The Changing face of Milwaukee's leadership

Time after time, workplace research has shown that diverse teams make better decisions.

Each of us comes from a different background and has different viewpoints -- and \when multiple viewpoints are considered as part of a decision-making process, that’s a recipe for success.

Does this axiom also apply to the public sector? I believe the answer is yes. And I’m proud to say that we’re about to find out here in the Milwaukee Region.

The face of Milwaukee’s leadership has changed dramatically in recent years, as a younger and more diverse group of leaders now has a seat at the table. This group includes Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson, Employ Milwaukee President and CEO Chytania Brown, Milwaukee Development Commissioner Lafayette Crump, State Representative Jessie Rodriguez, Milwaukee Common Council President José Pérez and County Board Chairwoman Marcelia Nicholson, among others.

In this issue of Milwaukee Commerce, you can read more about these new leaders and their perspectives on the significant issues we face here in the Milwaukee Region. This group already has faced a few big tests -- and they’re proving they’re up to the task.

In the private sector we are also seeing significant changes, with large numbers of CEOs and senior leaders at or nearing retirement. At MMAC we have begun a thoughtful succession process with a search for a senior vice president – someone who can play a critical role in the long-term leadership of this organization. MMAC Chair Cathy Jacobson of Froedtert Health is chairing the search committee for this position. As she’s noted – while this change is not imminent – it is prudent to plan now for the inevitable change.

“A new generation of leaders will set themselves apart by putting people and relationships first, followed by potential solutions to issues, with politics often coming in a distant third.”

The pipeline of younger, more diverse, business professionals are capable and ready to take the reins, but to keep that pipeline filled, we must continuously invest in our talent. We need to keep the best and brightest engaged and always learning. And need to keep them here!

A new generation of leaders will set themselves apart by putting people and relationships first, followed by potential solutions to issues, with politics often coming in a distant third. That’s a recipe that’s rare in our country’s current political environment, and it gives us hope for the future.

Yes, we have much more work to do and significant issues to solve. But I’m optimistic that we have willing and pragmatic partners in the public and private sectors. And that’s a good place to start.

Tim Sheehy MMAC President