Kurt Bauer has been named to succeed James Haney as the president and chief executive officer of the Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC).
Bauer has worked for banking trade associations for 18 years, including the last seven as the president and CEO of the Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA). Prior to that, Bauer led the Phoenix-based Arizona Bankers Association, and he also served as WBA’s chief lobbyist.
He will succeed Haney, who has led WMC for 27 years.
Thomas Howatt, president and CEO of Wausau Paper Corp., Mosinee, and chairman of the WMC board of directors, announced the election of Bauer today.
"We are very pleased to have Kurt Bauer join WMC as our next president and CEO,” Howatt said. “”Kurt’s trade association experience and strong track record of success makes him the ideal candidate for this important position, We look forward to him continuing WMC’s tradition as the leading and most effective voice of business in Wisconsin."
“It is a great honor to be selected as the new president and chief executive officer of WMC.” Bauer said. “I look forward to working with the many stakeholders who share the collective goal of making Wisconsin the best place for employers and employees alike.”
Bauer, a Beloit native, said making Wisconsin more competitive will help speed the economic recovery, grow jobs and resolve the state’s chronic budgetary issues.
“The best way to improve the quality of life for everyone is to expand private sector businesses by pursuing policies that encourage business expansion and relocation in Wisconsin,” Bauer said.
Bauer will officially join the WMC in April.
