Meet George

George Christenson is a lifetime resident of Milwaukee County.  Born and raised in West Allis, George attended West Allis Nathan Hale High School. George earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and Political Science as well as a Special Certificate (Minor) in Criminal Justice from the University of Wisconsin – Madison and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

George began his commitment to public service in 1993, serving as a Legislative Assistant to Wisconsin State Representative Jeannette Bell.  He moved on to become the Executive Director with the Riverworks Development Corporation, an organization with the mission of reviving Milwaukee’s northeast industrial corridor and creating jobs for residents of the nearby Harambee and Riverwest neighborhoods.   

In 2003, George was appointed by Governor Jim Doyle to serve as Deputy Executive Director & Director of Economic Development of the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) in Madison. George supported WHEDA’s mission to stimulate the state’s economy and improve the quality of life for Wisconsin residents by providing affordable housing and business financing products. He led the effort to attract the first allocation of New Markets Tax Credits to the state of Wisconsin, administered the WHEDA Foundation and managed all other economic development programs and activities. 

George was appointed Deputy County Clerk in 2010, where he worked with former County Clerk Joe Czarnezki to improve customer service, increase operating efficiencies and modernize the County Clerk's Office. In 2016 George was elected Milwaukee County Clerk where he continues to fulfill its mission to provide the highest level of service possible at the lowest cost to the taxpayer. As part of his Clerk’s role,  George serves as Executive Director of the Milwaukee County Election Commission, charged with the administration of all county-wide elections, and working cooperatively with all 19 municipal clerks to ensure our elections are free, fair, accessible, efficient, and accurate.

George has three sons, Matthew, Cameron and Bennett. His sons Cameron and Bennett are Eagle Scouts. His son Matthew is married and working in the IT Industry. George grew up in West Allis and resides in Greenfield. He’s also a long-time activist and member of the Democratic Party.