John Kissinger

John Kissinger offers more than 25 years of extensive experience in contributing to Milwaukee’s most notable developments and attractions. In addition to his vast knowledge of engineering-related topics, John’s role on the MMAC’s Cultural and Entertainment Capital Needs Task Force, the Water Council and the Milwaukee Area Workforce Development Board make him an excellent resource for discussing the region’s future as it relates to:

The future of the region’s cultural and entertainment institutions – With a long history of involvement in the development of cultural and assembly buildings, John was recently appointed to the MMAC’s Cultural and Entertainment Capital Needs Task Force, which has been tasked with identifying funding options to preserve key local facilities such as the BMO Harris Bradley Center. John’s leadership in the development of facilities like the Milwaukee Art Museum Quadracci Pavillion, Milwaukee Public Museum Imax Theater, the Lambeau Field redevelopment and The Wisconsin Center, give him a unique understanding of the planning, site selection, design, construction and funding of large public buildings.
Milwaukee as the “World Water Hub” – GRAEF has been a member of the Water Council since its inception. As President and CEO of GRAEF, John brings a unique perspective to the Council. Having led the firm’s own broad-based efforts in the water market, John is able to bring a unique perspective regarding technical and design needs necessary to make Milwaukee a hub for water research and industry.
“Workforce Development” – As chairman of the Milwaukee Area Workforce Investment Board (MAWIB), John has unique insight into the current state of the local workforce and initiatives underway to train, assist and place challenged workers. John also has a passion for youth employment, as illustrated through his commitment to the City’s Summer Youth Employment Program. John can offer success stories from business leaders, including managers at GRAEF, that have participated in the program and how summer employment opportunities have changed the lives of participating Milwaukee youth.

Biographical Information:

John Kissinger earned his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 1979 and his Master of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1983. He joined GRAEF in 1984 as a structural engineer in the firm’s Milwaukee office. Since that time, he has held positions of increasing responsibility including project engineer, project manager, principal, vice-president, regional manager, and COO. In January 2012, John was named president and CEO. He has also served on the GRAEF Board of Directors since 2002.

Among many notable projects on John’s resume is the Milwaukee Art Museum addition, on which he served as engineering project manager. For his work on that facility, Kissinger was named one of the “Top 25 Newsmakers for 2001” by Engineering News-Record Magazine. Other notable projects include The Wisconsin Center in downtown Milwaukee, the McCormick Place West Expansion in Chicago, and the Lambeau Field renovation in Green Bay.

Kissinger is also active in the local community, acting as chairman of the Milwaukee Area Workforce Investment Board. John was appointed by Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett to lead the agency in 2010. He has also served as co-chair of the City of Milwaukee “Earn and Learn” youth employment program. John has served on the Campaign Cabinet of United Way since 2012. He is also an active member of the Greater Milwaukee Committee, serving on its Future Workforce Committee.

John resides in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, where he formerly served on the Wauwatosa Design Review Board

Bio from GRAEF