Chris Abele
Encyclopedia
Christopher Seton Abele is the current Milwaukee County Executive
, an American
business owner and philanthropist
and president of the Milwaukee based Argosy Foundation. On December 15, 2010, media reports began to emerge of Abele's intentions to run for the County Executive seat in Milwaukee County. On January 4, 2011, Abele formally announced his candidacy for the position. On February 15, 2011, Abele advanced to the general election by receiving 24,836 votes (25% of all votes cast) in a runoff primary. On April 5, 2011, Abele defeated Republican challenger Jeff Stone
, capturing over 61% of all votes cast and will serve out the remainder of then-County Executive Scott Walker
's original term. Abele was sworn in on April 25, 2011
In 2001, Abele and business partner Steve Mech founded CSA Commercial, a Milwaukee based real estate and development company.
In 2004, Abele formally became the President and CEO of the Milwaukee-based Argosy Foundation.
In 2006, SteriLogic merged with Medsolutions and in 2007, Kerr and Abele sold the majority of SteriLogic to Stericycle and restructured the remainder as Oxus Environmental.
, capturing over 61% of all votes cast and will serve out the remainder of then-County Executive Scott Walker
's original term. Abele is expected to be sworn in on April 21, 2011.
, helping with John Kerry's presidential fundraising, and donating to Barack Obama's 2008 presidential campaign.
, where they stated "Chris Abele's leadership on nonprofit boards, his experience running two family companies and his skill managing the Argosy Foundation make him a solid choice for county executive," and "Abele has the right experience and the right vision. Abele could be a game-changer."
On April 2, 2011, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel once again endorsed Abele over Jeff Stone, stating "Milwaukee County needs transformative change. One candidate provides the better chance to accomplish that."
On June 9, 2011, citing concerns about budget cuts at the state level, Abele indicated his opposition to a planned $775,000 investment in public art at the Milwaukee County Courthouse.
On June 10, 2011, Abele announced his intentions of providing health care coverage to domestic partners of Milwaukee County employees. This was approved by the County Board on July 28, 2011, and signed by Abele on August 3, 2011.
County executive
A county executive is the head of the executive branch of government in a county. This position is common in the United States.The executive may be an elected or an appointed position...
, an American
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
business owner and philanthropist
Philanthropist
A philanthropist is someone who engages in philanthropy; that is, someone who donates his or her time, money, and/or reputation to charitable causes...
and president of the Milwaukee based Argosy Foundation. On December 15, 2010, media reports began to emerge of Abele's intentions to run for the County Executive seat in Milwaukee County. On January 4, 2011, Abele formally announced his candidacy for the position. On February 15, 2011, Abele advanced to the general election by receiving 24,836 votes (25% of all votes cast) in a runoff primary. On April 5, 2011, Abele defeated Republican challenger Jeff Stone
Jeff Stone (Wisconsin politician)
-Biography:Stone was born in Topeka, Kansas. He was raised in Zanesville, Ohio, and graduated from West Muskingum High School before returning to Topeka to attend Washburn University...
, capturing over 61% of all votes cast and will serve out the remainder of then-County Executive Scott Walker
Scott Walker (politician)
Scott Kevin Walker is an American Republican politician who began serving as the 45th Governor of Wisconsin on January 3, 2011, after defeating Democratic candidate Tom Barrett, 52 percent to 47 percent in the November 2010 general election...
's original term. Abele was sworn in on April 25, 2011
Business career
In 1996, Abele founded SteriLogic Waste Systems with Chris Kerr serving hospitals and medical clinics in managing sharps waste. After serving as CEO of SteriLogic from 1996–2004, Abele became Chairman of Sterilogic to devote more time to philanthropic efforts.In 2001, Abele and business partner Steve Mech founded CSA Commercial, a Milwaukee based real estate and development company.
In 2004, Abele formally became the President and CEO of the Milwaukee-based Argosy Foundation.
In 2006, SteriLogic merged with Medsolutions and in 2007, Kerr and Abele sold the majority of SteriLogic to Stericycle and restructured the remainder as Oxus Environmental.
Board Positions
- Boys & Girls Club of Greater Milwaukee: Abele was invited to join the 85 member board in 2001, has served as board chairman from 2004-2008. On May 3, 2010 Abele was the recipient of the groups Most Valuable Person Award for "his outstanding community involvement and service to the children of Milwaukee."
- Carr Center for Human Rights PolicyCarr Center for Human Rights PolicyThe Carr Center for Human Rights Policy is research center concerned with human rights, and is located at the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University....
: Abele currently sits on the advisory board of the Carr Center for Human Rights Policy, a research center located at the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard UniversityHarvard UniversityHarvard University is a private Ivy League university located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States, established in 1636 by the Massachusetts legislature. Harvard is the oldest institution of higher learning in the United States and the first corporation chartered in the country...
- Greater Milwaukee Committee: Abele is a member of the Greater Milwaukee Committee, a "private sector civic organization whose mission is to contribute to the cultural and economic base of the Milwaukee Metropolitan area."
- Patrick and Beatrice Haggerty Museum of ArtPatrick and Beatrice Haggerty Museum of ArtThe Partick and Beatrice Haggerty Museum of Art, sometimes referred to simply as "the Haggerty", is located at 13th and Clybourn Streets on the campus of Marquette University in downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States...
- Harvard Readers Guild: Abele served as a board member and chair in the late 1990s
- Impact Health (InHealth): Abele served on the original board of directors for three years, and now serves as an honorary board member
- League of American OrchestrasLeague of American OrchestrasThe League of American Orchestras, known until Fall 2007 as the American Symphony Orchestra League , is an association of U.S. and Canadian orchestras. Over 950 orchestras are members, including youth, community, and professional orchestras....
: Abele has served on the board of directors since 2007, where he currently holds positions on the campaign cabinet and executive committee
- Marcus CenterMarcus CenterThe Marcus Center for the Performing Arts is a performing arts center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It serves as the home of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, Florentine Opera, Milwaukee Ballet, First Stage Children's Theater and other local arts organizations...
: Abele currently serves on the board of directors, and is previous board chair. While on the board, Abele led various privatization efforts, and spearheaded the Center's external lighting project
- Medical College of WisconsinMedical College of WisconsinMedical College of Wisconsin is a private, freestanding medical school and graduate school located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States. It was formerly affiliated with Marquette University....
: Abele currently serves on the Board of Trustees.
- Milwaukee Art MuseumMilwaukee Art MuseumThe Milwaukee Art Museum is located on Lake Michigan in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.Beginning around 1872, multiple organizations were founded in order to bring an art gallery to Milwaukee, as the city was still a growing port town with little or no facilities to hold major art exhibitions...
: Abele currently serves on the board of directors, and had previously held positions on the Education Committee, and currently serves on the Anniversary Committee to commemorate the museums 125th anniversary.
- Milwaukee Film: Abele was the co-founder and former board chair of Milwaukee Film. Abele currently serves on the organizations board of directors.
- Milwaukee Institute of Art & DesignMilwaukee Institute of Art & DesignThe Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design is a four-year, professional college of art and design, founded in 1974. It offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in 11 majors and is considered the successor to the Layton School of Art....
: Trustee
- Milwaukee ShakespeareMilwaukee ShakespeareMilwaukee Shakespeare was founded in March 2000 by Chris Abele and founding Artistic Director John Maclay. The inaugural production of Macbeth was performed in the 99-seat Off-Broadway Theatre in the Third Ward...
: Abele was co-founder and former trustee of Milwaukee Shakespeare.
- Milwaukee Symphony OrchestraMilwaukee Symphony OrchestraThe Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra is an orchestra based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Its primary performing venue is the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts...
: Abele currently serves as the chairman of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra Board of Directors
- National Association of Health Education Centers: Board Member
- Physicians for Human RightsPhysicians for Human RightsPhysicians for Human Rights was founded in 1986 by a small group of doctors who believed the unique scientific expertise and authority of health professionals could bring human rights violations to light and provide justice for victims...
: Trustee
- Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin: Abele is a former Board Member of the organization, and currently serves on their honorary board
- Public Policy Forum: Trustee
- River Revitalization Foundation: Abele currently serves on the Board of Directors, and previously held the position of Board Chair.
- Royal Shakespeare Company America: Abele currently serves on the Board of Directors
- United Performing Arts Fund: Board Member
- Visit Milwaukee: Abele currently serves on the Board of Directors
- Wisconsin Covenant Foundation: Abele was appointed by former Wisconsin Governor Jim DoyleJim DoyleJames Edward "Jim" Doyle is a Wisconsin politician and member of the Democratic Party. He was the 44th Governor of Wisconsin, serving from January 6, 2003 to January 3, 2011. He defeated incumbent Governor Scott McCallum by a margin of 45 percent to 41 percent; the Libertarian Party candidate Ed...
to serve on the Board of Directors.
- Women for Women InternationalWomen for Women InternationalWomen for Women International is an international organization advocating for women's rights.-Organization and mission: is a humanitarian organization that provides financial and emotional support to women survivors of war. Their programs help women achieve self-sufficiency through direct aid,...
: Abele serves on the Board of Directors, and previously held the position of Board Chairman.
Search Committees
Abele has participated in numerous executive search committees for a variety of organizations, including:- University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, Chancellor search
- Milwaukee Art MuseumMilwaukee Art MuseumThe Milwaukee Art Museum is located on Lake Michigan in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.Beginning around 1872, multiple organizations were founded in order to bring an art gallery to Milwaukee, as the city was still a growing port town with little or no facilities to hold major art exhibitions...
, CEO search - Milwaukee Symphony OrchestraMilwaukee Symphony OrchestraThe Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra is an orchestra based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Its primary performing venue is the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts...
, CEO search - National Association of Health Education Centers, CEO search
- River Revitalization Foundation, Executive Director search
- VISIT Milwaukee, CEO search
- Milwaukee Institute of Art & DesignMilwaukee Institute of Art & DesignThe Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design is a four-year, professional college of art and design, founded in 1974. It offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in 11 majors and is considered the successor to the Layton School of Art....
, President search - Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee, President search
- Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin, President search
Awards and Honors
Abele has been the recipient of numerous awards for his work in the community, including:- Milwaukee Business Journal "40 under 40"
- Milwaukee Business Journal "Power Broker"
- Boys and Girls Clubs of Milwaukee "Most Valuable Person"
- Public Policy Forum "Charles McNeer Civic Leadership Award"
- United Performing Arts Fund "Partner in the Arts Award"
- Governor’s Award in Support of the Arts
- Boys & Girls Club of America "National Foundation Award"
- Shepherd Express "Milwaukeean of the Year"
- Children's Hospital of Wisconsin "Children's Hero Award"
- Saint Francis Center "Children's Service Award"
- Marcus Center "Corporate Citizen Award"
- Riverwalk Association "Gertie Award"
2011 Milwaukee County Executive Race
Abele made his formal announcement to enter the race for Milwaukee County Executive on January, 4, 2011. Abele, and opponents Jeff Stone, Jim Sullivan, Ieshuh Griffin, and Lee Holloway faced-off in a non-partisan primary on February 15, 2011. Chris Abele and Jeff Stone received the most votes and advanced on to a run-off election that was held on April 5, 2011. On April 5, 2011, Abele defeated Republican challenger Jeff StoneJeff Stone (Wisconsin politician)
-Biography:Stone was born in Topeka, Kansas. He was raised in Zanesville, Ohio, and graduated from West Muskingum High School before returning to Topeka to attend Washburn University...
, capturing over 61% of all votes cast and will serve out the remainder of then-County Executive Scott Walker
Scott Walker (politician)
Scott Kevin Walker is an American Republican politician who began serving as the 45th Governor of Wisconsin on January 3, 2011, after defeating Democratic candidate Tom Barrett, 52 percent to 47 percent in the November 2010 general election...
's original term. Abele is expected to be sworn in on April 21, 2011.
Jobs
In January, 2011, Abele released his five point jobs plan for Milwaukee County, which includes:- Hold the line on taxes
- Leverage County assets to help businesses start up and grow
- Streamline, consolidate and centralize economic development strategies and regulatory climate
- Aggressively market Milwaukee County across Wisconsin and the country
- Property tax grace period for new small business startups that create new net jobs
Tax Increases
He has not adopted Walker’s strict "no new taxes" approach, but says tax increases should be a "last resort" until the county gets its act together. Specifically, a dedicated sales tax for parks or transit is out for the "foreseeable future," he told PolitiFact Wisconsin..County Privatization of Services
He told Politifact Wisconsin he is "wide open" to privatizing more county services if it saves money, preserves an important service or improves poorly delivered programs such as mental health..Ideology and Party Affiliation
According to campaign finance reports, Abele has contributed primarily to Democratic campaigns and the Democratic Party . In previous years, Abele has served on a number of finance committees. This activity includes the 2002 campaign for former Governor Jim DoyleJim Doyle
James Edward "Jim" Doyle is a Wisconsin politician and member of the Democratic Party. He was the 44th Governor of Wisconsin, serving from January 6, 2003 to January 3, 2011. He defeated incumbent Governor Scott McCallum by a margin of 45 percent to 41 percent; the Libertarian Party candidate Ed...
, helping with John Kerry's presidential fundraising, and donating to Barack Obama's 2008 presidential campaign.
Endorsements
On February 12, 2011, Abele received the endorsement of the Milwaukee Journal SentinelMilwaukee Journal Sentinel
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel is a daily morning broadsheet printed in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA. It is the primary newspaper in Milwaukee, the largest newspaper in Wisconsin and is distributed widely throughout the state...
, where they stated "Chris Abele's leadership on nonprofit boards, his experience running two family companies and his skill managing the Argosy Foundation make him a solid choice for county executive," and "Abele has the right experience and the right vision. Abele could be a game-changer."
On April 2, 2011, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel once again endorsed Abele over Jeff Stone, stating "Milwaukee County needs transformative change. One candidate provides the better chance to accomplish that."
Milwaukee County Executive
Abele took the oath of office to become Milwaukee County Executive on April 25, 2011.On June 9, 2011, citing concerns about budget cuts at the state level, Abele indicated his opposition to a planned $775,000 investment in public art at the Milwaukee County Courthouse.
On June 10, 2011, Abele announced his intentions of providing health care coverage to domestic partners of Milwaukee County employees. This was approved by the County Board on July 28, 2011, and signed by Abele on August 3, 2011.
Electoral History
External links
- Official Campaign Website Official campaign website of Chris Abele for Milwaukee County Executive
- Argosy Foundation Argosy Foundation