Director
Port Milwaukee | Milwaukee
Jackie Q. Carter was selected in early 2023 by Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson as director of Port Milwaukee. In her role, Carter directs commercial and recreational operations at the city’s municipal port and oversees a staff of 21. She also works with business owners and government leaders to increase local and regional trade through maritime commerce. Prior to joining the port, she worked in the local nonprofit and public sector for more than 20 years.
Education: Associate, Milwaukee Area Technical College; bachelor’s, Alverno College; MBA, Concordia University
Favorite movie: “‘Coming to America.’ It reminds me of summers at Grandma’s house. I watched it at least once a week with my siblings and cousins. We could recite it word for word. More recent faves: ‘Inside Out’ and ‘Inside Out 2.’”
Favorite part of the workday: “The early morning, when it’s quiet before meetings and pop-in conversations.”
If you could time travel: “I would travel back to 1970 to have conversations with family elders who passed away before I was born. I would ask them about their life, their parents and grandparents. I would get information I need to fill in my family tree beyond my great grandparents. I would better understand my family’s history to redirect our legacy.”
Advice for first-time leaders: “Perspective is the most valuable thing any of us can bring, and it’s the one thing that no one else in the room will ever have.”
