Rave will lead Gateway to Milwaukee
The Gateway to Milwaukee, a project geared at revitalizing and redeveloping the area around General Mitchell International Airport, has named veteran banking executive Tom Rave as its first executive director. The announcement was late last week by Gregg Lindner, president of the Airport Gateway Business Association (AGBA).
"We have really grown since we started three years ago," Lindner said. "With increased membership and the need to effectively coordinate our activities, we decided to establish an executive director position to centralize and drive those efforts toward our goals. We are delighted to have Tom’s experience and his passion for economic development, especially for the area around the airport."
"The Gateway to Milwaukee’s evolution from a small group of business owners to an established Business Improvement District has been instrumental in the city’s effort to revitalize and redevelop the area around the airport," said Milwaukee Alderman Terry Witkowski. "It is a phenomenal testament to the depth and breadth of the work that has been completed. Having Tom as executive director now is just another notion of how committed this group is."
Rave has been engaged with The Gateway to Milwaukee throughout its development, most recently serving as the co-chairman of its marketing committee.
"Everyone with whom we’ve spoken supports the idea of improving the look around the airport, which was the founding cause of The Gateway to Milwaukee," Rave said. "Now that concept has expanded into developing the economy all around the airport as is being done in many cities across the United States and around the world. I am really grateful that The Gateway to Milwaukee’s board of directors is giving me the opportunity to help develop and grow this exciting project."
Rave comes to The Gateway to Milwaukee after nearly 40 years of banking experience, most of which focused on commercial banking with First Wisconsin and Firstar banks, Wells Fargo Bank and Tri City National Bank. He has been active in several nonprofit and community programs.
