Deshea Agee
Milwaukee
Summary
Strategic and innovative leader with over 18 years of experience directing operations, administrative systems, budgeting, policy development, staff leadership, cross-sector collaboration, and stakeholder initiatives. Proven ability to modernize internal processes, guide strategic planning, oversee organizational performance, and represent departments before elected bodies, public agencies, and community stakeholders. Deep working knowledge of Milwaukee’s governmental systems, fiscal structures, and administrative procedures has been developed through leadership roles in the City of Milwaukee, quasi-governmental business improvement district, and private sector economic development organizations.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Vice President
EMEM GROUP LLC
06.2021 - Current
- Senior executive overseeing organizational strategy, internal operations, budgeting, policy development, and cross-departmental project execution for a Milwaukee-based real estate, construction, and consulting firm.
- Develop and implement internal administrative policies, document control systems, budget procedures, and compliance protocols.
- Provide strategic planning and policy recommendations to the President, and oversee operational optimization across divisions.
- Direct HR-related functions, including staff training, recruitment, and performance expectations.
- Establish and monitor financial reporting systems, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and accountability.
- Manage cross-functional teams, and coordinate workflows to ensure efficient delivery of organizational objectives.
- Lead collaboration with internal departments, external agencies, vendors, and clients to support operational priorities and strategic projects.
- Serve as Owners' Representative for the construction of new apartments, offices, and residential subdivision development projects.
- Assist in growing the company's project portfolio, client base, revenue, and brand image.
Executive Director
HISTORIC KING DRIVE BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT No. 8
02.2016 - 06.2021
- Provided executive leadership for all administrative, operational, fiscal, and stakeholder functions of BID #8.
- Managed staff, oversaw compliance, coordinated districtwide programs, and represented the organization to elected officials and the public.
- Managed annual operating budgets, developed financial reports, ensured organizational compliance, and maintained records.
- Supervised staff and volunteers; coordinated workflows; strengthened administrative systems and reporting mechanisms.
- Coordinated districtwide initiatives, business recruitment programs, and public-private partnerships.
- Developed policies, operating plans, and long-term strategies to expand BID programs and services.
- Appeared before the Common Council, community bodies, and public-sector partners to present plans and advocate for district priorities.
- Established and strengthened cross-sector relationships with philanthropy, government agencies, corporate partners, and residents for revitalization efforts on King Drive and in BID 8.
- Increased ongoing operating funds by over 100% through district expansion.
- Supported or attracted over $200 million in new investment.
- Launched a revolving loan fund, administered Pop-Up MKE, and Brew City Match.
- Led efforts establishing Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive as a nationally designated Main Street District.
- Recruited and assisted in the growth of nearly 50 businesses in BID 8.
- Raised the profile of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and Bronzeville in the City of Milwaukee.
Economic Development Specialist
CITY OF MILWAUKEE DEPARTMENT OF CITY DEVELOPMENT
05.2007 - 02.2016
- Held multiple roles involving administrative oversight, legislative development, budgeting, financial analysis, cross-departmental coordination, and public-sector operations.
- Drafted legislation, researched statutes, negotiated development agreements, and consulted city attorneys on real estate, loan, and cooperation agreements.
- Served as a representative for the City of Milwaukee at meetings of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Milwaukee, the Board of Zoning Appeals, the City Plan Commission, and the Common Council committees.
- Administered tax increment financing districts with $17M in spending authority; managed budgets, reviewed pro formas, and conducted feasibility analysis.
- Managed commercial revitalization grant programs totaling $3M across more than 100 projects, supervised staff, and ensured policy compliance.
- Liaison to 12 BIDs with combined budgets of $2M; evaluated operating plans, and created business improvement district best practices frameworks.
- Coordinated multi-agency implementation of urban streetscapes, development, and public improvement projects.
- Prepared Requests for Proposals for City owned property
- Interfaced with residents, commercial property owners, and regional policymakers regularly.
- Served as a lead for neighborhood economic development, business development, investment, and job creation.
- Served as representative for the City of Milwaukee locally and nationally for recruitment of national retailers to neighborhood commercial corridors
Project Manager
CROSS MANAGEMENT SERVICES INC.
07.2006 - 05.2007
- Managed supplier and workforce diversity initiatives, producing comprehensive hiring reports for small, minority and disadvantaged businesses.
- Developed detailed business plans, loan proposals, and financial reports for real estate project partners.
Intern
PABST FARMS DEVELOPMENT INC.
Oconomowoc
07.2005 - 07.2006
- Oversaw tenant improvement buildouts, coordinated inspections, budgets, and contractor engagement.
- Acted as owners' representative, coordinating with tenants, brokers, architects, and contractors on new projects.
Education
Master of Science - Construction Management
UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-STOUT
Menomonie, WI01.2018
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
MARQUETTE UNIVERSITY
Milwaukee, WI01.1999
Skills
- Government administration and public policy
- Organizational leadership & staff development
- Budgeting, financial oversight, and KPIs
- Strategic planning and operational systems
- Legislative analysis and drafting
- Intergovernmental & Community Relations
- Performance management and reporting
- Cross-department coordination
- Public speaking & executive communication
- Stakeholder engagement and conflict resolution
Memberships
- Wisconsin Realtor Association, 2006 - Present
- National Association of Realtors, 2006 - Present
- Greater Milwaukee Association of Realtors, 2006 - Present
- Milwaukee Metropolitan Association of Commerce (MMAC), 2016 - 2021
Civic Leadership
- Main Street America Inc., Board of Directors, 2020 - Present
- Employ Milwaukee, Board of Directors, 2018 - Present
- Mt. Zion Land Development Corporation, Board of Directors, 2013 - Present
- Safe and Sound, Board of Directors, 2017 - 2021
- MKE United Steering Committee, 2016 - 2020
- Legacy Redevelopment Corp (CDFI), Board of Directors, 2013 - 2019
Accomplishments
Diversity in Business Award, Milwaukee Business Journal, 2018
Certification
Real Estate Broker (Wisconsin), 2006 - Present
Certifications
- Associates in Commercial Real Estate (ACRE) Certificate, Marquette University, January 2005
- Economic Development Finance Professional, National Development Council (NDC), July 2016
- Historic Real Estate Development Finance Professional, National Development Council (NDC), March 2020
Timeline
Vice President
EMEM GROUP LLC
06.2021 - Current
Executive Director
HISTORIC KING DRIVE BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT No. 8
02.2016 - 06.2021
Economic Development Specialist
CITY OF MILWAUKEE DEPARTMENT OF CITY DEVELOPMENT
05.2007 - 02.2016
Project Manager
CROSS MANAGEMENT SERVICES INC.
07.2006 - 05.2007
Intern
PABST FARMS DEVELOPMENT INC.
07.2005 - 07.2006
Master of Science - Construction Management
UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-STOUT
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
MARQUETTE UNIVERSITY