Town Bank executive Dennis Krakau has been named chairman of Discovery World’s board of directors.
Krakau, group executive vice president and Wisconsin head of Commercial Banking for Wintrust, succeeds outgoing chair Randall Crocker. Krakau has served on the organization’s board for nearly five years.
“It is an honor to serve on the Discovery World Board, and a privilege to now follow Randy Crocker as its chairman,” said Krakau. “I look forward to the opportunity to work with this talented board, a professional and gifted staff, dedicated partners, sponsors and generous donors as we continue our mission to inspire the youth of our community; a mission so positively advanced under Randy’s effective leadership.”
In an announcement, Discovery World said Crocker helped cement the organization’s financial future by retiring its debt, tightening its financial reporting, adding new exhibits and establishing an endowment for the Sailing Vessel Denis Sullivan. Crocker will now serve as chair emeritus.
“Historians often debate the question of whether history makes the person or the person makes history. At Discovery World, history is made by its leaders,” said Crocker. “I am deeply humbled to serve in a line of leaders including Frank Steeves, Michael Cudahy and Allen Leverett. Under their leadership our museum was built and its mission established. I am pleased to have been able to assist in cementing that mission.”
Discovery World is undergoing an $18 million expansion and renovation of its museum on Milwaukee’s lakefront. It recently added a 10,000-square-foot pavilion to function as a multi-purpose space for traveling exhibits, a lunchroom for student groups and a venue for catered events.
“Discovery World has made significant strides the past five years that wouldn’t have been possible without the leadership of Randy Crocker,” said Joel Brennan, chief executive officer of Discovery World. “From accessibility to sustainability, Randy has played an instrumental role in shaping Discovery World into a stronger and more viable community partner, something we will look to continue as Dennis Krakau takes over as board chair.”
