President and CEO
Wisconsin Center District | Milwaukee
Marty Brooks leads the Wisconsin Center District, owner and operator of high-profile Milwaukee venues including the Baird Center, UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena and Miller High Life Theatre. The WCD completed a $456 million expansion of the Baird Center, downtown Milwaukee’s convention and exhibition center, in 2024, just in time for the Republican National Convention. The project – which added a 300,000-square-foot exposition hall, 52 meeting rooms and a rooftop ballroom, among other enhancements – doubled the center’s footprint. Previously, Brooks managed venues in St. Louis and held senior roles at Madison Square Garden. He serves on the boards of Westown Association, Visit Milwaukee and the downtown Milwaukee business improvement district.
Education: Bachelor’s, University of Maryland
Your secret talent: “The patience to assemble large, intricate LEGO projects.”
If you could time travel: “I would spend time with both of my parents the day they passed away. I was not with either of them when they passed and was unable to express my love and appreciation to them. I miss them deeply and would gladly take one day to go back in time for that.”
Favorite part of the workday: “Being in the live events industry means a lot of things happen in our venues during evening hours. I love it first thing in the morning when I can check my email and see what has happened since I went to bed.”
Favorite Wisconsin destination: “The Third Ward and the lakefront.”
2022 Wisconsin 275 Profile
Hospitality | Entertainment
President and CEO
Wisconsin Center District | Milwaukee
Marty Brooks is leading the Wisconsin Center District through its $456 million expansion project that, when completed, will nearly double the size of the downtown Milwaukee convention center. After being named CEO in 2018, Brooks secured key approvals for the project, paving the way for construction to begin on the long-planned expansion. Work remains on track for an early 2024 completion, in time for the Republican National Convention that summer. Previously, Brooks managed facilities for the NBA, NHL and NFL.
Education: Bachelor’s, University of Maryland
Career advice: “You meet the same people going up as you do going down. Be honest and respectful to everyone. You never know who may be the next person you are interviewing with for a job or be your next boss.”
Favorite destination: “I love to vacation at the beach. I love the sights, sounds and smells of the ocean. The calmness then rage of the surf is incredible and parallels the volatility of our life.”
Fun fact: “I was president and executive producer of Miss Universe Inc. for four years, then sold the business to Donald Trump.”
As you enter your office, what would you choose to be your walk-up or theme song: “‘Jump’ by Madonna. The song is about how there is only so much you can learn in one place; the more that you wait, the more time that you waste; don’t ever look back; and the only thing you can depend on is your family. That sums up how I have lived my life.”
