Center for Growth Announces New Executive Director

The Waukesha County Center for Growth is proud to announce Nicole Ryf as the new Executive Director. 

Nicole has extensive experience in business attraction, expansion and project financing in multiple states including both public and private organizations. Most recently, she has served as chief strategy officer with the Hampton Roads Alliance in Norfolk, Virginia, providing strategic leadership and regional economic development support for 14 diverse communities and numerous stakeholders. In addition, Nicole previously held economic development and tourism positions with the Texas Office of the Governor and the City of Evansville, Wisconsin. A Wisconsin native and graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Nicole is excited to return to her home state to support the growth and expansion of Waukesha County and the region. 

“We are incredibly excited to welcome Nicole back to Wisconsin,” states Patti Kneiser, President of the Waukesha County Center for Growth Board of Directors. “Nicole’s extensive economic development experience and vast knowledge of business attraction and expansion will be a tremendous asset to not only our municipal partners but to the business community and Waukesha County as a whole.” 

“Nicole has a strong economic development background and has spent the majority of her career helping businesses and communities grow,” states Suzanne Kelley, President & CEO of the Waukesha County Business Alliance. “The Alliance’s partnership with the Center for Growth provides a coordinated strategy to drive economic growth and we look forward to working alongside Nicole to make Waukesha County the best place to do business.” 

Nicole received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and her master’s degree in urban planning from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.