Michael Hostad has been named executive director of Innovation in Milwaukee (MiKE), a project of the Greater Milwaukee Committee.
MiKE aims to connect talent with corporations, in Milwaukee or elsewhere, and help companies recruit and retain employees in the region.
Hostad has worked in various leadership positions at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee for the past 13 years. The roles include chancellor’s designee for entrepreneurship and innovation, director of web and mobile strategy, and campus web architect.
“Michael’s extensive work at UWM, including working on the launch of the App Brewery and as the chancellor’s designee for entrepreneurship and innovation, makes him uniquely suited to lead the MiKE initiative going forward,” said Jonas Prising, MiKE Council co-chair and chief executive officer of ManpowerGroup.
Hostad also serves as president of the HighEdWeb Association. He previously worked at Quad/Graphics Inc. and was the sole proprietor at MSH Web Development LLC.
In his new role, Hostad will be responsible for leading MiKE’s innovation work, along with community stakeholders.
“Michael has a proven track record of creating highly valued opportunities and connections between corporations and Milwaukee’s key partners in innovations,” said Todd Teske, MiKE Council co-chair and president and chief executive officer of Briggs & Stratton Corp.
MiKE will host its annual innovation event, Flying Car, from June 25 to 27 at locations around Milwaukee. It has added the executive director position to continue its efforts to meet the needs of talent and corporations and narrow its focus.
