Experienced Milwaukee hospitality and convention leaders step into key roles as WCD looks to the future
MILWAUKEE, Wis. — The Wisconsin Center District (WCD) board of directors today elected Milwaukee hospitality business leader Omar Shaikh as board chair and named Visit Milwaukee President and CEO Peggy Williams-Smith interim president and CEO of WCD. Shaikh assumes the board chair role immediately, and Williams-Smith will begin her interim role Oct. 1.
“WCD has a strong foundation and tremendous opportunity ahead,” Shaikh said. “We have an experienced team leading the work every day, and Peggy brings significant leadership experience, deep relationships and a firsthand understanding of Milwaukee’s hospitality and convention industry. She is well positioned to provide continuity while keeping WCD focused on serving our customers, supporting our team and maximizing the impact of these important community assets as the board determines next steps for selecting its next full-time president and CEO.”
Shaikh brings decades of experience as a Milwaukee hospitality entrepreneur, civic leader and advocate for downtown development. He has served on the boards of WCD and Visit Milwaukee, including seven years as chair of the Visit Milwaukee board. During his tenure, Milwaukee secured the 2020 Democratic National Convention, demonstrating the city’s ability to compete for major national events.
He was a leading advocate for the financing and expansion of the convention center that became today’s $456 million Baird Center. As a restaurateur and developer, Shaikh has driven downtown reinvestment through projects including 3rd Street Market Hall and the redevelopment of The Avenue, bringing new dining, entertainment and gathering spaces to the area. He chaired the Home Crew Coalition, a statewide group of business and community leaders that advocated for a solution to keep the Brewers in Wisconsin and support long-term improvements to American Family Field. He later partnered with the Brewers to bring 3rd Street Market Hall Annex to the ballpark.
Williams-Smith has served as president and CEO of Visit Milwaukee since 2019, leading efforts to grow Milwaukee’s visitor economy and attract meetings, conventions, sporting events and leisure travel. Under her leadership, Visit Milwaukee secured major events including the 2024 Republican National Convention, Connect Marketplace, the return of Connect Marketplace in 2028 and the ASAE Annual Meeting & Exposition in 2034. Year to date, the organization has booked 153 events, representing 418,864 room nights and 862,580 attendees, with an estimated economic impact of $434.4 million and support for 3,097 full-time jobs.
Her appointment comes as the expanded Baird Center increases Milwaukee’s capacity to host larger and more complex events. Williams-Smith brings extensive experience in Milwaukee’s visitor economy and hospitality and convention industries.
“The expansion of Baird Center has opened an entirely new chapter for Milwaukee, and we are just beginning to realize its potential,” Williams-Smith said. “This structure works because both WCD and Visit Milwaukee have strong leadership teams in place. My focus will be on supporting the WCD team, serving our customers and partners and making sure we continue moving forward with confidence and purpose. I look forward to working with Brian and the entire WCD team, Omar and the board to build on the momentum already underway and ensure these incredible assets continue delivering meaningful economic impact for Milwaukee and our community.”
Williams-Smith will continue as Visit Milwaukee president and CEO while serving WCD on an interim basis. At Visit Milwaukee, Chief Marketing Officer Josh Albrecht will take on expanded day-to-day responsibilities. The organizations will remain separate entities with independent boards, teams, missions and responsibilities. Visit Milwaukee’s mission is to promote tourism to Milwaukee in all forms including leisure travel, meetings, conventions, and events. While the WCD owns and operates Milwaukee’s premier convention and entertainment venues. Williams Smith’s leadership in the hospitality and marketing industry will allow the WCD to continue to build on the momentum catalyzed by the significant investment in the Baird Center.
To support the interim leadership structure, Brian Rutkowski will become WCD’s chief operating officer while continuing as vice president and general manager. Rutkowski will lead day-to-day operations, with WCD’s executive leadership team reporting to him. He will report directly to Williams-Smith.
Jim Kanter, who stepped into the interim chief of staff role during WCD’s leadership transition, will continue serving through Sept. 30.
“Jim has given many years of dedicated service to WCD, and I want to thank him for his commitment to the District and his willingness to serve,” Shaikh said.
Radke Joins WCD Board
The District also welcomed Steve Radke of Northwestern Mutual to the WCD board of directors. Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson appointed Radke effective Sept. 22. Radke succeeds Grady Crosby, who stepped down from the board following his retirement from Northwestern Mutual. Crosby served as board chair during WCD’s leadership transition.
About Wisconsin Center District
Experience-obsessed and committed to creating unforgettable moments, the Wisconsin Center District (WCD) is a quasi-governmental entity that operates UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena, Miller High Life Theatre and Baird Center. The WCD venues are within walking distance of top hotels, retail establishments, attractions, dining and nightclubs. Created under Wisconsin State Statute in 1994, WCD offers captivating and buzzworthy experiences, making Milwaukee a not-to-be-missed destination. For more information about WCD, visit WCD.org.