Williams-Smith Will Lead Wisconsin Center District
The board unanimously appointed Peggy Williams-Smith to serve as the interim president and CEO.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in People
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The Wisconsin Center District Board will install Peggy Williams-Smith as interim president and CEO beginning October 1, 2026. She is set to maintain her current responsibilities as president of Visit Milwaukee while the board conducts a search for a permanent successor.
Why it matters
The leadership change arrives as the organization transitions following the departure of James Kanter, who served the district for 13 years. The interim appointment ensures operational continuity for the Milwaukee-based entity during its ongoing executive search.
James Kanter concludes a tenure that spanned 13 years at the organization. The board unanimously approved the new interim appointment on September 25, 2026.
The players
Peggy Williams-Smith
She is the president of Visit Milwaukee and will take on additional duties as the interim president and CEO of the Wisconsin Center District.
James Kanter
He is the outgoing leader who served the Wisconsin Center District organization for 13 years.
Wisconsin Center District Board
This is the governing body responsible for overseeing the district and selecting its executive leadership.
The details
Peggy Williams-Smith will balance her new interim responsibilities with her ongoing work at Visit Milwaukee. The Wisconsin Center District Board is now tasked with managing both the interim transition and the recruitment process for a long-term leader.
Timeline
September 25, 2026: The board unanimously voted to approve the appointment.
October 1, 2026: Peggy Williams-Smith officially begins her interim role.
Market Landscape
This leadership transition reflects broader efforts to maintain stability within Milwaukee convention and tourism entities during periods of executive turnover. The dual-role appointment highlights a strategy of leveraging existing local leadership to preserve continuity across regional organizations.
The appointment ensures that the Wisconsin Center District continues its operations without disruption for local stakeholders. Residents and business partners should anticipate consistent service as the district manages its leadership transition.
The takeaway
Maintaining steady leadership during transition periods helps organizations preserve established community partnerships and operational goals. This interim strategy allows the district to conduct a thorough search while keeping existing leadership priorities at the forefront.
Further reading
For more information on organizational shifts in the region, visit the People section.
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