Harbor District Milwaukee Announces Tia Torhorst as CEO

Milwaukee, WI – Following a comprehensive nationwide search for its next leader, the Harbor District, Inc. Board of Directors named Tia Torhorst the organization’s new Chief Executive Officer.

Torhorst brings more than 20 years of public service leadership experience in and around Milwaukee, having served in key roles at the State of Wisconsin Department of Administration, Governor Evers’ gubernatorial transition team, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee, and with County Executive Chris Abele. She also served on the boards of the Wisconsin Housing & Economic Development Authority and Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin and is the founder and former board president of the Shorewood Farmers Market.

“From our initial conversations, it was immediately clear to the Search Committee that Tia leads with passion, has incredibly deep experience, and shares our goals and ambitions for Harbor District,” said Rosamaria Martinez, Chair of the Harbor District CEO Search Committee and Vice President of Community Health Initiatives at Sixteenth Street Community Health Centers.

“We are completely aligned on our long-term vision, one in which the Harbor District epitomizes our region’s welcoming spirit while instilling a unique sense of place,” said Marvin Bynum, Chair of the Harbor District Board of Directors and a real estate shareholder with Godfrey & Kahn, S.C. “We couldn’t be more thrilled for Tia to lead us forward through the next phases of Harbor District’s work.”

“I am thrilled to be joining an amazing organization with a mission that aligns exactly with my values — reclaiming and revitalizing underutilized spaces and assets of our region for the benefit of all. I am privileged to work along with an incredible staff, board of directors, and committed community partners to build on the foundation created,” said Torhorst. “I’m excited to lead the Harbor District on the journey to be a national model for blending economic development, environmental stewardship and community engagement.”

Torhorst will begin her new role on April 25, 2022 and will succeed the Harbor District’s founding Executive Director, Lilith Fowler, who has dedicated the last eight years to creating and bringing to reality the transformational vision for the district, while building a strong staff, board, and organization. The board of directors is grateful for Lilith’s visionary leadership and years of service.

For more information about Harbor District and its work, please visit www.harbordistrict.org or follow along on social media:

● www.facebook.com/harbordistrictmilwaukee
● www.instagram.com/harbordistrict
● twitter.com/HarborDistrict

ABOUT HARBOR DISTRICT
Harbor District, Inc. (HDI) is a nonprofit organization leading the revitalization of Milwaukee’s waterfront by connecting people to a neglected industrial space, supporting a healthy business community, and improving the quality of the district’s natural environment.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.