David Fantle named the new executive director of NARI's Milwaukee chapter

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Milwaukee-area marketing and public relations veteran David Fantle has been named the new executive director of the Milwaukee chapter of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI).

David Fantle



“Dave has the management experience, record of accomplishment and passion that will help Milwaukee/NARI continue to fulfill its mission of serving the area’s remodeling industry and educating the public on the many advantages of selecting a NARI contractor for any home remodeling project,” said David Pekel, MCR, UDCP, CAPS, Milwaukee/NARI Home Improvement Council, Inc. president and owner of Pekel Construction and Remodeling, Inc.

Fantle spent the last 10 years in the hospitality and tourism industry serving as vice president with VISIT Milwaukee, and most recently deputy secretary for the Wisconsin Department of Tourism.  Prior to that, Fantle held senior communications posts at Kohl’s Corp. and Wisconsin Gas Company.

“NARI has been the acknowledged leader in remodeling contractor certification, quality and consumer confidence for more than 50 years,” said Fantle.  “I’m excited about this opportunity to work with the NARI board, staff, members and the Milwaukee-area community to further define, strengthen and add even greater consumer value to the NARI brand.”

Fantle is an accredited member of the Public Relations Society of America, and has been recognized by his peers for his achievements in the field with the 2012 Dorothy Thomas Black Award from the Southeastern Wisconsin chapter of the Public Relations Society of America.

He is the past president of the Southeast Wisconsin chapter of the Public Relations Society of America and has served on the boards of the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts, the Wisconsin State Fair, Film Wisconsin, The Black Public Relations Society Milwaukee chapter, the Nicolet High School Foundation, the Wisconsin Humanities Council, the Jewish Community Center of Milwaukee and the Glendale Little League.  He also served six years as a Bayside Village Trustee and Village President.

Fantle resides in Bayside with his wife, Cathy and they have three grown children.

The Milwaukee/NARI Home Improvement Council, the area’s leading home improvement and remodeling industry resource for more than 53 years, was chartered in July, 1961 as a Chapter of the National Home Improvement Council.  In May of 1982, the National Home Improvement Council merged with the National Remodelers Association to form NARI – the National Association of the Remodeling Industry.  With over 740 members, the Milwaukee Chapter is the largest in the nation.

The Council’s goals of encouraging ethical conduct, sound business practices, and professionalism in the remodeling industry have led to the growth of the remodeling industry nationwide and made NARI a recognized authority in that industry.