James Tarantino has been appointed economic development director of Milwaukee County, according to an announcement made by the county on Thursday.
Tarantino succeeds Teig Whaley-Smith, now director of administrative services at the Milwaukee County Courthouse.
Tarantino’s experience in economic and community development includes five years of serving The Gateway to Milwaukee, most recently as executive director.
He previously served as assistant director of operations at The Energy Exchange, was executive director of Lincoln Village Business Association in Milwaukee and worked as an outreach coordinator for the Milwaukee Bicycle Collective.
Tarantino completed a Master’s degree in urban planning at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee j and also holds undergraduate degrees in economics and urban studies from the University of Connecticut.
“Leadership is the most important factor in any organization’s success,” Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele said in a statement. “I’ve worked hard to bring to the county people like Jim, with the drive and passion to consistently outperform expectations. Jim is a thoughtful leader who enthusiastically shares my vision of proactive engagement with the business community and strong, sustainable economic growth to Milwaukee County.”
In an email Whaley-Smith circulated to Milwaukee County supervisors and elected officials on Thursday, he said Tarantino offers the county a “thoughtful and passionate perspective on economic development.”
“He shares our vision to proactively engage the business community and other stakeholders to produce strong and sustainable economic growth in Milwaukee County,” Whaley-Smith wrote.
Tarantino’s appointment was effective on Wednesday.
