Leadership

Madison Public Market Foundation Staff

Keisha Harrison, Chief Executive Officer

Keisha Harrison is the inaugural CEO of the Madison Public Market Foundation. A native of Chicago, she is a dynamic leader with extensive experience in project management, strategic planning, and change management, most recently serving as the Executive Director of the historic Indianapolis City Market. Recognizing the importance of having a third place, Keisha is excited about the opportunity to help create a new tradition for Madison’s public market, envisioning it as a cherished space where generations come together. Keisha’s leadership style emphasizes fairness, encouragement, compassion, and empathy, values that have guided her through significant changes and crises. As CEO, Keisha is committed to fostering positive stakeholder relationships and promoting growth through innovative strategies, aiming to make a lasting impact on the Madison community.

Steve Sisson, Executive Assistant

The Madison Public Market welcomed Steve Sisson as the inaugural Executive Assistant of the Madison Public Market Foundation in January 2026. Raised in the suburbs of Chicago, Steve has been proud to call Madison home since he moved here in 2016. He has provided administrative assistance in large organizations like Scouting America and the University of Wisconsin – Madison, as well as local community theater and small businesses. He is ecstatic to be joining the team that will be opening the Madison Public Market, providing a space for the Madison community to enjoy and support local businesses. When not at work, you can find Steve doing yoga, in a theater audience, making stained glass with his husband, or running around with his 3 dogs.

Community Leadership

Community is at the center of the Madison Public Market. For nearly two decades, community leaders have been working on bringing the Public Market to Madison. The City of Madison has partnered with the Madison Public Market Foundation to help make our Market a reality.

Check out what community leaders are saying about our Public Market!

Madison Public Market Foundation

In May of 2017, the Madison Public Market Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization, was created to lead the fundraising efforts and community engagement during the Public Market development phase. Once the doors open, the Foundation will manage the day-to-day operations of the Market. The Foundation will lead vendor selection, the employee hiring process, apply for grants, and work closely with the City on the architectural design.

The Madison Public Market Foundation Board members include:

Becky Bains (Treasurer), CPA
Sujhey Beisser, AVP Strategy & Development Officer, Park Bank & Five Senses Palate
Nichole Crust, Director of Entrepreneurship at Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
Anya Firszt (President), General Manager, Willy St. Co-op
Adam Haen (Secretary), Small Business Consultant, Mad Llama, LLC.
Matt Koenig, Thoughtworks
Erik Larson, Center for Community Stewardship
Larry Palm, Madison Metropolitan School District
Peter Robertson, Entrepreneur
James Shulkin, Artist
Char Smith (Vice President), Business Community Manager, MG&E

Madison Public Market Foundation Committees and Workgroups are:

• • Arts & Cultural Expression, James Shulkin, Lead
  • Business Development/Fundraising
  • City Interface
  • Executive Committee, Anya Firszt, Lead
  • Finance Committee, Becky Bains, Lead
  • Marketing & Communications
  • Personnel
  • Tenant & Operations Committee, Keisha Harrison, Lead

We encourage those who are interested in getting involved, to join one of our workgroups and committees. Please fill out the Community Interest Form to be considered. 

Madison Public Market Advisory Council

In the past, a group of diverse community leaders and supporters became  the Madison Public Market Ambassador Advisory Council. They provided expertise and guidance to the Madison Public Market Foundation. Their contributions are sincerely appreciated. They are:

• Betty Banks, African American community historian and organizer
• Craig Bartlett, Associate Publisher-Owner, Isthmus Publishing
• Peter Cavi, First Vice President, Merrill Lynch
• Al Cooper, Coordinator, Dane Dances
• Suzanne Fanning, VP of Marketing Communications, Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin
• Greg Frank, VP of Community Relations, Food Fight Restaurant Group
• Peter Gray, Executive Search Consultant
• Alison Helland, Attorney, Boardman & Clark
• Jonny Hunter, Co-Founder, Underground Food Collective
• Ken Monteleone, Owner, Fromagination
• Helen Sarakinos, Executive Director, REAP Food Group
• Trey Sprinkman, Owner, Sprinkman Real Estate
• Steve Suleski, VP Board Relations, CUNA Mutual Group
• Missy Tracy, Municipal Relations Coordinator, Ho Chunk Nation/Ho Chunk Casino