Abele adds Bentoff to staff

County Executive Chris Abele announced he has hired public affairs consultant Jeff Bentoff as his deputy chief of staff.
Bentoff will work on policy issues and oversee the administration’s communications, Abele said.
“Changing course in Milwaukee County to get the budget under control and making the County a player in helping to promote economic development and create jobs won’t be easy, but I’m pleased to be able to draw on Jeff’s experience as I work to reform County government,” said Abele.
Bentoff, a University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee graduate, has been a public affairs and communications consultant for 10 years, working for a number of businesses and non-profits. Bentoff previously held positions in the administration of former Milwaukee Mayor John Norquist, including communications director and Department of City Development policy coordinator.
Prior to working in government, Bentoff was a reporter for The Milwaukee Sentinel, where he covered several news beats, including Milwaukee County government, Waukesha County and Milwaukee urban affairs.
Bentoff will also assume the duties of communications director Brandon Lorenz, who is leaving his post later this month for a communications job outside of Wisconsin.
"I’m honored that County Executive Abele has asked me to join his team and work on public policy issues facing Milwaukee County," Bentoff said. "I’ve been impressed by the county executive’s vision and commitment to bringing real change to county government for the benefit of Milwaukee County taxpayers."
Abele previously named George Aldrich as his chief of staff and reappointed Sue Black as county parks director.
Abele also announced that he is retaining E. Marie Broussard, who will become senior advisor to the county executive. Prior to working in the county executive’s office, Broussard served as constituency director for Tom Barrett’s campaign for governor. She has also served in the office of Sen. Herb Kohl.
– BizTimes Milwaukee