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James Crawford

BizTimes Staff
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James Crawford

Chairman
Forest County Potawatomi Community  |  Crandon

James Crawford is chairman of the Forest County Potawatomi Community, the largest employer in Forest County and a significant employer in Milwaukee County. The tribe owns Potawatomi Casino Hotel in Milwaukee, which attracts about 6 million visitors annually. FCPC also owns Potawatomi Business Development Corp., its capital investment and real estate arm based in Milwaukee, and Potawatomi Casino Hotel in Carter, Wisconsin.

FCPC owns nearly 400 acres of land in Kenosha County, including 240 acres at the former Dairyland Greyhound Park, where construction is underway on a business park, and 128 acres at LakeView Corporate Park along I-94 in Pleasant Prairie.

Across its enterprises, FCPC employs about 2,700 people, 60% of whom are non-native and about 1,900 of whom work in Milwaukee County.

As chairman, Crawford works with the six-person executive council to manage the economy of the tribe, govern its administration and handle all agreements with local, state and federal governments. Previously, Crawford was vice-chairman of the tribe and CEO of the Potawatomi Community Development Corp. Crawford delivered an address during the 2024 Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.

Education: Bachelor’s, York College

Notable Health Care Leaders: Nancy Reese

BizTimes Staff
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Notable Health Care Leaders: Nancy Reese

Since coming to Carthage College in 2021, Nancy Reese has increased bachelor of science in nursing majors from 270 to 361, and the program continues to grow, said Paul Martino, dean of the Professional Studies Division at Carthage, located in Kenosha.

Under Reese’s leadership as director of the nursing department, Carthage developed its first certified nursing assistant program.

“Dr. Reese and her team received the rare 10-year accreditation during the nursing program’s reaccreditation visit. Most college nursing programs receive a five-year reaccreditation,” Martino said.

“I have witnessed the direct impact Nancy has had in developing new nurses through our academic program,” said Jim Padilla, dean of Carthage’s School of Business & Economics.

“Since taking over the nursing program, Nancy has created expectations and standards which have been recognized throughout the region. Her commitment shows in everything, from recruiting prospective students, to the white coat ceremony, pinning ceremony and graduation. Nancy’s leadership in developing future nurses while also building the largest academic program on our campus has been astonishing,” Padilla said.

Michael Conway

BizTimes Staff
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Michael Conway

Co-CEO and COO
Overture Center for the Arts | Madison

Michael Conway joined Overture Center for the Arts’ executive leadership team in late 2022 as chief operating officer. Overture Center, a nonprofit arts organization and performance venue located on State Street in downtown Madison, hosts roughly 700,000 educational and artistic experiences annually and houses the Madison Symphony Orchestra, Madison Ballet, Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra and Madison Opera. It also hosts residencies with Forward Theater Company, Kanopy Dance Company, Li Chiao-Ping Dance, Children’s Theater of Madison and the James Watrous Gallery. Previously, Conway was general manager at Live Nation in Indianapolis, where he had oversight of the organization’s club-sized venue Old National Centre, and held operations roles at Second City in Chicago.

Education: Loyola University Chicago and Columbia College Chicago

One decision to do over: “I wish I had taken the opportunity to work at different venues earlier in my career. Staying in familiar environments felt safe, but moving to new venues later taught me the value of embracing change. I’ve learned that growth comes not just from timing, but from being willing to step into new opportunities.”

What would you like to change about Wisconsin: “The state government’s funding for the arts. Currently, Wisconsin ranks last among all 50 states in arts funding, spending only 18 cents per capita.”

Favorite Wisconsin destination: “The entire Driftless region.”

Buzzword you never want to hear again: “Hard stop.”

Joel Brennan

BizTimes Staff
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Joel Brennan

President
Greater Milwaukee Committee  |  Milwaukee

Joel Brennan is president of the Greater Milwaukee Committee, a private sector civic organization composed of leaders in business, education, philanthropy and the nonprofit community. Prior to joining GMC, he served as secretary of the Department of Administration under Gov. Tony Evers, where he led the agency of nearly 1,500 employees. Previously, Brennan was president and chief executive officer of Discovery World for nearly 12 years, head of Milwaukee’s Redevelopment Authority and vice president of development and government affairs for the Greater Milwaukee Convention & Visitors Bureau, now Visit Milwaukee.

Education: Bachelor’s, Marquette University; master’s, University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy

Highlights from the past 12 months: “The most significant success at the Greater Milwaukee Committee over the last 12 months was our partnership with the MMAC, the city, the county and other stakeholders to bring significant new local revenue to the public sector to preserve vital community services.”

What would you like to change about Wisconsin: “A stronger focus on early learning and early childhood education that reflects an understanding on this issue and its impact on K-12 education outcomes and state workforce needs.”

Cocktail of choice: “Miller High Life, the champagne of beers.”

Playlist for commute/run: “‘Hamilton’ soundtrack, ‘Greatest Showman’ soundtrack, Bruce Springsteen, James Taylor.”

2022 Wisconsin 275 Profile

Nonprofits and Education
President
Greater Milwaukee Committee | Milwaukee 

Earlier this year, Joel Brennan became president of the Greater Milwaukee Committee, an organization of nearly 200 CEOs and industry leaders focused on improving the civic life and economy of southeastern Wisconsin. Brennan previously was Department of Administration secretary under Gov. Tony Evers. Previously, Brennan led Discovery World in Milwaukee and was head of Milwaukee’s Redevelopment Authority.  

Education: Bachelor’s, Marquette University; master’s, University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy 

First job: “Fry Cook at Wong’s Wok at Summerfest and State Fair. I learned how to operate a deep fryer and have the scars to prove it.”  

Favorite restaurant and meal: “Harbor House. I used to ask if I could add crab cakes to the Caesar salad, and eventually they added that dish to the menu.” 

Fun fact: “Many of the relationships I developed over the years started with connections to my older siblings. (Former Milwaukee Mayor) Tom Barrett, who helped shape my career in many ways and influenced me significantly, dated one of my older sisters in high school. Frank Gimbel, who has been a friend and mentor, hired my older brother right out of law school to practice criminal law. Roy Reiman, who provided support and guidance throughout my tenure at Discovery World, employed my father more than 30 years ago.”  

Why you’re excited for the future: “I am excited about a crop of young leaders who can propel us into a stronger and brighter future.” 

Notable Health Care Leaders: Jordan Spillane

BizTimes Staff
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Notable Health Care Leaders: Jordan Spillane

Jordan Spillane, PharmD, serves as the director of ambulatory pharmacy for the Wauwatosa-based Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin health network.

Since 2018, Spillane has participated in the statewide advocacy effort to allow pharmacists to become credentialed billable providers with Wisconsin Medicaid. In 2021, she testified in the House and Senate committee hearings and received the Good Government Award from the Pharmacy Society of Wisconsin in 2022 in recognition of her efforts.

In 2024, Spillane led a multi-disciplinary team across Froedtert & MCW to implement pharmacist provider status, allowing for appropriate billing and reimbursement of patient care provided by credentialed pharmacists. Pharmacist provider status allows health systems and pharmacies across Wisconsin to create and grow teams of pharmacists to support physicians, advanced practice providers and patients in optimizing medications for chronic disease states, according to Jordan Dow, vice president of pharmacy services and chief pharmacy officer at Froedtert.

Outside of Froedtert & MCW, Spillane serves on the board of directors and as events committee chair for Blessings in a Backpack: Waukesha County. The nonprofit provides nutritious weekend snacks to children experiencing food insecurity.

Marty Brooks

BizTimes Staff
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Marty Brooks

President and CEO
Wisconsin Center District | Milwaukee

Marty Brooks leads the Wisconsin Center District, owner and operator of high-profile Milwaukee venues including the Baird Center, UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena and Miller High Life Theatre. The WCD completed a $456 million expansion of the Baird Center, downtown Milwaukee’s convention and exhibition center, in 2024, just in time for the Republican National Convention. The project – which added a 300,000-square-foot exposition hall, 52 meeting rooms and a rooftop ballroom, among other enhancements – doubled the center’s footprint. Previously, Brooks managed venues in St. Louis and held senior roles at Madison Square Garden. He serves on the boards of Westown Association, Visit Milwaukee and the downtown Milwaukee business improvement district.

Education: Bachelor’s, University of Maryland

Your secret talent: “The patience to assemble large, intricate LEGO projects.”

If you could time travel: “I would spend time with both of my parents the day they passed away. I was not with either of them when they passed and was unable to express my love and appreciation to them. I miss them deeply and would gladly take one day to go back in time for that.”

Favorite part of the workday: “Being in the live events industry means a lot of things happen in our venues during evening hours. I love it first thing in the morning when I can check my email and see what has happened since I went to bed.”

Favorite Wisconsin destination: “The Third Ward and the lakefront.”

2022 Wisconsin 275 Profile

Hospitality | Entertainment
President and CEO
Wisconsin Center District | Milwaukee

Marty Brooks is leading the Wisconsin Center District through its $456 million expansion project that, when completed, will nearly double the size of the downtown Milwaukee convention center. After being named CEO in 2018, Brooks secured key approvals for the project, paving the way for construction to begin on the long-planned expansion. Work remains on track for an early 2024 completion, in time for the Republican National Convention that summer. Previously, Brooks managed facilities for the NBA, NHL and NFL.

Education: Bachelor’s, University of Maryland

Career advice: “You meet the same people going up as you do going down. Be honest and respectful to everyone. You never know who may be the next person you are interviewing with for a job or be your next boss.”

Favorite destination: “I love to vacation at the beach. I love the sights, sounds and smells of the ocean. The calmness then rage of the surf is incredible and parallels the volatility of our life.”

Fun fact: “I was president and executive producer of Miss Universe Inc. for four years, then sold the business to Donald Trump.”

As you enter your office, what would you choose to be your walk-up or theme song: “‘Jump’ by Madonna. The song is about how there is only so much you can learn in one place; the more that you wait, the more time that you waste; don’t ever look back; and the only thing you can depend on is your family. That sums up how I have lived my life.”

Notable Health Care Leaders: Amanda Narloch

BizTimes Staff
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Notable Health Care Leaders: Amanda Narloch

Amanda Narloch, director of nursing at Elizabeth Residence, an assisted living community in Bayside, is an example of industry leadership, according to Richard Coury, co-founder, president and CEO of Elizabeth Residence.

Narloch started her career as a caregiver at age 16, became a certified nursing assistant while in high school and eventually a registered nurse. This December will mark 21 years for Narloch at Elizabeth Residence.

“As director of nursing, Amanda provides impactful advice and mentorship to her colleagues, some of whom are beginning career paths,” Coury said. “She guides them through complex situations and also offers emotional support to her colleagues in the event of immense stress or the loss of a beloved patient.”

“Amanda also goes out of her way to improve quality of life for her residents, from taking personal time to shop for new clothes for them at Goodwill to planning bowling trips for a resident who was a retired professional bowler,” Coury said.

This year, Narloch is hosting a “Senior Homecoming” event, in which residents dress their best and socialize with friends and neighbors.

Daniel Bader

BizTimes Staff
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Daniel Bader

President and CEO
Bader Philanthropies  |  Milwaukee

Under Daniel Bader’s leadership since 1992, Milwaukee-based Bader Philanthropies has distributed $520 million in grants and program-related investments. In 2018, the foundation moved its headquarters from the Historic Third Ward to Dr. Martin Luther King Drive in Milwaukee’s Harambee neighborhood. Earlier this year, the foundation established the Bader Leadership Institute, with an initial cohort of 16 fellows, who are working with Milwaukee nonprofits to develop solutions to community challenges. Bader serves on numerous boards and committees, including the Rogers Behavioral Health Foundation and Relief International, where he chairs the fundraising committee.

Education: Bachelor’s, Rochester Institute of Technology

Secret talent: “I am a good flash chef. I can develop a delicious and healthy meal from scratch in 30 minutes or less.”

Your advice for a new leader: “One of the hardest parts of being a leader is building trust at all levels of the organization. I would advise building strong relationships throughout the organization. Strong relationships eventually lead to strong trust.”

Your first concert and most recent concert: “My first concert was Pink Floyd at County Stadium in 1997. I saw Pink! at Fiserv Forum on Oct. 23, which was our 30th wedding anniversary.”

Favorite movie: “‘Forrest Gump.’ It’s a fun movie to watch and takes us through important periods of racial and civic change in the U.S.”

2022 Wisconsin 275 Profile

Nonprofits and Education
President and CEO
Bader Philanthropies | Milwaukee 

Daniel Bader has led Bader Philanthropies since its founding as the Helen Bader Foundation 30 years ago. The foundation is among the largest in the greater Milwaukee area and focuses its grantmaking on Alzheimer’s and aging, the arts, youth programming and workforce development. To date, it has provided over $426 million in funding, more than $248 million of which has been invested in southeastern Wisconsin. In his role, Bader works with the board of directors to set the organizational direction and long-term strategies for the foundation.  

The foundation has made strategic investments in Milwaukee’s Harambee neighborhood, establishing its headquarters there in 2018 and converting a neighboring building into a center for wellness services last year. Earlier in the COVID-19 pandemic, the foundation dispersed about $2.3 million to 63 organizations. More recently, it awarded a $5 million grant to support the development of The Opportunity Center, a sports complex proposed for Milwaukee’s north side. 

Bader’s board service includes the Greater Milwaukee Committee for Community Development, Relief International and Rogers Behavioral Health System. He is also a director of Milwaukee-based Generation Growth Capital Inc. and Pasadena, California-based Materia Inc.  

Education: Bachelor’s, Rochester Institute of Technology 

Notable Health Care Leaders: Olivia Nichols

BizTimes Staff
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Notable Health Care Leaders: Olivia Nichols

Under the leadership of CEO Olivia Nichols, Ph.D., the Rock River Community Clinic in Watertown transitioned three free clinics into a federally qualified health center under the Look Alike designation servicing 13 zip codes across a three-county area.

RRCC also increased access to care from 2,321 patients through 4,920 visits in 2021 to more than 3,500 patients through more than 9,000 visits in 2024, and expanded medical and dental services to also include integrated behavioral health care, according to Michael Luckey, assistant to the Jefferson County Administrator.

In addition, RRCC increased the number of Hispanic/Latino patients served from 30% of total medical patients in 2022 to 76% of medical patients served in 2024. More than 55% of RRCC patients are Hispanic/Latino, serving as the primary health care home for new immigrant families.

In collaboration with Fort HealthCare, RRCC expanded efforts to track quality-health indicators to target and reduce health disparities. In the first two years, RRCC and FHC reduced disparities between the two organizations for blood pressure and A1c, 20% for cervical cancer screening and 40% for colorectal cancer screening, Luckey said.

Ruben Anthony

BizTimes Staff
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Ruben Anthony

President and CEO
Urban League of Greater Madison  |  Madison

Ruben Anthony has led the Urban League of Greater Madison since 2015. Under his leadership, the organization increased its job placements by 39% and has made more than 1,400 placements to date.

He also spearheaded the creation of the Black Business Hub, a gathering place for Black businesses in Villager Mall on the city’s south side, where the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp., Summit Credit Union and the Black Chamber of Commerce have all signed on as tenants. Anthony has led the $20 million fundraising effort to support the project.

Prior to joining the Urban League, Anthony worked for the Wisconsin Department of Transportation for 19 years, where he started as a first line supervisor and eventually became deputy secretary and chief operations officer. As deputy secretary, he managed a $3.25 billion budget.

Anthony is credited as the architect of the “Wisconsin Model” for increasing disadvantaged business enterprise participation and participated in a national tour with the Federal Highway Administration to share the model with other states. Anthony has also served as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise capacity-building adviser to the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District, the Minnesota Department of Transportation and the Dulles Airport in Washington D.C.

Education: Bachelor’s, Marquette University; master’s Jackson State University; master’s University of Wisconsin-Madison; doctorate, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

2022 Wisconsin 275 Profile

Nonprofits and Education
President and CEO
Urban League of Greater Madison | Madison

Transportation management leader Ruben Anthony Jr. was named president and chief executive officer of the Urban League of Greater Madison in 2015.  

During his tenure, the Urban League has increased job placements by nearly 40% and has made about 1,400 placements to date. 

The organization is currently building the Black Business Hub, a development that will include offices, storefronts, a coworking space and a shared commercial kitchen, on the south side of Madison. This fall, the organization received a $2.9 million donation from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott, the largest single private donation in its 55-year history. 

Anthony founded RowJAC Consulting, a management and planning firm that specializes in civil rights in government contracting, in 2013. He previously served as the interim director of Milwaukee County’s Community Business Development program, which is responsible for enforcing compliance in procurement and contracting.  

Anthony has also served as an advisor to the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District, the Minnesota Department of Transportation and the Dulles Airport in Washington, D.C.  

He worked for nearly 20 years with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, ending his career as deputy secretary, overseeing 3,600 employees and a budget of more than $3.25 billion.  

Anthony has served as an adjunct professor at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, a board member of the Madison Symphony and deacon at Mt. Zion Baptist Church. 

Education: Bachelor’s, Marquette University; master’s in art, Jackson State University; master’s in science, UW-Madison; doctorate in Urban Studies, UW-Milwaukee.

Shari Black

BizTimes Staff
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Shari Black

Executive director and CEO
Wisconsin State Fair Park  |  West Allis

Shari Black serves as executive director and chief executive officer of Wisconsin State Fair Park, where she oversees a staff of nearly 100 year-round employees and about 1,600 part-time and seasonal employees. Under her leadership, the fair set a new attendance record with 1,136,805 visitors over its 11-day run in 2024. She joined the State Fair in 2016 as event services director and was later named chief programming officer. Previously, she worked for the Waukesha County Fair Association for nearly 20 years, including 15 years as executive director.

Education: Bachelor’s, Carroll University

The future of your industry: “I see the future of our industry growing. Fairs have always been a place to showcase innovation, and I see that continuing, especially in agriculture. We now know how to grow crops indoors.”

Historical figure you look up to: “Margaret Thatcher. She was a remarkable woman. My favorite quote is by her, ‘If you set out to be liked, you would be prepared to compromise on anything at any time, and you would achieve nothing.’”

First and most recent concert: “First concert was Alabama at Wisconsin State Fair and most recent concert was Kenny Chesney at Am Fam Field (Kenny was good, but I was really there to see Zac Brown).”

Favorite movie: “‘Top Gun’ 1 and 2. Do I really need to explain why?”

2022 Wisconsin 275 Profile

Hospitality | Entertainment
Executive director and CEO
Wisconsin State Fair Park | West Allis

In spring 2022, Shari Black was officially promoted to executive director and chief executive officer of Wisconsin State Fair Park after having served as its interim leader since fall 2021. Black oversees the team of 50 full-time permanent staff and more than 1,000 seasonal employees responsible for putting on the annal event that draws one million visitors to the fairgrounds every summer. Off season, the park also hosts hundreds of public and private events at its various facilities. Black joined the State Fair in 2016 as its event services director after spending 15 years as executive director of the Waukesha County Fair Association.

Education: Bachelor’s, Carroll University

Hobby/passion: “I love history. I love to read about it, visit historical locations, look at pictures, artifacts, etc. Anything to do with history is fascinating to me.”

Fun fact: “I can back up a trailer or hay wagon like no one’s business.”

Toughest business challenge you’ve ever faced: “Finding a way for us to generate revenue without having a fair (during COVID-19). Our teams were very strategic in developing programming, which allowed us to provide some of the most beloved fair experiences without a fair. We were able to create several new revenue sources that helped us keep our staff employed, give our fair patrons a taste of the fair and stay financially viable through 2020.”

Career advice: “Always stay true to who you are.”

Notable Health Care Leaders: Renee Anderson

BizTimes Staff
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Notable Health Care Leaders: Renee Anderson

For 28 years, Renée Anderson, president and CEO of Saint John’s on the Lake in Milwaukee, has brought a combination of financial expertise, personal charm and tenacity to her role, colleagues say.

“She is truly an outstanding servant leader in health care in Wisconsin,” said Luci Klebar, director of sales and marketing at Saint John’s.

Anderson joined Saint John’s in 1996 as director of finance, was named vice president in 2001 and was promoted to president and CEO in 2011. During her tenure, Anderson led Saint John’s through two campus repositioning projects, totaling more than $200 million.

“It takes grit to lead large projects, but perhaps only Renée could have pulled off the first during a global financial crisis and the second amid a global pandemic,” Klebar said. “It takes courage to move regulatory mountains. Renée is a driving force of person-centered care, elevating skilled nursing care facility design. Not only was she able to obtain waivers for certain features, but her continued advocacy made those waivers ultimately unnecessary when the concepts were embraced by state regulators.”

A hands-on caregiver, Anderson maintained her CNA licensure from 2006 until 2017.

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