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THE MOST INFLUENTIAL PEOPLEIN MILWAUKEEThe movers and shakers and wheelers and dealers who make things happen.

KURT CHANDLER — OCTOBER 26, 2015

Edited by Kurt Chandler | Photographs by Adam Ryan Morris

Written by Ann Christenson, Erik Gunn, Claire Hanan, Matt Hrodey, Howie Magner, Laura

Merisalo, Georgia Pabst, Rich Rovito, Dan Shafer & Jon Anne Willow

They forge connections, pull the levers of change and shape the future of metro Milwaukee.

They’re politicians and CEOs, real-estate moguls and sports stars. They’re multimillionaires,entertainment kingpins, talk show hosts and social activists.

Some work behind the scenes, others front and center. Some have made the lists in the past, othersare newcomers, young and creative and driven, inching their way to the top as the Old Guard fallsback.



Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele by

Adam Ryan Morris.

They’re the best in their class, people with access, people with clout, and they have what it takes toget things done.

We’ve ranked Milwaukee’s power players in 10 areas of influence. Read on to see who made the list.And who didn’t.

Politics & Government

No. 1: Chris Abele, Milwaukee County Executive

He’s molded county government around himself,annoying longtime supporters but making newfriends, many of them conservatives. “This is aguy with unlimited funds, and everybody knowsit,” says one insider. “God knows where his moneyis.” But can he govern? If you mean outfoxing halfthe town’s power brokers, yes.

No. 2: Scott Walker, Governor of Wisconsin

The locally minded Republican governor likestilting the playing field on which cities and schooldistricts operate toward the right. He’s also been aboon to legislators wanting to downsize theMilwaukee County Board or nix the city’sresidency requirement. After a painfulpresidential race, he should be hungry for more.

No. 3: Tom Barrett, Milwaukee Mayor

Dude’s the mayor. He doesn’t inspire rave reviewsfrom insiders, but he’s been a stable and trustedforce in city politics for a long time, sort of like



Milwaukee’s Dad. “On the streetcar, he was tireless and fearless,” says someone who foughtalongside him and notes that when Barrett applies himself, he’s a workhorse – and one that’s justgetting started, as mayoral tenures go.

No. 4: Alberta Darling, State Senator

As co-chair of the Joint Committee on Finance, the River Hills Republican is a state Legislaturekingpin, and arguably the most powerful woman in state government.

No. 5: Chris Larson, State Senator

A team player, the former Democratic minority leader from the South Side has built up quite thenetwork of friends and supporters, which he’ll be using as he runs for county exec early next year.In a highly polarized state, he’s allied closely with forces on the left.

No. 6: Michael Murphy, President of the Milwaukee Common Council

Now in his seventh term, few people know city government better than this lifelong West Sider,whose personal ambitions can be hot one day and cool the next. Mayoral candidate? Maybe.

Behind The Curtain

Pat Curley, Chief of Staff to Mayor Tom BarrettBarrett’s gatekeeper, a “pseudo mayor” who generates little resentment. Democrats sayCurley is judicious in how he wields his special powers.Tia Torhorst, Political Director to County Exec Chris AbeleShe lost a race for the state Assembly but has since distinguished herself as Abele’s sage. Oneinsider calls her, “The person who whispers the most in Chris’ ear.”Fred Kessler, State RepresentativeThe aging Democrat is still a kingmaker, prodding all kinds of people, from state Sen. ChrisLarson to state Rep. Mandela Barnes, to run for office.



Owners, V&J Holdings, John Daniels and Valerie Daniels. Photo by Adam Ryan Morris.

Business & Finance

No. 1: Marc Lasry, Wes Edens and Jamie Dinan, Principal owners, Milwaukee Bucks

Pre-2014, Milwaukee’s power base was classic Rust Belt, with old-money heirs, successfulindustrialists and a few charismatic left-fielders wielding disproportionate mojo. The new Bucksowners changed that. They put together a group of investor-owners that’s the most powerful,bipartisan and ethnically diverse band of Milwaukee movers ever assembled, and achieved what noone could before: building a new arena, with a $250 million kiss from the state.

No. 2: John Daniels & Valerie Daniels-Carter*, Owners, V&J Holdings



She’s the co-founder and CEO of the mega-franchisee (Burger King, Pizza Hut, Häagen-Dazs andothers); he’s the board chair. She sits on the Packers board and is a local Bucks owner; he helpedwith the Bucks arena deal and is chairman emeritus of Quarles & Brady. Together, these siblingshave built schools and a Boys & Girls Club, and chaired corporate and nonprofit boards. Their sixsiblings are successful, too; one can only imagine what dinnertime at the Daniels’ house was likegrowing up.

No. 3: Ted Kellner*, Executive Chairman, Fiduciary Management

Between managing more than $21 billion in assets and chairing the boards of Summerfest, theMetropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce, and the BMO Harris Bradley Center, Kellnerhas muscle to spare. Why is it OK that he chairs both the Bradley Center board and is an owner ofthe Milwaukee Bucks? Because he assures us there’s no conflict of interest. Thank goodness.

No. 4: Sheldon Lubar, Founder and Chairman of Lubar & Co.

From humble beginnings, Lubar is the stuff of self-made legends. At 86, his board resume includesFortune 500 companies, service under three U.S. presidents (Nixon, Ford, Carter) and heading theUW Board of Regents. Pet projects include the dismantling of the Milwaukee County board andturning partial control of MPS over to the state.

No. 5: Gale Klappa*, Chairman & CEO, WEC Energy Group

He has fingers in the juiciest pies in town, including the arena deal. At work, he pulled off a hotlycontested, multibillion-dollar merger with Integrys Energy Group. As one of the nation’s highest-paid CEOs, the former M7 chairman sits on several corporate and nonprofit boards in his free time.

No. 6: Rich Meeusen, President and CEO, Badger Meter

Head of a company that grossed nearly $365 million last year, Meeusen punches above his weight.The Water Council manifests his vision for Milwaukee as the hub of the global water industry.Union supporters remember him for publicly threatening to move 100 Badger Meter jobs toMexico if Wisconsin’s Right to Work law wasn’t passed. It was.

No. 7: Julia Taylor, President, Greater Milwaukee Committee



Milwaukee Bucks owners Marc Lasry, Wes

Edens and Jamie Dinan. Photo by Adam Ryan

Morris.

The GMC might be the region’s vaguest, most star-studded civic organization. Atop it sits Taylor,who attracts money and acolytes to initiatives like MiKE (Innovation in Milwaukee) and TeachtownMKE.

*Denotes local Bucks owners

Sports

No. 1: Marc Lasry, Wes Edens and JamieDinan, Principal owners, Milwaukee Bucks

Few in Milwaukee knew the New York billionairesbefore Herb Kohl sold his beloved Bucks to themin 2014. But in less than two years, they convincedbig-name talent – like coach Jason Kidd andbroadcaster Gus Johnson – to work for them,convinced perpetually bickering politicians tohelp fund a new arena, and convinced long-suffering fans that they just might win achampionship.

No. 2: Bud Selig, Former Milwaukee Brewersowner, former MLB commissioner

He officially ceded his vast powers, and often-controversial tenure, as MLB’s commissionerwhen he retired in January 2015. That the sport’sowners kept him in the power loop ascommissioner emeritus is testament to how muchweight his opinion still holds. And he remains theman who brought the Brewers to Milwaukee, thenkept them here with Miller Park.

No. 3: Mark Attanasio, Principal owner, Milwaukee Brewers



He succeeded Selig as Brewers owner, and was rumored as a candidate to succeed him as commish,too. It didn’t happen, but the mere prospect confirms the respect Attanasio’s engendered in MLBcircles, particularly among small- and mid-market owners. The Brewers have had one of their mostcompetitive stretches in club history during his tenure, setting franchise attendance records in theprocess.

No. 4: Herb Kohler, Chairman, Kohler Company; owner of Whistling Straits

His vision is the reason the world’s best golfers have come to Wisconsin for two PGAChampionships this decade, and will do so again in 2020 for the Ryder Cup. Kohler’s reach extendsto the very roots of the game with his company’s Scotland resort, the Old Course Hotel at St.Andrews, which overlooks the venerable links where the sport was first played in the 15th century.

No. 5: Rick Schlesinger, Chief Operating Officer, Milwaukee Brewers

As the boots-on-the-ground spearhead for the club’s business, marketing and fan-experienceefforts, he’s played a major role in the Brewers setting those franchise attendance records.

No. 6: Craig Karmazin*, Owner, Good Karma Brands

The son of former Sirius XM Radio chief Mel Karmazin, Craig owns WAUK-AM 540 (ESPN’s localradio affiliate), created the Wisconsin Sports Awards, and recently bought a minority share in theBucks.

No. 7: Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers quarterback

He wins games for the Packers. Wins customers with his endorsements. Wins hearts with hischarity work, and those Olivia Munn videos.

Development

No. 1: Barry Mandel, President, Mandel Group



Founder, Barrett Lo Visionary Development,

Rick Barrett. Photo by Adam Ryan Morris.

Maybe it’s those round-rimmed glasses he wears,but Mandel is able to see Milwaukee’s real estateworld the way others don’t. He’s been ahead of thewave on the booming Downtown apartmentmarket, he’s reshaped the city with signaturebuildings, he’s breathed new life into toxicbrownfields, and throughout all of it, he’smaintained a nearly unmatched level of creativity.

No. 2: Rick Barrett, Founder, Barrett Lo, VisionaryDevelopment

Using “Visionary Development” in yourcompany’s name takes confidence, but so doesbuilding a multimillion-dollar high-rise in thePark East during a recession. That’s exactly whatBarrett did with The Moderne. For an encore, he’scharging forward with The Couture – a newlakefront tower (complete with a streetcar hub)that will soon be a signature building in theskyline.

No. 3: Gary Grunau, President, Grucon Group;part-owner, Schlitz Park

For four decades, he’s been at the center of some of Milwaukee’s biggest developments – theRiverWalk, convention center, Discovery World, U.S. Bank Center, the list goes on. The 76-year-oldis still known as a trailblazing risk-taker. Look no further than his latest – Schlitz Park – asevidence. More people work there now than did during the brewery’s heyday, and a $76 millionexpansion is on the way.

No. 4: Matt Rinka, Principal Owner, Rinka Chung Architecture



If you want to make an architectural splash, hire UWM grad Rinka. Beyond sketching out projectslike The Moderne and Oak Creek’s Drexel Town Square, he’s a key part of the city’s two new“exclamation point” towers – the Northwestern Mutual Tower and Commons, and The Couture.

No. 5: Willie Wade, Alderman, City of Milwaukee

While he may not grab headlines like some other aldermen, Wade is an integral part ofdevelopment as commissioner of the Redevelopment Authority and chair of the Century CityRedevelopment Corp. The North Side alderman has also been on the winning side of votes for thearena and streetcar.

No. 6: James T. Barry III, President, DTZ Barry

He’s behind the scenes, but Barry is Milwaukee’s broker extraordinaire. Quietly, this third-generation real estate broker has played an active role in big projects, ranging from Amazon’s newfacility in Kenosha to the Park East commission that led to the new arena.

No. 7: Laura Bray, Executive Director, LISC Milwaukee

The development world was buzzing in the summer when neighborhood revitalization nonprofitLISC Milwaukee hired Bray as its new head. She’s renowned for the decade she spent runningMenomonee Valley Partners – one of the city’s more notable success stories.

Ahead of the Curve

Several sources were reluctant to name city of Milwaukee officials as influential figures inlocal development, and even afraid such recognition would be more positive than what’sbeing said about Milwaukee County Board members. But, say our sources, three pragmatic,results-oriented mayors of county suburbs – Steve Scaffidi in Oak Creek, Dan Devine in WestAllis and Kathy Ehley in Wauwatosa – are emerging as developmental leaders in the region.

Arts & Entertainment

No. 1: Dan Keegan, Director, Milwaukee ArtMuseum



Director, Milwaukee Art Museum, Dan Keegan.

Photo by Adam Ryan Morris.

Since taking the reins in 2008, Keegan hasaccomplished what other recent directorscouldn’t: renovating the museum’s oldestgalleries. With $10 million from MilwaukeeCounty and gobs of private cash, sources say,Keegan pushed through the red tape forNovember’s big reveal. Considering more than400,000 people enter the museum each year, theimpact of Keegan’s approval on everything fromarchitects to curators and major artworks (like thecontroversial Eggs Benedict) can’t be understated.

No. 2: Joe Bartolotta, Co-owner, The BartolottaRestaurants

Many chefs have trained in the kitchens of Joe B’sempire, which – besides fine-dining venues LakePark Bistro, Bacchus, Harbor House and others –has grown to include casual restaurant models(such as Downtown Kitchen) that it can duplicate.Bartolotta Restaurants is “the gold standard,” saysa source, that “created the excitement [for dining]in Milwaukee.”

No. 3: Jonathan Jackson, Artistic and Executive Director, Milwaukee Film Festival

It was only seven years ago that the wee Milwaukee Film Festival dreamed of growing up to be likeher big sister, the Chicago International Film Festival. Well, kids grow up fast these days, becausethis year, the MFF screened 300-plus films – about double that of Chicago. Jackson has helmed theship since the early days, and is responsible for putting the fest on the map in record time.

No. 4: Mary Louise Schumacher, Art and Architecture Critic, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel



We declared her dual critic role “horrible news” in 2008, but we’ve reconsidered. WhenSchumacher sharply critiques the design plans of a large area museum, the museum tweaks thedesign. She has a knack for starting conversations – online and in print – that art lovers and artistsfollow in Milwaukee and beyond. Her opinions carry weight.

No. 5: Gary Witt, Executive Director, Pabst Theater Group

While he will certainly agree with his inclusion on this list, there’s no mistaking the hard andoccasionally glamorous work Witt has done to lift three historic venues – the Pabst, Riverside andTurner Hall Ballroom – into the cultural platforms they are today, to the benefit of arts andentertainment groups, and even civic discussion.

No. 6: Justin Aprahamian, Chef/Co-owner, Sanford Restaurant

The James Beard Award winner has picked up the torch of excellence from another Beard-winningchef, Sanford D’Amato. There’s unanimous agreement among our sources of Aprahamian’sprodigious talent.

No. 7: Polly Morris, Executive Director,, Lynden Sculpture Garden

Described as the “shrewd fairy godmother of Milwaukee’s arts scene,” Morris has made quick workof hosting artistic groups of all kinds. On top of that, she administers the Greater MilwaukeeFoundation’s Mary L. Nohl Fund Fellowships, a highly prized grant that can help establish a localartist’s name. No small responsibility.

No. 8: David Ravel, Director, Alverno Presents

The Uncovered Series asks artists to reimagine the works of an artist with icon status, like thisyear’s ode to Prince organized by “dark folk” act Hello Death. Ravel brings these disparate groupstogether for musical events that seem to turn the concert experience on its head.

No. 9: Reggie Baylor, Artist, Owner of Plaid Tuba

The former truck driver’s art hangs in MAM, homes of wealthy locals, and in public venues for allto see. And through Plaid Tuba, Baylor and business partner Heidi Witz lend their guidance toother artists who might not be familiar with the logistical side of the creative life.



Chair of Emergency Medicine, Froedtert Hospital, Steve Hargarten. Photo by Adam Ryan Morris.

Health & Wellness

No. 1: John Bartkowski, President and CEO, Sixteenth Street Community Health Centers

He was reforming health care before health care reform was cool. From river cleanup to leadabatement, Sixteenth Street has revolutionized caring for its community. Under Bartkowski, in 10years, the center has doubled its budget (to $30 million) and the number cared for (to 36,000).Next: a new clinic in the 43rd Street corridor by 2017, thanks to a $12 million gift from FroedtertHealth.

No. 2: Michael Gifford, President and CEO, AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin



6,899: the number of people living with HIV in Wisconsin as of 2014, nearly half of whom receivecare from ARCW. 250: average number of new HIV cases in the state each year. 127: averagenumber of HIV patients in Wisconsin who die each year. 85: percentage of ARCW HIV patientswith undetectable viral loads, more than double the national average. Keeping these stats in check:Gifford.

No. 3: Steve Hargarten, Chair of Emergency Medicine, Froedtert Hospital

Treat gun violence as a preventable, biosocial disease, and the good old days of the 1930s, whenMilwaukee was “the healthiest, safest and best-policed city in the United States,” are 10-15 yearswithin reach. So believes Hargarten. With national credentials to leverage cross-sector support, thishomegrown voice against violence says, “Police Chief Flynn needs to know he is not alone.”

No. 4: Joy Tapper, Executive Director, Milwaukee Health Care Partnership

As the point person for improving the health of Milwaukee’s most vulnerable, Tapper brings to onetable leaders from five competing health systems, the Medical College of Wisconsin, communityhealth centers, and local and state agencies. Tapper modestly calls herself “just a catalyst.”

No. 5: Cathy Jacobson, CEO and President, Froedtert Health

The new kid on the CEO block has more than two decades of experience but is hardly old-school.Jacobson is leading change in a new era of health care by tapping talent within and beyond thesystem, with an emphasis on community health and primary care.

No. 6: Geoffrey Swain, Professor, UW School of Medicine & Public Health; Medical Director,Milwaukee Health Department

He combats Milwaukee’s complex public health issues with candor – and results. Most notably,Swain has worked steadily to knock down the infant mortality rate.



President and CEO, Bader Philanthropies, Dan Bader. Photo by Adam Ryan Morris.

Philanthropy

No. 1: Dan Bader, President and CEO,, Bader Philanthropies

Passionate. Engaged. Thoughtful. That’s how many describe Bader, who this year merged thefoundation of his mother (Helen) and the trust of his father (Alfred). With a grant-making capacityof $15 million for the fiscal year, its funding extends to health, the arts, the poor, nonprofitmanagement and other areas. “He’s the real McCoy,” one leader says. “He makes sure the money isspent wisely.”

No. 2: Sheldon and Marianne Lubar, Lubar Family Foundation



The Lubars not only give big, they’re active fundraisers. In July, they donated $10 million to UW-Milwaukee to establish the Lubar Center for Entrepreneurship. That followed a $10 million gift in2006 to endow professorships and scholarships at the Lubar School of Business. With foundationassets of $51 million reported in 2013, they’ve bankrolled arts, education, community and Jewishorganizations, and raised millions more.

No. 3: Michael Cudahy, The Cudahy Foundation

Businessman, inventor and philanthropist, he’s described as a total risk-taker who says out loudwhat’s on everyone else’s mind. Cudahy has donated to a range of arts and educational institutions.He funded the MAM’s Cudahy Gardens, helped build Discovery World and the Harbor House, gaveto MU and MSOE, and has taken a keen interest in lakefront development. The 92-year-old says hewants to give it all away before he dies. And with a bit under $10 million in his foundation in 2013,he just might do it.

No. 4: Michael Grebe, President and CEO, Bradley Foundation

He and the foundation have become nationally known leaders in funding conservative groups andcauses, including the voucher school movement. Grebe was national chairman of Scott Walker’spresidential campaign.

No. 5: Herb Kohl, Former U.S. Senator

With his $550 million sale of the Milwaukee Bucks and $100 million donation to build a newDowntown arena, many see him entering into a more visible role in local philanthropy.

No. 6: Susan Lloyd, Executive Director, Zilber Foundation

Since coming here in 2008 to run the $50 million Zilber Neighborhood Initiative, she’s become amajor force in fostering collaborations and leveraging resources to help poor neighborhoods. Shesees “the big picture.”

No. 7: Ellen Gilligan, President and CEO, Greater Milwaukee Foundation



Since arriving in 2010, this daughter of an Ohio governor has encouraged foundations to be morestrategic and collaborative in addressing community issues. She gets kudos for helping to launchMilwaukee Succeeds.

Nonprofit

Ricardo Diaz, Executive Director, United Community CenterHe has taken the UCC to new heights as a vital South Side center for social services, artsand education, and housing. Diaz oversaw the addition of a geriatric center for thosewith Alzheimer’s, and for driving the $8 million fundraising push to expand BruceGuadalupe Community School to 1,600 students. Fans credit him as a skilled resourcemanager and caring mentor.

Sharon and Larry Adams, Founders, Walnut Way Conservation Corp.The couple has helped revitalize the impoverished North Side neighborhood. They’renoted for collaboration and “getting things done.”

Ken Leinbach, Executive Director, Urban Ecology CenterHe’s become a nationally recognized leader in community-based environmentaleducation. The center has branched out from Riverside Park to Washington Park andthe Menomonee Valley. Leinbach thinks outside the box, shares his knowledge widelyand uses resources wisely.

Sister Edna Lonergan, President, St. Ann CenterAfter leading the intergenerational health and education center on the South Side formany years, she’s now replicating one at 24th Street and North Avenue. Lonergan getshigh marks for raising money.

Education

No. 1: Darienne Driver, Superintendent, Milwaukee Public Schools

On the job barely a year, she’s initiating bold reforms to improve student outcomes, and is seen asan energetic visionary. There’s cautious optimism she’ll remain a force for MPS, which has ahistory of grinding up leadership. One insider warns, “Her board and political opponents of publiceducation could put a ceiling on her impact.”



Superintendent, Milwaukee Public Schools,

Darienne Driver. Photo by Adam Ryan Morris.

No. 2: Ricardo Diaz, Executive Director, UnitedCommunity Center

Respect for Diaz runs so deep in the Latinocommunity and beyond, many believe him to be aprime candidate for public office. The Cuba nativepushes education as an antidote to social ills andforges strong ties to the business community.

No. 3: Patricia Hoben, Principal, Carmen HighSchool of Science and Technology

A former biophysicist and science adviser toWashington, D.C., politicos, Hoben left thelaboratory to later found Carmen High School,ranked seventh in the state in 2014 by U.S. News& World Report. The charter school now hascampuses on Milwaukee’s South and Northwestsides. “A gem,” says a business leader.

No. 4: Abby Andrietsch, ExecutiveDirector, Schools That Can

She was a manufacturing executive who shiftedgears to focus on education reform. Wearing that hat, she’s working to raise the quality of schoolleaders and close the achievement gap.

No. 5: Larry Miller, Vice President, MPS Board of Education

He’s a former Milwaukee Public Schools teacher, and before that, was a union organizer. Insidersbelieve Miller wields the most power on the MPS board. He’s also an editor at the publishingnonprofit, Rethinking Schools.

No. 6: Rob Rauh, Chief Education Officer, Milwaukee College Prep



With 2,000 students in this four-campus charter school network, Rauh is lauded for producingstrong results with minority and low-income students. “Not sure where Milwaukee would bewithout him,” says a board member.

No. 7: Howard Fuller, Professor of Education, Marquette University

Fuller’s memoir is titled No Struggle, No Progress, an apt summation of the career of the civil-rights activist and onetime MPS superintendent, who now leads a think tank at Marquette and theMilwaukee Collegiate Academy.

Justice System

No. 1: Maxine White, Chief Judge, Wisconsin’sFirst Judicial District, Milwaukee

The daughter of Mississippi sharecroppers, shewas named an assistant U.S. attorney straight outof MU’s Law School before taking the bench inMilwaukee in 1992. Heralded for her work indomestic violence, White cast a long shadow whenpresiding over family court and drug court, andwas a shoe-in in March when the state SupremeCourt appointed her Wisconsin’s first African-American chief judge.

No. 2: John Chisholm, DistrictAttorney, Milwaukee County

Spotlighted in May by The New Yorker for hisattempts to correct racial disparities in the justicesystem, this DA thinks outside of the box. Hisclaim to fame was installing communityprosecutors in each police station as a crime-prevention strategy. “He’s doing stuff that’sradically different than his predecessor, Mike



Chief Judge, Wisconsin’s First Judicial District,

Milwaukee, Maxine White. Photo by Adam Ryan

Morris.

McCann,” says a local criminologist. The heat he’staken for leading two John Doe investigations ofScott Walker’s political associates hasn’t slowedhim down. “John’s a guy who’s OK taking risks,” asource says. “Heck, he’s an 82nd Airborne guy.”

No. 3: Carmen Pitre, Executive Director, Sojourner Family Peace Center

She’s been a warrior in the domestic violence trenches for decades, in support of women, men andfamilies. Pitre, say her allies, is especially effective at connecting the dots between health andwelfare, and women’s rights. She’ll open the doors to the center’s new $21 million North Sideheadquarters in January.

No. 4: Joseph Kearney, Dean, Marquette University Law School

The Harvard Law School grad is seen as conservative and traditional. (He clerked for U.S. SupremeCourt Justice Antonin Scalia.) Yet he asked Russ Feingold to teach (to the right’s chagrin), andcreated a heavyweight public forum, starring journalists Mike Gousha and Alan Borsuk, and theLaw School Poll.

No. 5: Tom Reed, First Assistant State Public Defender, Milwaukee Office

In an adversarial system, Reed is good at partnering with opponents to solve issues, withoutcompromising his ethical responsibilities.

Law Enforcement

The short list of top law enforcers shouldn’t surprise anyone: Milwaukee Police Chief EdFlynn is noted for his smarts and cutting-edge community policing, while Milwaukee CountySheriff David Clarke scores points for his passion and endurance. Also praised is AssistantPolice Chief James Harpole for putting his heart in his work and community.

Media

No. 1: Mike Gousha, Newscaster, WISN-TV



Newscaster, WISNTV, Mike Gousha. Photo by

Adam Ryan Morris.

Gousha enjoys respect, credibility and access to beenvied by any journalist – and on two platforms:Channel 12, where he’s a weekly interviewer, andat Marquette University Law School, where hislunchtime Q&As pack the house with political andpolicy elites, and ambitious students angling tojoin them. “He’s a master interviewer,” notes oneobserver.

No. 2: Dan Bice, News columnist, MilwaukeeJournal Sentinel

His unique niche as political gossip gumshoeexplains why he’s the newspaper’s only reporterrepeatedly mentioned, regardless of thementioner’s vantage point. A Bice front-page storygets people talking for days and can shapecoverage by other news sources. Bice’s in-your-face celebrity has made him the face of the JS’sWatchdog team.

No. 3: Charlie Sykes, Talk radio host, WTMJ-AM

Love him or hate him, the flagship talker onTMJ’s right-wing radio gets unanimous recognition for commanding an audience and the powerthat goes with it. His website Right Wisconsin, his editorship of the conservative WisconsinInterest policy magazine, and ties to a larger web of conservative groups extend his reach as a sortof anti-Gousha – or, say some critics, make him merely the mouthpiece for other interests.

No. 4: Mark Belling, Talk radio host, WISN-AM

He laid the groundwork for Sykes and others, launching his own conservative talk radio show whenTMJ was still just a news station. Deprived of Sykes’ multiple platforms, Belling, some say, has anindependent streak Sykes misses.



No. 5 & No. 6: Patrick Marley & Jason Stein, Reporters, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

There’s nothing like covering a governor who garners praise and opprobrium in equal measure tolift a journalist’s visibility, but hard work helps, too, in the case of the paper’s Capitol bureauDynamic Duo.

No. 7: Jerrel Jones, Owner, WNOV-AM and the Milwaukee Courier

Not as visible as he once was, but he commands two channels to the city’s black community: theonly black news and talk radio, and an African-American newspaper.

Alt-media

No media list is complete without a nod to the many alternative outlets – from independentwebsites such as the wonky, passionate Urban Milwaukee, a go-to site for urban affairsand political reporting, to ideological organizations like the MacIver Institute and MediaTrackers, who have changed coverage, and reactions, for better or worse.

‘The Most Influential People in Milwaukee’ appears in the November 2015 issue of MilwaukeeMagazine.

Find the November issue on newsstands Nov. 2

Be the first to get every new issue. Subscribe.

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Kurt Chandler

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Kurt Chandler began working at Milwaukee Magazine in1998 as a senior editor, writing investigative articles,profiles, narratives and commentaries. He was namededitor in August 2013. An award-winning writer, Chandlerhas worked as a newspaper reporter, magazine writer,editor and author. He has been published in a number ofmetro newspapers and magazines, from The New YorkTimes, San Francisco Chronicle and Minneapolis StarTribune, to Marie Claire, The Writer, and Salon.com. Healso has authored, coauthored or edited 12 books. Hiswriting awards are many: He has won the National

Headliners Award for magazine writing five times. He has been named Writer of the Year bythe City & Regional Magazine Association, and Journalist of the Year by the Milwaukee



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Press Club. As a staff writer with the Minneapolis Star Tribune, he was nominated for thePulitzer Prize and chosen as a finalist for the Robert F. Kennedy Award. In previous lives,Chandler worked construction, drove a cab and played the banjo (not necessarily at thesame time). He has toiled as a writer and journalist for three decades now and, unmindful ofhis sage father’s advice, has nothing to fall back on. Yet he is not without a specialized set ofskills: He can take notes in the dark and is pretty good with active verbs.

A Quiet Elegance JOHN GURDA, OCTOBER 26, 2015

Into The Woods DANIEL SIMMONS, OCTOBER 26, 2015

Pretzel, Meet Mustard ANN CHRISTENSON, SEPTEMBER 29, 2015



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The Most Influential People in Milwaukee - CUPH€¦ · 10/26/2015 The Most Influential People in Milwaukee ... MEMBER PASS SHARE ON: B 2 9 THE MOST INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE IN MILWAUKEE