Elmer Moore Jr., the executive director of
Scale Up Milwaukee has been appointed by Gov. Tony Evers to serve as the chief executive officer and executive director of the
Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA).
Moore’s appointment to the post is effective April 11. He succeeds Joaquin Altoro,
who left WHEDA in November to become administrator of rural housing service with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development.
WHEDA provides low-cost financing for housing and small business development in Wisconsin. It is a self-supporting public corporation that receives no tax dollars for its operations.
“Access to affordable housing is critical in supporting Wisconsin’s working families, employers, and the economic well-being of our communities,” said Evers. “I’m thrilled to have Elmer Moore join our administration to serve in this important role. His background in business development, job creation, strategic partnerships, and community engagement will be critical to ensuring that WHEDA’s commitment to housing equity and economic opportunity remains strong throughout our great state.”
Moore has been executive director of Scale Up Milwaukee since 2016 and was a project team leader for the organization from 2014-16. Scale Up Milwaukee is an initiative of the Greater Milwaukee Committee. Scale Up works with area entrepreneurs to help them grow their businesses.
Moore was the owner of Milwaukee Denim Co. from 2014-20. He was also director of business development for Allen Edmonds from 2013-14.
“It is a tremendous honor to accept Governor Evers’ appointment to serve as WHEDA’s CEO and executive director,” said Moore. “Advancing innovative solutions and resources that provide equity for all has been the foundation of my career. I look forward to working with WHEDA and its many public and private stakeholders to support the mission of stronger, more sustainable communities across Wisconsin.”
Moore received a bachelor’s degree from Muhlenberg College in Allentown, Pennsylvania in 1999 and a master’s degree in business administration from Columbia Business School in New York in 2013.
Moore lives in Milwaukee and serves as chairman of the board for the Social Development Commission, board member for the Harbor District, and adjunct instructor for Marquette University and University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
