Dan Kennelly to Lead Madison's Office of Business Resources

The City of Madison has hired Dan Kennelly as the City’s next Office of Business Resources Manager, a promotion from his role as the City’s Economic Development Specialist.

The Office of Business Resources (OBR) is one of two offices that form the City’s Economic Development Division, which is one of the five Divisions within the Department of Planning & Community & Economic Development. Kennelly will oversee five OBR staff responsible for fielding inquiries from businesses interested in locating or expanding within Madison, leading City programs aimed at assisting entrepreneurs, managing economic development projects, and staffing the City’s street vending and sidewalk café programs.

Kennelly was hired as the City’s Economic Development Specialist in June of 2013. In that capacity, he led the preparation of the City’s new economic strategy, Connect Madison, as well as planning work for the Madison Public Market. Kennelly previously worked for consulting firms including Vandewalle and Associates, assisting businesses and developers with project planning and implementation.

A Madison native, Kennelly earned his undergraduate degree at the University of Wisconsin – Madison, followed by a graduate degree in Urban Planning from the University of Michigan.

Economic Development Division Director Matthew Mikolajewski has been impressed with Dan’s ability to build relationships while managing complex projects involving partners throughout City Hall and the private sector. Mr. Mikolajewski notes, "The OBR Manager often serves as a bridge between the public and private sectors, and Dan has demonstrated that he can serve in this role."

Mayor Paul Soglin applauds Dan’s work on the City’s new Connect Madison economic strategy. The Mayor notes, "Dan has been able to craft a strategy rooted in sound data that is reflective of our goals for a strong economy that benefits every Madison resident."

Kennelly’s appointment is effective immediately.