meet the foundation staff
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.
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.
our leadership
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.
Keisha Harrison, Chief Executive Officer
Steve Sisson serves as the Operations Manager for the Madison Public Market, where he is responsible for managing operational services and overseeing the organizations that keep the building running smoothly.
He brings a diverse wealth of local management experience to the role, including nine years working in administration at UW-Madison. Additionally, Steve has honed his leadership and logistical skills by running operations at his childhood summer camp and helping produce local theater productions right here in Madison. His goal is to make the market a welcoming, vibrant space for merchants, vendors and guests alike.
Steve Sisson, Operations Manager
Operational Partners
Stacey Diehl -Intentional purpose events-
Events Manager
-speak.studio-
Marketing firm
-Truefinish Edge-
custodial services
-Signal security-
security services
foundation Board members
Nichole Crust
Director of Entrepreneurship at WEDC
Matt Koenig
Thoughtworks
Sujhey Beisser
AVP Strategy & Development Officer, Park Bank & Five Senses Palate
Anya Firszt
(President), General Manager, Willy St. Co-op
Char Smith
(Vice President), Business Community Manager, MG&E
Adam Haen
(Secretary), Small Business Consultant, Mad Llama, LLC.
Peter Robertson
Entrepreneur
James Shulkin
Artist
Erik Larson
Center for Community Stewardship
Larry Palm
(Treasurer) Madison Metropolitan School District
The Foundation manages the day-to-day operations of the Market. The Foundation leads vendor selection, the employee hiring process, applies for grants, and works closely with the City on the architectural design.
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.
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
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
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