Irish Pub, with Michael Cudahy on hand.
Feb 13th, 2015 by Michael Horne
Milwaukeean Scores Top NYC Job
Phil Walzak, who ran campaigns for Kohl, Barrett and Abele, is now a high-paid aide and good buddy of New York Mayor de Blasio.
Feb 11th, 2015 by Michael Horne
County Exec Abele Announces MC Cares Program to Benefit Vets
County & State Partnership Helps Veterans Transitioning from Jail
Feb 9th, 2015 by County Executive Chris Abele
Supervisor Alexander Issues Statement on Pension Buy-In/Buy-Back
"This problem is not an issue of left versus right, Democrat versus Republican, or even management versus unions."
Feb 5th, 2015 by Sup. Deanna Alexander
New Plan to Sell O’Donnell Park Is A Mistake
Proposed resolution would allow county to sell O’Donnell Park for redevelopment by any private developer.
Feb 3rd, 2015 by John Lunz and Laurie Muench
Will County Pass Another Pension Giveaway?
Board members favor a “grandfather clause” protecting retirees with illegal payments that could cost taxpayers $10 million.
Feb 3rd, 2015 by Bruce Murphy
County Highway Worker Hit While Helping Car Stuck in the Snow
A Milwaukee County Highway Maintenance Supervisor was hit by a car around noon today near 73rd and Silver Spring Drive.
Feb 2nd, 2015 by County Executive Chris Abele
Crowd Celebrates City Birthday Party
Politicians, PR people and other notables schmoozed away. The best rumor was that Chief Flynn might be retiring.
Feb 2nd, 2015 by Michael Horne
Flip Flop Applesauce
Dysfunction Around the Estabrook Dam Continues at Milwaukee County as Finance Committee Votes to Switch County Policy on Dam. Again.
Jan 29th, 2015 by Milwaukee Riverkeeper
County Executive Abele Announces New Airport Director for MKE
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele is happy to announce Terry Slaybaugh as the new airport director for Mitchell International Airport (MKE)
Jan 28th, 2015 by County Executive Chris Abele
Second Traveling Beer Garden Tour Added for 2015
More than $400,000 Raised Last Year, Money Goes to Improve Parks
Jan 27th, 2015 by County Executive Chris Abele
Does Milwaukee Need an Aerotropolis?
Many cities have embraced concept of airport centered growth. Is Milwaukee falling behind?
Jan 15th, 2015 by Bruce Murphy
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration at King Center
“What a Beautiful World: A Salute to Those Who Protect and Serve” is the theme of this year’s public celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center, Monday, Jan. 19 at 3 p.m.
Jan 9th, 2015 by Milwaukee County Parks
Defining Lakefront Vision Moves Forward
Sale of Couture Development Approved
Dec 18th, 2014 by County Executive Chris Abele
New Express Bus Routes Start in January
The good news: Three new express routes will move riders more quickly across the county. The bad: transit system running out of money.
Dec 3rd, 2014 by Jeramey Jannene
Is O’Donnell Purchase a Sweetheart Deal?
Northwestern Mutual won’t sign full deed restriction for county deal, leaving it free to develop a high-rise development on lakefront land.
Nov 25th, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
UW-Extension and Hales Corners Wading Pool Amendments Stand, Capital Improvements Veto Overriden By County Board
Milwaukee County Supervisor Steve F. Taylor today issued the following statement.
Nov 20th, 2014 by Steve F. Taylor
Abele Proposes Budget Compromise That Will Add Transit & Deputies, Match Employee Health Care Contributions and Lower Taxes $2.2 Million
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele announced his vetoes today.
Nov 18th, 2014 by County Executive Chris Abele
Do Democrats Have a Future?
They need to get 55 percent of the vote to get back the legislature. Will any strategy work?
Nov 14th, 2014 by Bruce Thompson
51st Veterans Day Parade
Every branch of the service was represented, along with politicians, ROTC students, debutantes, Hmong police officers and military canines.
Nov 10th, 2014 by Michael Horne
The Tragedy of O’Donnell Park
The proposed sale to NML suggests the city has yet to learn from its folly in building this eyesore.
Oct 30th, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
Executive Order, Keystone: No on the pipeline, yes on the cops
Press release from the Red Arnold campaign
Oct 24th, 2014 by Red Arnold
County Executive Abele Reminds People That Guns Are Not Allowed at the Courthouse
MILWAUKEE – Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele wants to remind people that it is against the law to bring a gun to the Courthouse, even if you have a concealed carry license. In less than a month security officers have caught two people bringing guns into the Courthouse. In both instances the weapons were identified by security officers and sheriff’s deputies were immediately notified. “While public discussion around this issue has sometimes been confusing, let me be perfectly clear: state law does not allow people to bring weapons of any kind into the Courthouse. The specific statute is intended to keep public spaces like the Courthouse safe. We take the law and public safety very seriously,” County Executive Abele said. According to State Statute 175.60 (http://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/175/60), a licensee may not bring their weapon into “any portion of a building that is a county, state, or federal courthouse.”
Oct 23rd, 2014 by County Executive Chris Abele
Supervisor Michael Mayo, Sr. Criticizes Administration For “Lack of Transparency” in Budget Proposal
Mayo Says Administration Officials Not Open About Their Decisions
Oct 10th, 2014 by Sup. Michael Mayo
Supervisor Taylor Announces Two Town Hall Meetings
Meetings set for October 22, 2014
Oct 8th, 2014 by Steve F. Taylor
Equality Wins in Wisconsin
Milwaukee County Immediately Issuing Same Sex Marriage Licenses
Oct 6th, 2014 by County Executive Chris Abele
Charlie Fox Comments on County Executive’s Budget in Absence of District Supervisor
Charlie Fox, candidate in the November 4 Special Election for the open 5th District Milwaukee County Board seat, attended County Executive Abele’s 2015 budget presentation.
Oct 2nd, 2014 by Charlie Fox
Supervisor Gerry Broderick Says County Executive’s Proposed Budget Projects Unrealistic Savings, Places Burden on the Backs of County Employees
Also Urges More Investment in County Infrastructure, Maintenance
Oct 1st, 2014 by Gerry Broderick
County Executive Abele Introduces $1.3 Billion Budget for 2015
Highlighting increases in public safety, mental health care and other critical services, Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele introduced his 2015 Recommended Budget today.
Oct 1st, 2014 by County Executive Chris Abele
Veterans Job Fair Expands to Record Number of Employers
The annual fall Milwaukee County Veterans Job Fair is the largest in the events history.
Sep 30th, 2014 by County Executive Chris Abele
Tau Kappa Epsilon House
The TKE fraternity's 1904 home has operated as a rooming house for generations, but it's now suspended and its president faces drug charges.
Sep 29th, 2014 by Michael Horne
Supervisor Khalif Rainey Applauds Board Action on Voter ID Resolution
Resolution Provides Free Transportation to DMV for Those Needing Photo IDs
Sep 25th, 2014 by Ald. Khalif Rainey
Increased Public Safety, Expanded Mental Health Care Services and Tax Freeze Top Abele’s 2015 Budget Proposal
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele will highlight his 2015 Budget Proposal
Sep 21st, 2014 by County Executive Chris Abele
New Efficient Lighting Along the Lakefront
The lights along Milwaukee's Lakefront are getting an upgrade, Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele announced today
Sep 17th, 2014 by County Executive Chris Abele
Milwaukee County Offers Help to Aging Veterans
Free Event Tomorrow
Sep 14th, 2014 by County Executive Chris Abele
MIAD Apartments Changes Irk Bauman, Who Demands Fix
A planned community gathering space instead becomes an underwhelming staircase.
Sep 11th, 2014 by Michael Horne
Hamilton case shows need for new county investigation unit
Statement from Alderman Joe Davis, Sr. September 10, 2014
Sep 10th, 2014 by Joe Davis, Sr.
County Executive Abele & Mayor Barrett Host 9/11 Ceremony
Mayor Tom Barrett, County Executive Chris Abele, Governor Scott Walker, British Ambassador Sir Peter Westmacott and other local leaders will honor the victims of September 11, 2001.
Sep 10th, 2014 by County Executive Chris Abele
Another Historic Step Forward for Marriage Equality
New Marriage Licenses Remain on Hold
Sep 4th, 2014 by County Executive Chris Abele
Will Joe Davis Run For Mayor?
He probably has a better chance of beating Barrett than Bob Donovan. But what exactly does Davis stand for?
Sep 4th, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
Great Plan Gets Even Better!
1.9 Acres of Public Space and Direct Access to Lakefront Highlights Updated Couture Plan
Sep 3rd, 2014 by County Executive Chris Abele
Milwaukee’s Biggest Building Breaks Ground
"A beautiful day in Milwaukee" and for assembled power brokers as Northwestern Mutual's new skyscraper gets underway.
Aug 26th, 2014 by Jeramey Jannene
Clarke Blasts Abele, Bloomberg
His rock was talk radio, he writes in Washington Times.
Aug 20th, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
Will Liberal Democrats Undermine Mary Burke?
Opposition to a pro-business Democrat could help Walker win reelection.
Aug 20th, 2014 by Bruce Thompson
The Remarkable Clout of Sheriff Clarke
A stunning election increases his power. What does it mean for Milwaukee?
Aug 19th, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
Milwaukee County Deadbeat Dad Arrested in California
Raul Cardona Owes His Children $250,000
Aug 14th, 2014 by County Executive Chris Abele
Abele Goes O-fer On Election Night
Sheriff Clarke wins democratic primary. Plus: The rest of election night's winners and losers.
Aug 13th, 2014 by Michael Horne
County Executive Abele Holds Budget Town Hall Meetings
County Executive Chris Abele invites the community to two town hall meetings on his 2015 Proposed Budget.
Aug 9th, 2014 by County Executive Chris Abele
Senator Herb Kohl Endorses Tia Torhorst for Assembly District 10
The longtime Democratic Senator endorsed Tia because of her commitment to voters.
Aug 7th, 2014 by Tia Torhorst
Is David Clarke “Sheriff Spends a Lot”?
Attack ads blast Clarke. Another targets “dysfunctional” Marina Dimitrijevic. Who’s buying all these nasty ads?
Aug 5th, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
Ambulance Chasing Lawyer Chases Abele
Plus: Bud Selig’s birthday bash and where will new Journal CEO live?
Aug 1st, 2014 by Michael Horne
County Board Committee Approves Abele’s $7K Donation to Pay for Courthouse Overtime
“It’s safe to say this is the best $7,000 I’ve ever spent.”
Jul 24th, 2014 by County Executive Chris Abele
The Sheer Ambition of Marina Dimitrijevic
She’s running for assembly but wanted to continue as county supervisor and collect two full-time salaries.
Jul 22nd, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
Gimbel Gets Reappointed to Wisconsin Center Board
Will continue after 3 decades as board chair! Did mayor and governor swap appointments to make this happen?
Jul 16th, 2014 by Michael Horne
County Executive Abele & Mayor Barrett Toast Opening of Red Arrow Park Beer Garden
Veterans and Active Military Members Receive Discount
Jul 14th, 2014 by County Executive Chris Abele
Proposed Sale of O’Donnell Parking Structure Will Benefit Entire Community
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele says he is excited about the opportunity of partnering with Northwestern Mutual in a potential sale of the O’Donnell Parking Garage.
Jul 10th, 2014 by County Executive Chris Abele
County Board Goes Crazy Over Referendums
Board wants to put 4 advisory referendum questions on the ballot, at a cost of more than $100,000. Why?
Jul 10th, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
County Executive and Sheriff Working Together to Protect Taxpayers
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele and Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke are announcing a crackdown on employees abusing medical leave.
Jul 2nd, 2014 by County Executive Chris Abele
Anti-Marriage Equality Lawsuit Quickly Dismissed
Abele Sued Over His Support of Same Sex Marriage
Jun 30th, 2014 by County Executive Chris Abele
Taking Politics Out of Mental Health Care
Newly Named Milwaukee County Mental Health Board Will Make a Difference
Jun 27th, 2014 by County Executive Chris Abele
New 18-Story Downtown Building Breaks Ground
The $102 million, 18-story tower at 833 E. Michigan is huge development, with no city financing. The full story, with photos and building renderings.
Jun 19th, 2014 by Jeramey Jannene
County Clerk Czarnezki Congratulates Same Sex Couples and Thanks Staff
“Judge Crabb’s decision is a giant step towards marriage equality,”
Jun 17th, 2014 by Sup. Joe Czarnezki
Milwaukee County Receives $1.8 Million for Fatherhood Program
Milwaukee County Child Support Services Department has received $1.8 million to continue its award winning fatherhood program.
Jun 14th, 2014 by County Executive Chris Abele
County Executive Abele Disappointed in Marriage Decision, Vows to Keep Fighting for Equality
County Executive Chris Abele said he is disappointed in U.S. District Judge Barbara Crabb’s ruling today that halts same sex marriages.
Jun 13th, 2014 by County Executive Chris Abele
Finally, a New Park East Plan
Ten years later, the city and county are finally on the same page. Is development in the area ready to "explode"?
Jun 10th, 2014 by Jeramey Jannene
Courthouse Open Saturday for Weddings, Register of Deeds Offering Birth Certificates
The Milwaukee County Courthouse will be open from 9am to 1pm on Saturday, June 7th to allow couples to receive marriage licenses.
Jun 6th, 2014 by County Executive Chris Abele
County Executive Abele Orders Courthouse Open Late to Allow Couples to Marry
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele is keeping the Courthouse open late today in the wake of the historic court ruling allowing same sex couples to get married in Wisconsin.
Jun 6th, 2014 by County Executive Chris Abele
New Partnership Will Spark Park East Development
City, County, State, Federal Government and Private Sector Working Together
Jun 6th, 2014 by County Executive Chris Abele
I love Wisconsin and I love Milwaukee – that is why I’m running.
Tia Torhorst Announces Campaign for 10th Assembly District
Jun 6th, 2014 by Tia Torhorst
Regional Symposium on Heroin/Opiates Addiction is Wednesday
Southeast Wisconsin Regional Heroin/Opiates Symposium will be held on Wednesday, June 4.
Jun 3rd, 2014 by Ald. Michael Murphy
Milwaukee County Unveils Program to Fight Foreclosure Crisis
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele is proud to announce the Milwaukee County Foreclosure Initiative.
Jun 2nd, 2014 by County Executive Chris Abele
Supervisor Weishan Demands Full Disclosure of John Doe Records
Says County Executive Chris Abele "Should Not Help Scott Walker Cover Up"
May 23rd, 2014 by Sup. John F. Weishan, Jr.
