Chris Abele
Chris Abele | |
|---|---|
| Born | January 28, 1967 Concord, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Entrepreneur, politician |
| Years active | 1996–present |
| Known for | 6th Milwaukee County Executive (2011–2020) |
Christopher Seton Abele (born January 28, 1967) is an American entrepreneur and a politician affiliated with the Democratic Party. He held the position of the 6th Milwaukee County Executive from 2011 until 2020. Abele is the son of businessman John Abele, who co-founded Boston Scientific. Additionally, he serves as a trustee for the Argosy Foundation, a philanthropic organization established through his father's endowment.
Business career
In 1996, Abele partnered with Chris Kerr to establish SteriLogic Waste Systems, a company specializing in sharps waste management for hospitals and clinics. He acted as CEO until 2004, after which he transitioned to Chairman in order to dedicate more time to philanthropic activities. SteriLogic merged with Medsolutions in 2006; subsequently, in 2007, Abele and Kerr sold the majority of SteriLogic's assets to Stericycle and reorganized the remaining operations as Oxus Environmental.
Alongside Steve Mech, Abele co-founded CSA Commercial in 2001, a real estate development company based in Milwaukee.
Prior to his tenure as Milwaukee County Executive, Abele was CEO of the Argosy Foundation. He stepped down from this role in 2011, succeeded by his sister Jeneye, while continuing his involvement as a trustee.
Abele contributed $10 million to CSA Partners LLC, a venture capital fund aimed at fostering startups in Milwaukee. Founded with Brian Taffora and Pat Farley, CSA Partners invested in gener8tor Fund II and initiated Ward 4 (Milwaukee, WI startup accelerator space), a startup accelerator situated within the renovated former John Pritzlaff Hardware Company Building.
2011 Milwaukee County Executive race
Abele declared his candidacy for Milwaukee County Executive on January 4, 2011. He and Jeff Stone emerged as the top vote-getters, advancing to a runoff election held on April 5, 2011. On April 6, Abele secured victory over Stone and was officially sworn into office on April 21, 2011.
Ideology and party affiliation
Abele has predominantly supported Democratic political campaigns, including Governor Jim Doyle’s 2002 campaign and Barack Obama's 2008 presidential run. However, he also backed certain Republican state legislators such as Joe Sanfelippo and Dale Kooyenga, who played roles in passing legislation that expanded Abele’s authority as County Executive.
Endorsements
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel endorsed Abele on February 12, 2011, highlighting his leadership experience on nonprofit boards, management of family businesses, and stewardship of the Argosy Foundation. The publication described him as a "solid choice" and potential "game-changer." This endorsement was reiterated on April 2, emphasizing that Abele was best positioned to bring about significant transformation in Milwaukee County.
Tenure as Milwaukee County executive
Abele took office as Milwaukee County Executive on April 25, 2011, following Interim Executive Marvin Pratt.
On June 9, 2011, expressing concerns about reductions in state funding, Abele opposed a proposed $775,000 expenditure for public art at the Milwaukee County Courthouse. In June 2012, he approved a resolution that placed the public art initiative on hold and redirected its $500,000 budget toward deferred maintenance projects instead.
On June 10, 2011, Abele announced intentions to extend health insurance benefits to domestic partners of county employees. The County Board approved this measure on July 28, 2011, and Abele signed it into law on August 3. He opted not to run for re-election in 2020.
Personal life
Originally from Concord, Massachusetts, Abele chose to stay in Milwaukee after completing his studies at Lawrence University between 1991 and 1995. He is divorced and has three children. His impact on Milwaukee's business landscape has been acknowledged by the Milwaukee Business Journal, which included him in its "40 under 40" list in 2000 and later in the "Power Broker" list in 2010.
Abele holds leadership roles such as a position on the Board of Governors for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Inc., serves as a Trustee at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design, and acts as chairman of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra.
Electoral history
| colspan="6" style="text-align:center;background-color: #e9e9e9;"| Primary Election, February 15, 2011
| colspan="6" style="text-align:center;background-color: #e9e9e9;"| General Election, April 5, 2011
| colspan="6" style="text-align:center;background-color: #e9e9e9;"| General Election, April 3, 2012
| colspan="6" style="text-align:center;background-color: #e9e9e9;"| Primary Election, February 16, 2016
| colspan="6" style="text-align:center;background-color: #e9e9e9;"| General Election, April 5, 2016
External links
- 1967 births
- Living people
- People from Concord, Massachusetts
- Politicians from Milwaukee
- Milwaukee County executives
- Businesspeople from Wisconsin
- Lawrence University alumni
- Medical College of Wisconsin
- Wisconsin Democrats
- Philanthropists from Wisconsin
- 21st-century Wisconsin politicians
- Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design