Wisconsin Center District amps up search for new CEO

Six months after Wisconsin Center District President and CEO Russ Staerkel announced he was leaving the job this May, the district's board is increasing the intensity of its search for his successor by hiring a consultant and creating a search committee, officials said Wednesday.

State Administration Department Secretary Scott Neitzel, chairman of the district's board, said that board member James Kanter will lead the search committee.

John Yingling, owner of the Paladan Group LLC, is the consultant who will "help manage the search process as well as other strategic initiatives," including a review of operational, financial and marketing plans, Neitzel said.

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"I am confident that with our great staff and venues, the committee will be able to recruit a talented and experienced candidate pool," Neitzel said. The district operates the Wisconsin Center, the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena and the Milwaukee Theatre and will oversee the news Bucks arena.

Although the district's board decided last year not to renew Staerkel's contract, the board will extend his current contract past May so that he can continue to serve as CEO through the conclusion of the search effort, according to Neitzel.