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 13
Contribution to Jason Fields of $6,000
September 23, 2019 - View ReportContribution to Cavalier Johnson of $834
February 13, 2017 - View ReportContribution to Ashanti Hamilton of $770
February 8, 2016 - View ReportWho’s To Blame For Yet Another Pension Giveaway?
Abele wants some 200 retirees to stop getting illegal pension benefits, but board members are outraged.
May 20th, 2014 by Bruce MurphyWeishan to County Executive: “Where is Your Solution to the Pension Issue?”
Supervisor Says County Executive Must Propose a Solution to Pension Issue
May 16th, 2014 by Sup. John F. Weishan, Jr.Dramatic Turnaround at Milwaukee County House of Correction
One year after County Executive Chris Abele took over the operations of the Milwaukee County House of Correction (HOC), the facility has seen a dramatic and positive turnaround.
May 16th, 2014 by County Executive Chris AbeleCelebrate Bike to Work Week with Milwaukee County
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele, Milwaukee County Parks and the Wisconsin Bike Federation are teaming up for a group bicycle ride on Wednesday, May 14th.
May 13th, 2014 by County Executive Chris AbeleMarquette Law School, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel to host one-day conference on political polarization
Marquette University Law School and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel will host a one-day conference titled “Dividing Lines: Political Polarization and What it Means for Campaigns, Public Policy, and Political Engagement.”
May 6th, 2014 by Marquette UniversityCity/County Dog Exercise Area to Open in Bay View
A True Partnership for the People
May 5th, 2014 by Milwaukee County ParksAnother Journal Sentinel Purge
Veteran county reporter Steve Schultze is among those who may leave.
Apr 30th, 2014 by Bruce MurphyThe Time is Now to Move Forward on Transit
Supervisor Mayo calls on the County Executive to take immediate action and re-open the bid for transit.
Apr 28th, 2014 by Sup. Michael MayoVoter Registration Resolution Passes County Board
Supervisor Rainey Urges County Executive to Sign Measure Designed to Increase Voter Participation
Apr 24th, 2014 by Ald. Khalif RaineySupervisor Taylor Not Schocked That Taxpayers Were Deceived About Additional Costs of Recently Approved Living Wage Ordinance
Supervisor Steve F. Taylor today expressed his extreme dissatisfaction with and voted against a resolution that provides funding for three staff positions at the Milwaukee County Comptroller's Office.
Apr 24th, 2014 by Steve F. TaylorEyon Biddle’s Rescued Rental
The candidate for alderman lives in Triangle North neighborhood, on a block rescued by investor Yusuf Dahl.
Apr 22nd, 2014 by Michael HorneCounty Executive Abele’s Statement on Milwaukee Bucks Sale
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele released the following statement about the sale of the Milwaukee Bucks.
Apr 16th, 2014 by County Executive Chris Abele‘Food Truck Thursdays’ Return to the Courthouse
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele welcomes back some of the best food on wheels when Food Truck Thursday returns to the Courthouse on Thursday, April 17th.
Apr 16th, 2014 by County Executive Chris Abele10th Street Reopening TODAY
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele will officially reopen 10th Street in front of the Courthouse at 3pm today.
Apr 11th, 2014 by County Executive Chris AbeleThe Extraordinary Fiscal Liberalism of David Clarke
It’s difficult to find anyone who increases his budget faster than Sheriff Clarke.
Apr 10th, 2014 by Bruce MurphySupervisor Michael Mayo, Sr. Says County Executive Is Not Being Transparent About Transit Appeal Process
Transit Ridership of Milwaukee County is "Handcuffed" by The County Executive's Demand for a New RFP Appeals Process
Apr 9th, 2014 by Sup. Michael MayoJursik Says Transit Debate Too Important for Playing Russian Roulette
"I'm from the Private Sector and I'm here to help myself."
Apr 9th, 2014 by Patricia JursikCounty Executive Abele Thanks Governor Walker for Signing Bill to Improve Mental Health Care
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele thanks Governor Scott Walker for signing a bill today that will create an independent board of experts to oversee Milwaukee County’s Behavioral Health Hospital.
Apr 8th, 2014 by County Executive Chris AbeleNew Study: Riders Want Improved Transit
Abele Offers Plan to Add Service, Asks For County Board Support
Apr 8th, 2014 by County Executive Chris AbeleFallen Iraq War Soldier Honored with Street Renaming
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele and Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett are proud to announce the honorary renaming of a section of Richards Street after Army Specialist Michelle Witmer.
Apr 4th, 2014 by County Executive Chris AbeleWill Waukesha Be Less Hostile to Milwaukee?
Defeat of Mayor Jeff Scrima could mean better relations between the two cities.
Apr 3rd, 2014 by Bruce MurphyStatement on Milwaukee County Board Referendum
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele released the following statement about the Milwaukee County Board referendum.
Apr 1st, 2014 by County Executive Chris AbeleSupervisor David Bowen Criticizes Referendum, Supporters
Milwaukee County Supervisor David Bowen issued the following statement regarding tomorrow’s referendum on County Supervisors’ pay and benefits.
Mar 31st, 2014 by State Rep. David BowenMike Lovell Choice is Great News for Marquette and Milwaukee
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele released the following statement about the hiring of Mike Lovell as the new president of Marquette University.
Mar 26th, 2014 by County Executive Chris AbeleThe House of Hank the Dog
The Brewer's canine mascot has a nine-room Whitefish Bay home and 10,000 square foot lot to roam in, all worth $570,000.
Mar 24th, 2014 by Michael HorneThe Troubled Legacy of Tom Ament
Former county exec’s lucrative pension plan caused scandal, transformed Milwaukee politics, and led way for Scott Walker.
Mar 11th, 2014 by Bruce MurphyCounty Executive Abele Praises Passage of Bills to Improve Mental Health Care and Create Jobs
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele thanks the State Senate for the passage of two bipartisan bills that will strengthen Milwaukee County.
Mar 11th, 2014 by County Executive Chris AbeleMemo to County Board from County Executive Abele re: Transit
Memo from County Executive Chris Abele
Mar 10th, 2014 by County Executive Chris AbeleWisconsin Center’s Leadership Adrift?
Many of the board's seats are either vacant or held by legally unqualified individuals.
Mar 10th, 2014 by Michael HorneSupervisor Khalif Rainey is Critical of Jail Video Visitation Problems
Long Lines, Poor Communications System Decrease Jail Morale, Make Conditions Dangerous
Mar 6th, 2014 by Ald. Khalif RaineySupervisors Say “It’s Time to Move Forward on Transit”
They Urge the County Executive to Issue a New Transit RFP
Mar 5th, 2014 by Milwaukee County Board of SupervisorsMayor Tom Barrett’s 2014 State of the City Address
Milwaukee February 24, 2014 As Prepared for Delivery
Feb 24th, 2014 by Mayor Tom BarrettCounty Board’s Flawed Decision Costs Taxpayers $76 Million
Today, a special committee hand-picked by County Board leaders, spent five minutes in open session and quickly voted to not allow the contract.
Feb 20th, 2014 by County Executive Chris AbeleMilwaukee County Supervisor Deanna Alexander Supports Reallocating Money for Transit and Roads
Supervisor Deanna Alexander said today that she supported efforts by Milwaukee Ald. Bob Donovan to reallocate funding for a downtown Milwaukee streetcar.
Feb 20th, 2014 by Sup. Deanna AlexanderLong Wait Times Leave Transit Riders Out In The Cold
With this year's record cold temperatures, transit riders have been forced to brave the cold while waiting for the bus.
Feb 17th, 2014 by Milwaukee Transit Riders Union“Sisters of Freedom” Display Showcased at the Milwaukee County Courthouse
A unique art display honoring African American women from the 1800’s to present day will be on display on the third floor of the Milwaukee County Courthouse through the end of the month. "Sisters of Freedom", African American Women Moving Us Forward, is on loan from Mount Mary University.
Feb 17th, 2014 by County Executive Chris AbeleMayor needs to put our money (streetcar) where his words are
I see that our mayor has his hands out, asking Governor Walker to hand over some of the state surplus to fix Milwaukee’s crumbling roads.
Feb 14th, 2014 by State Rep. Bob DonovanMental Health Bill Does Nothing for Patients
Where Are the Changes to the System that Make Improvements for Patients. And How Does It Improve Accountability for the Patients?
Feb 10th, 2014 by Sup. John F. Weishan, Jr.Supervisor Lipscomb Praises Passage of 2014 Ready-to-Work Investment
Legislation Provides $400,000 for Extension of “R2W” Program
Feb 7th, 2014 by County Board Chairman Theodore Lipscomb, Sr.Bowen Thanks Colleagues for Passage of Living Wage
Encourages County Executive to Sign Ordinance
Feb 6th, 2014 by State Rep. David BowenSupervisor Jursik Criticizes Shoreline Bill
Jursik Says Shoreline Bill Washes Out Trustee Duty to Protect Public Access
Feb 5th, 2014 by Patricia JursikCounty Executive Abele Statement on Shoreline Bill
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele supports a bipartisan state bill that will be considered this week by the state Assembly to formally recognize the Milwaukee shoreline boundary that was established in 1913.
Feb 5th, 2014 by County Executive Chris AbeleHuge Turnout for City Birthday Party
Lots of politicians, journalists, lobbyists and others glad-handed each other and drank free beer to salute the city's 168th birthday.
Jan 31st, 2014 by Michael HorneCounty Executive Abele Greets Veterans in California
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele will greet Operation Iraqi Freedom Veterans Tom Voss and Anthony Anderson in California on Saturday as they end their 2,700 mile walk from Milwaukee to Los Angeles.
Jan 30th, 2014 by County Executive Chris AbeleCounty 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 MurphyStatement of Milwaukee County Supervisor David F. Bowen on the County Executive’s Opposition to a “Living Wage” Ordinance
I’m disappointed that the County Executive has resorted to spreading misinformation regarding my proposal to replace poverty wages in Milwaukee County with a Living Wage ordinance.
Jan 29th, 2014 by State Rep. David BowenMilwaukee County Offices and Buildings Closed Tomorrow
The County is closed on Tuesday.
Jan 27th, 2014 by County Executive Chris AbeleDan Adams’ Assembly Fundraiser
He's got Abele's backing for the Milwaukee legislative seat, while Barrett backs Dimitrijevic.
Jan 24th, 2014 by Michael HorneMilwaukee County Supervisor Michael Mayo, Sr. Criticizes “Lack of Transparency” in Courthouse Fire Fund Transfer
Milwaukee County Supervisor Michael Mayo, Sr., today criticized officials from the Abele administration for a “lack of transparency” about the actual costs of the Milwaukee County Courthouse fire in July, and he called on the County Board to require more answers about the costs.
Jan 22nd, 2014 by Sup. Michael MayoWill 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 MurphyCounty Executive Abele Celebrates the Life of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele will attend a number of events Sunday and Monday to celebrate the life of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Jan 18th, 2014 by County Executive Chris AbeleIs 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 HorneMilwaukee County Proposes New Beer Garden for 2014
County Could See $100,000 a Year in Revenue
Jan 16th, 2014 by County Executive Chris AbeleMayor’s streetcar double-down doesn’t match up with his claim on jobs priority
Mayor’s streetcar double-down doesn’t match up with his claim on jobs priority
Jan 14th, 2014 by State Rep. Bob DonovanMilwaukee Film Announces 2014 Festival Dates, New Programming Hire
Sixth Annual Milwaukee Film Festival runs September 25-October 9
Jan 8th, 2014 by Milwaukee FilmCrystal Ball for 2014
25 predictions that are certain (well, maybe) to come true this year.
Jan 3rd, 2014 by Bruce MurphyMilwaukee County Cuts Electricity Use in 2013
Milwaukee County’s “Kill-a-Watt” Challenge to save money and cut electricity wrapped up a successful 2013.
Dec 30th, 2013 by County Executive Chris AbeleCounty Executive Abele Meets With White House Staff on ACA & Minimum Wage
In addition to raising the minimum wage, Abele is focused on closing the wage gap by helping people get back to work and into more skilled, higher paying jobs, through stronger economic development and jobs training.
Dec 19th, 2013 by County Executive Chris AbeleMilwaukee County Supervisor David F. Bowen Hopeful of Veto-proof Majority on Living Wage Ordinance
Milwaukee County Supervisor David F. Bowen said today he remained hopeful that his “living wage” ordinance would pass the full County Board with a veto-proof majority of 12 votes after the Finance, Personnel and Audit Committee delayed a vote on the measure Monday.
Dec 17th, 2013 by State Rep. David BowenTom 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 MurphyStatement on County Board’s Wage Mandate
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele released a statement today responding to the County Board’s consideration of a plan to mandate higher wages.
Dec 16th, 2013 by County Executive Chris AbeleThe 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 MurphyCounty Executive Chris Abele endorses Dan Adams for 19th Assembly District
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele proudly announced his support for former prosecutor Dan Adams’ bid for Wisconsin’s 19th Assembly District.
Dec 10th, 2013 by Dan AdamsStatement on the Passing of Betty Quadracci
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele released the following statement about the passing of Betty Quadracci.
Dec 9th, 2013 by County Executive Chris AbeleChristmas Tree Lights Up the Courthouse
Wednesday – December 4, 2013
Dec 3rd, 2013 by County Executive Chris AbeleCan County Board Solve Taxicab Problem?
The board's resolution got media play, but will probably accomplish nothing.
Nov 21st, 2013 by Bruce MurphyAbele’s Vetoes Lower Property Taxes, Increase Rainy Day Fund and Strikes a Compromise with Supervisors
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele is issuing vetoes to the 2014 Budget that will lower property taxes $1.6 million while adding $2 million to the Debt Service Reserve, the County’s rainy day fund.
Nov 20th, 2013 by County Executive Chris AbeleLarson Aide May Run for Richards Seat
Plus: problems for the Bucks' Larry Sanders and redevelopment at Reed Street Yards.
Nov 14th, 2013 by Michael Horne2013 Veterans Day Parade
Politicians, patriotism and marching bands on parade, all captured in our photos.
Nov 11th, 2013 by Urban MilwaukeeGround 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 ReidWangard Breaks Ground on New Apartment Development in Park East Corridor
Avenir apartments expected to open September 2014
Nov 8th, 2013 by Wangard Partners, Inc.Voting Underway for Courthouse Christmas Tree
Voting runs until noon on November 18th.
Nov 8th, 2013 by County Executive Chris AbeleMilwaukee County Supervisors Weishan and Stamper Praise Board Veto Overide of Taxicab Resolution
Measure Designed to Lower Costs and Increase Service, Especially in Under-Served Areas
Nov 7th, 2013 by Sup. John F. Weishan, Jr.The Nuclear Option
Supervisors nuke Chris Abele’s staff salaries. Will this hurt the county?
Nov 7th, 2013 by Bruce MurphyBrookfield 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 HorneCounty Executive Abele Discusses 2014 Budget at WisPolitics Luncheon
The event starts at 11:30am at the Zilber School of Public Health, 1240 N 10th Street, Milwaukee.
Nov 1st, 2013 by County Executive Chris AbeleOverwhelming Support to Keep Pools Open
Donor Steps Forward to Help
Oct 29th, 2013 by Ald. Marina DimitrijevicWhy 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 MurphyMilwaukee County’s Christmas Tree Will be Chosen by Residents
Milwaukee County is putting out the call for the annual Courthouse Christmas Tree, this year the tree that makes the final cut will be chosen by residents.
Oct 21st, 2013 by County Executive Chris AbeleMilwaukee County Child Support Named Agency of the Year
Abele nominated Kooyenga and the Milwaukee County CSS for the WCSEA awards.
Oct 18th, 2013 by County Executive Chris AbeleTaylor Names Thomas Harris New Chief of Staff
For Immediate Release
Oct 11th, 2013 by State Sen. Lena TaylorWhy 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“Flash Mob” Comes to the Courthouse
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele is happy to announce the Milwaukee County Courthouse will once again host a “flash mob” to raise awareness and celebrate the achievements of people who are blind or visually impaired.
Oct 11th, 2013 by County Executive Chris AbeleHow 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 MurphySupervisor Peggy Romo West Says Milwaukee County Board Has Set a Path for Mental Health Redesign of Today
The Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors has set the course for the significant expansion of mental health programming into the community and the downsizing of the residential units at Milwaukee County's Mental Health Complex, Supervisor Peggy Romo West said today.
Oct 9th, 2013 by Sup. Peggy A. WestSupervisor Michael Mayo, Sr. Criticizes Move to Take Away Mental Health Authority From County Board
Milwaukee County Supervisor Michael Mayo, Sr. today said that any efforts to remove the County Board’s authority over the County’s mental health system are an attempt to place blame on the Board for mismanagement at the Behavioral Health Division.
Oct 9th, 2013 by Sup. Michael MayoHow to Kill a Democracy
Glenn Grothman’s proposal would shield 96% of all political donations, ending transparency in campaigns.
Oct 8th, 2013 by Bruce MurphyJonathan 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 HorneDavid 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 MurphySupervisors Demand Answers From County Executive on How He Intends to Fix His $1.5 Million 2014 Recommended Budget Error
County Executive Abele failed to introduce a zero percent tax levy increase budget.
Oct 2nd, 2013 by Milwaukee County Board of SupervisorsSupervisor David Bowen Says Affordable Health Care Access Can Help Stop Violence
Issues Statement in Support of ACA, Saying Health Care Access Will Help Mental, Physical Healthcare Issues and Help Put a Stop to Violence
Oct 2nd, 2013 by State Rep. David BowenJob Fair for Military Veterans on Thursday
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele and the Milwaukee County Veterans Service Office are happy to announce a job fair for Military Veterans on Thursday, October 3rd at the War Memorial Center from 9am- 1pm.
Sep 30th, 2013 by County Executive Chris AbeleMilwaukee County Residents Encouraged to Sign Up for Affordable Health Care
Elected officials, others to highlight new health care options coming Oct. 1
Sep 26th, 2013 by County Executive Chris AbeleThe Problem of Poverty
Poverty is rising faster in Wisconsin and the city of Milwaukee than nationally.
Sep 26th, 2013 by Bruce MurphyAbele’s Proposed Budget Won’t Raise Taxes, Invests in Mental Health & Public Safety
The $1.3 billion budget holds the line on property taxes while making important investments across Milwaukee County.
Sep 26th, 2013 by County Executive Chris AbeleAbele’s 2014 Budget Features New Public Safety Initiative
The budget also provides the Sheriff the flexibility to avoid any Deputy layoffs while continuing to realign the department to focus on its core mission in a fully incorporated County.
Sep 25th, 2013 by County Executive Chris AbeleIn 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 SellMilwaukee County Offers Help in ACA Enrollment
Using existing resources and staff, County Departments will help clients they are already serving understand and enroll in the ACA.
Sep 18th, 2013 by County Executive Chris AbeleMilwaukee Moves Closer to a Competitive Taxi Cab Market
Transit Committee Approves Measure to Allow County to Negotiate an Intergovernmental Agreement Between the City of Milwaukee and Milwaukee County for Operation and Regulation of Taxicab Service
Sep 11th, 2013 by Milwaukee County Board of SupervisorsTime for County Executive to urge reallocation of streetcar funds
Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan September 11, 2013
Sep 11th, 2013 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
















































