Corey Zetts has been named acting executive director of Menomonee Valley Partners, following the appointment of former executive director Laura Bray to CEO of Madison-based BioForward, Inc.
Both leadership changes were announced on Wednesday.
Zetts will take over the helm of MVP immediately as Bray transitions into an advisory role until mid-November, when she makes her move to BioForward. The Wisconsin trade association focuses on strengthening the state’s position as a quality life science community.
Bray has led MVP, a nonprofit fueling revitalization in the Menomonee Valley, for the past 10 years.
Zetts joined MVP in 2005 and most recently served the organization as associate director. In that capacity, she spearheaded projects covering real estate development and business recruitment, infrastructure and sustainable design planning, habitat restoration, public art and community engagement. She has been a significant force in the establishment of new businesses in the Menomonee Valley region as well as the development of Three Bridges Park, the Hank Aaron State Trail and the Urban Ecology Center’s Menomonee Valley site.
Within the last 15 years, MVP’s work and its partnerships with public and private stakeholders have stimulated the relocation or expansion of 40 companies and the creation of 5,000 jobs in the area. Miles of riverbank stretching along the Menomonee River have also been restored, and 45 acres of park grounds have been transformed, according to the organization.
“The Valley has been an incredible success to date, but there is much work ahead,” Zetts said. “Throughout the Valley, there are 70 acres poised for redevelopment in the heart of the city, and this means significant potential for further job creation, environmental restoration and improved connections to surrounding neighborhoods.”
Looking ahead, MVP will direct much of its attention to the completion of Valley 2.0, a market study and land use plan driven by both the organization and the City of Milwaukee. That study, wrapping up within the next six months, aims to plot out the next decade of area revitalization and to clarify what investments are needed to advance the region’s private sector growth.
MVP is also set on finalizing an organizational strategic planning process in the next six months and subsequently establishing a long-term staffing plan.
“The Valley’s success is the result of bold vision, strong planning and collaboration across public and private sectors,” said Mick Hatch, MVP board president. “Our board, staff and many collaborators are dedicated to continuing the Valley’s transformation under Corey’s leadership.”
