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Wisconsin Center District Fires CEO Marty Brooks for Cause After Credit Card Misuse Allegations
The board cited more than $50,000 in credit card spending, including political contributions, and said Brooks violated district rules and misled directors.
- On Monday, the Wisconsin Center District Board voted to terminate CEO Marty Brooks for cause, ending his leadership of the Baird Center, Miller High Life Theatre, and UWM Panther Arena.
- Board member Bob Bauman cited 'serious misappropriation' of corporate credit cards as the reason, estimating misuse between $50,000 and $60,000, including political contributions and $2,250 for two pairs of luxury shoes.
- Common Council President Jose Perez abstained from the vote, noting he previously reported Brooks for 'inappropriate conduct,' though he clarified the termination was unrelated to those allegations and is returning a campaign donation made via district funds.
- Board Chair Jim Kanter will serve indefinitely as the district's chief of staff overseeing daily operations, with Brooks placed on 30 days of 'administrative leave' and his termination effective July 8.
- The firing follows months of tension over Brooks' authorization of a proposed convention hotel study; although he oversaw the $456 million Baird Center expansion, he had reportedly been unwilling to resign despite his contract running through 2028.
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Marty Brooks fired with cause as Wisconsin Center District President & CEO
UPDATE 6/8/26 at 1:55p.m. – Two prominent Milwaukee politicians, including Mayor Cavalier Johnson, indicate they received campaign contributions from Marty Brooks via a credit card. Johnson received four $500 payments in recent years from Brooks, his campaign manager Thad Nation told WTMJ in an email. The campaign is currently examining which of the payments were made specifically via a WCD credit card. “We will return the donations to the Cente…
Coverage Details
Total News Sources10
Leaning Left1Leaning Right0Center7Last UpdatedBias Distribution87% Center
Bias Distribution
- 87% of the sources are Center
87% Center
13%
C 87%
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