MKE Tech Hub CEO Kathy Henrich Announces Retirement, Organization Begins search for New Leader

Kathy Henrich, CEO of the MKE Tech Hub Coalition since its founding five years ago, plans to retire and a search is underway for the organization’s next leader. She will remain in her role until a successful transition is completed.

Formed with the mission of growing a vibrant and inclusive tech ecosystem in 

southeast Wisconsin, the MKE Tech Hub Coalition focuses on attracting tech talent and business, building a diverse tech talent pipeline and scaling the innovation ecosystem.

Reflecting on her journey, Henrich recalled the very first meeting where she laid out a vision of lifting and partnering with existing programs in the region, with the understanding that intentional collaboration would lead to exponential growth. Since that inaugural meeting, the MKE Tech Hub has grown to 135 members, built valuable assets and programs, and collaborated on large transformational initiatives.

“It is exciting to witness the growth of tech in our region over the last 5 years,” Henrich said. “With large private investments (Microsoft, Fiserv, etc.) and large public investment (BioHealth Tech Hub, Energy+Water, etc.) in our state, the wind is now firmly at Wisconsin’s back, pushing forward our innovation-based economy.”

Henrich emphasized that the MKE Tech Hub is at an ideal juncture for a new leader to step in. The necessary infrastructure, key programs, and personnel are in place, creating a robust platform for scaling the mission. With the board’s completion of a new strategic plan with a clear vision to grow and build on existing collaborations, the MKE Tech Hub is poised for large transformational change.

“On a personal note, I feel it is the right time for me to transition,” said Henrich, who will remain on the board of directors of M3 Insurance. “The first phase of my career focused on serving my family, and this second phase has been about serving my community. I’m excited to build a third phase of service and impact in my career.”

Milwaukee has a high density of innovators advancing traditional industries and enabling new sectors to thrive here as well. As highlighted in its most recent Impact Report, the MKE Tech Hub works as a change agent with its members and partners, which collectively have played a key role in big wins for southeast Wisconsin.

Board Chair Molly Mulroy, Chief Information Officer at We Energies, said the organization is focused on a comprehensive search for its next CEO. “With MKE Tech Hub and with Kathy, it’s never about taking credit, it’s always been about getting results and building our region,” Mulroy said. “We’ll certainly miss her day-to-day leadership, but she is leaving MKE Tech in a great position to continue growing and advancing innovation in southeast Wisconsin and attracting significant investments for our future.”

In celebration of Henrich and MKE Tech Hub’s 5th anniversary, the organization will host a special event at Northwestern Mutual’s headquarters in downtown Milwaukee, 9-11 a.m., Nov. 22. The event features a conversation with Mark Muro, Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution. In 2019, Muro was one of the original writers who made the case for the U.S. Congress to assemble growth centers to spread tech innovation across America. See the registration page for more details.