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 14
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
In Milwaukee, Mayor Rybak Unveils New Ad Campaign to Attract Same-Sex Weddings to Minneapolis
“I Want to Marry You in Minneapolis” campaign running in Milwaukee, Madison and Chicago publications
Sep 9th, 2013 by Press Release
Who Let the Dogs Out?
Sheriff Clarke grabs canine units from House of Correction, endangering safety of staff, only to be forced to return them.
Sep 4th, 2013 by Michael Horne
Historic War Memorial/Milwaukee Art Museum Deal Finalized
Agreement unanimously approved by County Board can now move forward.
Aug 30th, 2013 by Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors
Milwaukee County Supervisors Weishan and Stamper Propose County Take-over of Regulation of Taxicab Service
Draft Measure Designed to Lower Costs, Increase Service, Especially in Under-Served Areas
Aug 9th, 2013 by Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors
East Library Groundbreaking
Photos capture groundbreaking for new mixed-use development combining East Library, retail and apartments. Take that, Bayshore.
Jul 30th, 2013 by Jeramey Jannene
Abele Dumps County Transit Company
Public bidding process awards bus contract to for-profit company.
Jul 29th, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
County Board Supports Cultural Institutions, Unanimously Adopts Agreement that Honors Veterans and Protects Art
The Milwaukee County Board passed two measures Thursday that will move Milwaukee County forward and provide long-term sustainability for important public institutions.
Jul 25th, 2013 by Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors
Services at the Courthouse Return to Regular Hours
All public services on the first floor of the Milwaukee County Courthouse are returning to regular hours on Tuesday, July 23rd.
Jul 22nd, 2013 by County Executive Chris Abele
Supervisors Stall $60 Million Park East Proposal
Citing lack of "information," county committee in essence reopens the process of selecting a developer for Park East Block 22.
Jul 16th, 2013 by Dave Reid
Courthouse Opening First Floor Services to the Public
Offices Opening at 10am
Jul 16th, 2013 by County Executive Chris Abele
Courthouse Opening Runs Smoothly
The Milwaukee County Courthouse reopened today for most court services and, with the exception of a few hiccups, things ran smoothly.
Jul 15th, 2013 by County Executive Chris Abele
County Board Will Continue With Scheduled Meetings Following Courthouse Fire
Public invited to meetings that will take place in alternate locations
Jul 8th, 2013 by Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors
County Board Committed to Honoring Veterans, Protecting Art
Last-minute change could be a deal breaker for two local treasures
Jul 3rd, 2013 by Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors
The Curious Case of Kimberly Walker
The board is angry at Abele so they fired Walker. Go figure.
Jul 2nd, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
Why Kimberly Walker Was Fired
The county board had ample grounds for dismissing the Corporation Counsel.
Jun 28th, 2013 by Dominique Paul Noth
Supervisor David Bowen Counters Supervisor Deanna Alexander’s Attention-Getting Claims
Says Alexander “Does Not Value the Truth,” Misleads Public About Board Activities
Jun 27th, 2013 by State Rep. David Bowen
Fight for Marriage Equality in Wisconsin Will Go On
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele released the following statement today after the United States Supreme Court voted to recognize gay marriage.
Jun 26th, 2013 by County Executive Chris Abele
NAACP Opposes Board Removal of Corporation Counsel
The Milwaukee Branch of the NAACP is adding their voice to County Executive Chris Abele’s and the many others who are urging the Milwaukee County Board not to fire the County’s top attorney.
Jun 20th, 2013 by County Executive Chris Abele
The Decline of Sheriff Clarke
The weirder and crankier he gets, the more unlikely his reelection.
Jun 18th, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
Ahoy! Pirate Party Will Rally Downtown
The Wisconsin affiliate of the populist-flavored party, organized by political activist Joe Klein, will rally on June 29th.
Jun 13th, 2013 by Michael Horne
County Executive Abele Presents John Malan with Purple Heart Pass
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele will honor WTMJ-TV Meteorologist John Malan’s military service during the Marcus Center’s annual Flag Day celebration on Friday, June 14th.
Jun 12th, 2013 by County Executive Chris Abele
Free Summer Events for Military Veterans in Milwaukee County
MILWAUKEE – Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele is happy to announce that public and private agencies in Milwaukee County are once again offering active military, drilling reservists, veterans and their families free admission to a variety of entertainment venues this summer. From Summerfest to the Milwaukee County Zoo, veterans are being thanked for the service. For a full list of events and venues visit: http://tinyurl.com/MKECoVetsEvents
Jun 6th, 2013 by County Executive Chris Abele
Supervisor Michael Mayo, Sr. Says Committee Action Shows Confusing Nature of New Law Limiting County Board’s Powers
Chairman of the Transportation, Public Works & Transit Committee Says Delay of Wauwatosa Water Utility Resolution Caused by Uncertainty About Board’s Role in the Wake of Enactment of Act 14
Jun 5th, 2013 by Sup. Michael Mayo
UWM Unveils Student-Built Mobile App for Milwaukee County
Officials from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) and Milwaukee County will jointly unveil a new mobile app for county services that was created in UWM’s Mobile Innovation Lab (“the App Brewery”) at a news conference Tuesday, June 4.
Jun 3rd, 2013 by Press Release
Statement of Milwaukee County Board Chairwoman Marina Dimitrijevic Regarding the Signing of AB 85
The bill signing is taking place in Milwaukee County when the state legislative committees that heard this bill – which targets Milwaukee County – never held a single public hearing here.
May 31st, 2013 by Ald. Marina Dimitrijevic
County Executive Abele Hires New Parks Director
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele will hold a news conference today at Kosciuszko Park to introduce new Parks Director John Dargle.
May 30th, 2013 by County Executive Chris Abele
The Story Behind the Strike
Thin reporting and overheated commentary have obscured the real story of why workers are striking against Palermo’s.
May 23rd, 2013 by Dominique Paul Noth
County Executive Abele Thanks Legislators for Increasing Child Support Funding
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele applauds members of the Legislature’s Joint Finance Committee for putting money back into the budget to support Child Support funding across the state.
May 22nd, 2013 by County Executive Chris Abele
The Not-So Fiscally Conservative Governor
Scott Walker hasn’t solved the state’s longterm fiscal deficit. He may actually make it worse.
May 16th, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
Milwaukee County Offering Help to Aging Veterans
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele, the Milwaukee County Veterans Service Office (MCVSO) and the Milwaukee County Department on Aging (MCDA) are organizing a free one-day event to deliver awareness of benefits to eligible aging veterans and their surviving spouses.
May 9th, 2013 by County Executive Chris Abele
County Executive Abele Thanks Assembly for Passing Reform Bill
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele thanks the Wisconsin Assembly for approving the Milwaukee County reform bill.
May 8th, 2013 by County Executive Chris Abele
Supervisor David Bowen Says Sheriff Clarke “Destabilizing” House of Correction, Applauds County Board Action
Cites Reports of Understaffing, Forced Overtime for Officers and Needless Prisoner Shuffles Between Jail and House
May 6th, 2013 by State Rep. David Bowen
County Executive Abele Vetoes Board’s Plan
Veto Cites Legal Concerns and Lack of Clarity
May 2nd, 2013 by County Executive Chris Abele
The War Between Steve Schultze and Chris Abele
County exec tries to undermine county reporter because of his slanted stories.
May 2nd, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
County Executive Abele Announces Energy Saving Challenge
County Executive Chris Abele is announcing an Earth Day initiative to lower energy usage in county buildings, a move that will help the environment and save tax dollars.
Apr 22nd, 2013 by County Executive Chris Abele
County Board Violates Its Own Law
Lobbyists have worked without board approval, which could be a cause for “discharge” of board chair Dimitrivjevic.
Apr 18th, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
Myths About a New NBA Arena
In their zeal to build new, publicly-funded arena, proponents are misleading the community.
Apr 16th, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
Abele, Barrett and Other Milwaukee Leaders Urge Legislature to Restore Transit Funding
A coalition of Milwaukee leaders are sending a letter to lawmakers in Madison asking them to restore cuts in transit funding and requesting that they maintain the segregated Transportation Fund.
Apr 15th, 2013 by County Executive Chris Abele
Sue Black’s Cape Cod Cutie
The Milwaukee Wave owner and former parks director lives modestly near the Waukesha county line.
Apr 12th, 2013 by Michael Horne
County Executive Chris Abele’s Statement on the Passage of the Milwaukee County Reform Bill
The full Assembly is expected to take up the reform bill next week.
Apr 11th, 2013 by County Executive Chris Abele
County Executive Abele Hires Economic Development Director
Teig Whaley-Smith, Economic Development Firm Founder and Adjunct Professor of Law at Marquette University, Joins Milwaukee County
Apr 8th, 2013 by County Executive Chris Abele
County Executive Abele Asks the State to Restore Transit Funding
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele testified in front of the Legislature’s Joint Finance Committee (JFC) today.
Apr 4th, 2013 by County Executive Chris Abele
County Backdrops
Unions have filed suit to protect the infamous backdrops, which made many county employees wealthy.
Apr 4th, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
Winners and Losers
It was a good election for Scott Walker and conservatives but there were some bright spots for liberals.
Apr 4th, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
Statement on Pension Backdrop Lawsuit
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele released the following statement today about the lawsuit filed against Abele’s reform of the pension backdrop.
Apr 3rd, 2013 by County Executive Chris Abele
Sheriff Clarke’s New Buddies
The conservative lawman and liberal county board have suddenly gotten very friendly. Why?
Apr 2nd, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
Who’s the Conservative for Circuit Judge?
The race between Rebecca Bradley and Janet Protasiewicz is hard to call.
Mar 28th, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
Abele and Other Pols Push Gay Rights
Gay activist Daniel Choi comes to Milwaukee three days before his trial for protesting "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."
Mar 27th, 2013 by Michael Horne
Resizing the County Board
Supervisor Clarifies Position and Intent
Mar 21st, 2013 by Sup. Deanna Alexander
New Front Door for Lakefront
Dramatic plan moves freeway ramps and creates a grand boulevard that connects downtown and the lakefront.
Mar 11th, 2013 by Jeramey Jannene
“Exhibit A” Criticizes the Sheriff
Supervisor Patricia Jursik condemns Sheriff David Clarke’s name-calling and dishonesty, applauds the County Executive for appointing an interim Superintendent for the House of Correction
Mar 6th, 2013 by Patricia Jursik
Art Museum, War Memorial Groups Claim Success in Negotiations
Board-Appointed Mediator Advances Recommendations to Committee of Milwaukee County Board
Mar 6th, 2013 by Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors
Hundreds of Job Openings for Military Veterans
Event Tomorrow 9am – 1pm
Mar 6th, 2013 by County Executive Chris Abele
Veterans Job Fair Offers Hundreds of Job Openings for Vets
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele is happy to announce a Job Fair for Military Veterans will be held on Thursday, March 7th at the Milwaukee County War Memorial Center from 9am - 1pm.
Mar 3rd, 2013 by County Executive Chris Abele
Supervisors Meet to Highlight Local Economy
MMAC President Tim Sheehy to Present “Building a Partnership for Economic Prosperity”
Mar 1st, 2013 by Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors
County Executive Abele Names House of Correction Superintendent
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele has named Michael Hafemann as the interim Superintendent of the House of Correction (HOC) in Franklin.
Mar 1st, 2013 by County Executive Chris Abele
VISIT Milwaukee to Present Lamplighter Award to Milwaukee Downtown BID #21
Annual Meeting on March 5th also features Bill Davidson with preview of the Harley-Davidson 110th Anniversary
Feb 28th, 2013 by VISIT Milwaukee
Supervisor Bowen Expresses his Disappointment in the Recent Changes to 1290 WMCS-AM Talk Radio Format
Milwaukee Black Community Loses 1290 WMCS-AM Talk Radio
Feb 27th, 2013 by State Rep. David Bowen
Mayor Barrett’s 2013 State of the City Address
Monday, February 25, 2013, Pritzlaff Building
Feb 25th, 2013 by Mayor Tom Barrett
The Not-So-Straight Story
Journal Sentinel coverage of county board downsizing misleads folks on both sides of issue.
Feb 19th, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
The Return of Sue Black
How she got the new job. And will she run against Chris Abele?
Feb 12th, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
Supervisor Mayo Challenges County Executive Claims in State of the County Address
Milwaukee County Supervisor Michael Mayo, Sr. challenged several items in the State of the County speech delivered by the county executive on Monday, February 11, 2013 at the Oak Creek Police Department.
Feb 11th, 2013 by Sup. Michael Mayo
County Executive Abele Applauds Gov. Walker’s Commitment to Mental Health
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele applauds Governor Scott Walker’s announcement today of a $29 million investment in mental health programs and services.
Feb 6th, 2013 by County Executive Chris Abele
County Lobbyists Asleep on the Job?
They should be working to get more state funding. But they’re too busy protecting the county board.
Feb 5th, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
Every Politician in Town
Well, not quite, but the City's Birthday Party had a big turnout of politicians and insiders.
Feb 5th, 2013 by Michael Horne
America Discovers Sheriff Clarke
Clarke appears on Piers Morgan with Tom Barrett and gets beat up by both Morgan and the mayor.
Jan 30th, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
Milwaukee County Deserves Better
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele released the following statement today in response to a story in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that Supervisor Deanna Alexander has been intimidated by Chairwoman Marina Dimitrijevic and other Supervisors for supporting significant reform of the County Board.
Jan 28th, 2013 by County Executive Chris Abele
Brian Taffora’s Piece of Suburbia
How dare you live in Cedarburg, said the Milwaukee County Board. So the economic development director quit rather than lose $91,000 selling his home.
Jan 25th, 2013 by Michael Horne
The Incomplete Story
How the Journal Sentinel slants the story on venture capital -- and on downsizing the county board.
Jan 24th, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
County 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 19th, 2013 by County Executive Chris Abele
Bill to Cut Supervisor Pay Likely
Despite Republican delays and opposition by the board, the bill has a good chance of passage.
Jan 17th, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
2013 Wisconsin PGA Junior Championship Comes to Milwaukee County
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele is excited to announce that the Wisconsin PGA will move its Junior Championship to Milwaukee County golf courses this summer.
Jan 16th, 2013 by County Executive Chris Abele
Gun Violence Forum Looks for Solutions
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele will join Oak Creek Mayor Steve Scaffidi, Oak Creek Police Chief John Edwards and U.S. Attorney James Santelle for a forum on gun violence tomorrow.
Jan 11th, 2013 by County Executive Chris Abele
Why We Need a Part-Time County Board
For 125 years, the board was part-time. Then Tom Ament and company nudged it up to full-time. Why?
Jan 9th, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
Abele Congratulates the 101st Wisconsin State Legislature
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele released the following statement about the 101st Wisconsin State Legislature who will be sworn in tomorrow.
Jan 6th, 2013 by County Executive Chris Abele
County Executive Abele Orders Special Elections
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele announced today special elections will be held to replace two County Supervisors.
Dec 31st, 2012 by County Executive Chris Abele
Veterans Receive Purple Heart Passes
Pass Benefits All Wisconsin Vets Injured in Service
Dec 26th, 2012 by County Executive Chris Abele
Council members applaud 911 cell phone shift vote by County Board
The Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors today approved a compromise plan that will allow Milwaukee Police Department dispatchers to begin handling all 911 cell phone calls that originate in the city – a cooperative move that will save taxpayer dollars.
Dec 20th, 2012 by Milwaukee Common Council
Still Defending the Infamous Pension Plan
County Exec Abele wants to cut back the lucrative backdrop provision. Why are supervisors delaying this?
Dec 19th, 2012 by Bruce Murphy
Chris Abele Announces $50,000 Marriage Equality Challenge Grant
Milwaukee County Executive and long-time advocate for the LGBT Community Chris Abele recently announced a challenge grant of $50,000 for Equality Wisconsin to work on marriage equality.
Dec 14th, 2012 by Press Release
County Supervisors, Others to Call for End to Poverty Wages for Janitors
Contract for cleaning county buildings spurs concerns that public dollars fund family-sustaining jobs
Dec 12th, 2012 by SEIU Local 1
County Employees Celebrate Aaron Rodgers Day by Wearing Packers Gear, Donating to MACC Fund
County Employees Celebrate 12-12-12 by Wearing Packers Gear
Dec 10th, 2012 by County Executive Chris Abele
County Executive Helps Celebrate Hanukkah with Menorah Lighting
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele and Lubavitch of Wisconsin will celebrate the Hanukkah Menorah Lighting in the Milwaukee County Courthouse Rotunda on Monday, December 10th at 11:30am.
Dec 8th, 2012 by County Executive Chris Abele
Milwaukee County Aging Study Shows Changing Face of Population
Extensive Study Looks at Adults 60 and Older
Dec 5th, 2012 by County Executive Chris Abele
Mayor & Co. Executive to Announce New Way to Experience Milwaukee
More than 50,000 People Have Chosen a New Way to Experience Milwaukee
Dec 4th, 2012 by Press Release
The Moody Blues
With the closing of Moody Pool, the city's North Side now has half the number of public pools as the South Side.
Dec 4th, 2012 by Edgar Mendez
Mitchell Airport Fares Among Lowest in the Nation
MKE Airfares Among Lowest in the Nation
Nov 27th, 2012 by County Executive Chris Abele
Courthouse Tree Lighting Will Feature Santa, Singing & Sausages
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele will officially light the Milwaukee County Courthouse Christmas Tree this Thursday at 4:30pm.
Nov 27th, 2012 by County Executive Chris Abele
Celebrate the 99th Annual City/County Christmas Tree Lighting
Mayor Tom Barrett, County Executive Chris Abele, and Ald. Ashanti Hamilton at Red Arrow Park
Nov 19th, 2012 by Mayor Tom Barrett
Cudahy War Memorial Tree Chosen as County Christmas Tree
The Cudahy War Memorial is donating a tree from their memorial at Sheridan Park as the 2013 Milwaukee County Christmas Tree.
Nov 19th, 2012 by County Executive Chris Abele
Cudahy War Memorial Tree Chosen as County Christmas Tree
The tree will be cut down on Monday, November 19, 2012 and moved to the Milwaukee County Courthouse.
Nov 14th, 2012 by County Executive Chris Abele
Milwaukee County Board Raises Taxes $6.3 Million
The Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors was given the unique opportunity today to make history and decrease taxes for Milwaukee County residents; instead they choose to raise taxes to pad their own benefits and support their own pet projects.
Nov 14th, 2012 by County Executive Chris Abele
The High Cost of the County Board
We could save millions and improve efficiency by cutting the county board and its huge staff.
Nov 14th, 2012 by Bruce Murphy
Milwaukee County Board Adopts 2013 Budget
Board Overrides 23 of 25 Budget Vetoes from County Executive, Prepares to Implement Business of the People of Milwaukee County
Nov 14th, 2012 by Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors
Sup. Taylor Welcomes County Executive Abele’s Veto of the Resolution Abolishing Economic Development Director Position
“I commend County Executive Chris Abele for his veto on the abolishment of the position of Economic Development Director.”
Nov 13th, 2012 by Steve F. Taylor
Abele Urges Board to Sustain Vetoes That Save $6.3 Million
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele signed vetoes today that will offer better public safety, better service and save taxpayers millions of dollars.
Nov 13th, 2012 by County Executive Chris Abele
Abele’s Vetoes Lower Taxes $6.3 Million
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele will sign vetoes today that, if upheld, will lower property taxes for every resident in Milwaukee County.
Nov 13th, 2012 by County Executive Chris Abele
Veterans Day Ceremony Will Honor WWII Hero
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele and the Milwaukee County Veterans Service Office are pleased to announce a unique award ceremony at the War Memorial Center on November 10, 2012.
Nov 8th, 2012 by County Executive Chris Abele
Chair of Committee on Economic and Community Development Calls on County Exec To Stabilize Economic Development Leadership
The Chair of the Milwaukee County Board Committee on Economic and Community Development is asking the County Executive to shore up the County’s leadership on economic development by adhering to Milwaukee County residency requirements.
Nov 8th, 2012 by Patricia Jursik
United County Board Approves 2013 Budget on 13-5 Vote
Two-thirds back plan to improve public safety, lessen impact on taxpayers
Nov 5th, 2012 by Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors
