Marty Brooks brings to the WCD firsthand experience managing facilities for the NBA, NHL, NFL, Division I men's and women's college basketball, and minor league hockey. He has booked major concerts such as the Rolling Stones, Beyoncé and One Direction. He has also run multiple convention centers, theaters and stadiums throughout the country.
"We commend the current district staff for laying a solid foundation for us to build upon," said Scott Neitzel, WCD Chairman and Secretary of the Department of Administration. "Marty’s hiring signals a new and dynamic era for the Center District. The Board looks forward to working with Marty and our community partners to further expand economic activity in and around southeastern Wisconsin."
Most recently, Brooks served as the senior vice president and general manager of America’s Center Complex in St. Louis since December 2012. America’s Center Complex is owned by the St. Louis Convention and Visitors Commission and maintains the Cervantes Convention Center, Edward Jones Dome and an executive conference center. Brooks was hired as executive vice president and general manager there in 2008, and prior to that, he worked as an executive for the Scottrade Center and Peabody Opera House in St. Louis and Madison Square Garden from 1985 until 2007.
The selection of Brooks as the new CEO was recommended by the WCD CEO Search Committee comprised of members of the board and community partners.
"The search committee identified Marty as the person to add more fuel to the renaissance that is happening in Milwaukee," said Jim Kanter, General Manager for MillerCoors and Chair of the WCD CEO Search Committee. "Marty brings great energy and experience to take the wonderful suite of assets we already have with Miller High Life Theatre, UWM Panther Arena, Convention Center and new Bucks arena to the next level."
Brooks has an extensive background successfully managing diverse venues, including:
- Edward Jones Dome – 67,000-seat football stadium and multipurpose arena
- America’s Center Convention Complex – 502,000 square-foot convention center
- Scottrade Center – 20,000-seat multipurpose arena
- Peabody Opera House – 3,100-seat theater
- Rentschler Field – 40,000-seat football stadium
- XL Center (Hartford Civic Center) – 15,000-seat multipurpose arena and convention center
"Marty is the perfect leader to help execute on a new vision for the WCD," said Omar Shaikh, chairman of VISIT Milwaukee and search committee member. "I look forward to partnering with him and his team."
Brooks’ first day will be Jan. 22, 2018. His annual salary will be $260,000 plus available performance incentives based on customer satisfaction, venue attendance, bookings and revenue growth.
