Ted Kellner, "a recognized community volunteer," new chairman of BMO Harris Bradley Center Board

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- The Bradley Center Sports & Entertainment Corporation Board of Directors on Wednesday, April 15th announced that board member Ted Kellner has been unanimously selected to serve as the new chairman after the sudden and tragic death of Marc Marotta.

Additionally, the board voted at its meeting to create the leadership position of vice chairman and elected Andrew Petzold of Mequon to serve in that new position.

"Ted Kellner is a recognized community volunteer with a track record of public service to Milwaukee and the entire state of Wisconsin," said Michael W. Grebe, a board member who is the president and CEO of the Bradley Foundation.  "His knowledge of our community and commitment to high standards makes him an excellent choice to lead our board at this critical time."

"As the community continues its discussion about a new downtown multi purpose entertainment venue and what it means for Milwaukee's future, the BMO Harris Bradley Center is fortunate that someone with Ted's leadership abilities and demonstrated skills has agreed to fill the void left by the tragic and sudden passing of our former chairman, Marc Marotta. Ted will continue our board's long tradition of putting the interests of the community first in all we do, and I know that the board and its full leadership team stand ready to join in as we consider some of the most important issues that have ever faced our building," Grebe added.

"I’m honored that the board has the confidence and trust in me to lead us through one of the most exciting and important periods in our 27-year history,” said Kellner, who was appointed to the board in 2010 by Governor Scott Walker. Kellner is executive chairman at Fiduciary Management Inc., an investment firm he founded in 1980. He is active in a range of volunteer and community activities, and he is one of about 20 local citizens who are minority owners in the Milwaukee Bucks.

“Marc Marotta’s leadership, guidance and many significant contributions have left a tremendous and positive mark on the center and the board. With help from Andrew and the entire board, I am confident that we can meet the significant challenges that lie ahead,” Kellner added.

BMO Harris Bradley Center president and CEO Steve Costello said Marotta’s sudden passing underscored the need to broaden the leadership team that oversees the facility.

“We have an incredible group of board members guiding this wonderful community asset. We have a full agenda in the year ahead, and having Andrew’s considerable experience as part of our leadership team will help as we both maintain and operate the building as well as plan for the future,” Costello said.

Petzold is the President of Concord Development Company, a real estate development firm headquartered in Mequon. He was appointed to the Board by Governor Walker in 2011.