Marty Brooks appeals Wisconsin Center District termination

MILWAUKEE - Marty Brooks, the former Wisconsin Center District CEO, is appealing his firing after the board accused him of making questionable purchases with district money.

Board votes to fire Brooks

The backstory:

Brooks was fired last month. The Wisconsin Center District Board of Directors voted unanimously to terminate him for cause on June 8, claiming he used company funds for personal expenses and political donations.

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The board cited three primary areas of concern: misuse of Wisconsin Center District funds through questionable corporate credit card transactions, violations of company bylaws and the employee handbook, and misrepresentation to the board.

Brooks is alleged to have used the corporate card for personal and impermissible expenses, including expensive shoes and political donations. Corporate cards cannot be used for political donations.

The firing was not effective immediately, allowing Brooks an opportunity to appeal and fight the decision. He was placed on administrative leave.

Brooks shortchanged, he says

What they're saying:

In late March, Brooks was informed that he would have a "termination for convenience." According to his lawyer, Brooks had an 80-minute speech planned, but he was given only 45 minutes Wednesday. 

Brooks wrapped up his statement, making an affirmative demand to the board.

"Honor the contract. Honor the termination-for-convenience provision that Board itself invoked. Allow the District, its employee, and this community to move forward without further unnecessary expense, disruption or drawn-out court proceedings and embarrassment," Brooks said.

Despite his opposition to the termination, Brooks said the board is shortchanging the money he is owed under the district's termination agreement. He also said purchases made using corporate dollars were solely to promote the organization and maintain stakeholder relationships. He denied using a corporate card for personal expenses.

Brooks said each expense "reflects activities routinely undertaken by senior executives responsible for promoting an organization, maintaining stakeholder relationships, recognizing employee contributions and advancing institutional objectives."

Specific expenses cited included a custom Lego set created to celebrate the completion of the Baird Center, a $7,000 furniture purchase for administrative office spaces associated with the Baird Center expansion project, and a Milwaukee Athletic Club membership. Brooks explained the membership was meant to "provide the District with visibility in Milwaukee's business community, access to civic and business leaders, and opportunities to cultivate relationships beneficial to the District."

Brooks also claimed that allegations from Milwaukee Common Council President José Pérez influenced his termination, calling it an attempt to "trap" him. 

"Honor the contract. Honor the termination-for-convenience provision that the Board itself invoked. Allow the District, its employee, and this community to move forward without further unnecessary expense, disruption or drawn-out court proceedings and embarrassment," Brooks said.

Dig deeper:

Brooks' attorney, Stephen Kravit, said the board is offering him $200,000. But he said that is not enough, reiterating that the board is shortchanging the money Brooks is actually owed under the agreement. Asked how much Brooks is requesting, they did not disclose that information. He said they are now waiting to hear back from the board as negotiations continue.

Kravit said there will be a potential question of a lawsuit. He explained that they are also hoping for attorney fees to be paid through a rebound of indemnity provision.

Response to donations, termination

Big picture view:

Several political campaigns responded to the donations. The campaign for Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson stated they will reimburse any money sourced from the Wisconsin Center District credit card. State records show a $2,000 donation in October 2025 to David Crowley's governor campaign, and Crowley's campaign confirmed they will return the $2,000.

Pérez also stated he learned Brooks used a Wisconsin Center District card for a past contribution and is returning the funds. He abstained from the termination vote to avoid any potential appearance of a conflict of interest. Pérez previously accused Brooks of inappropriate physical contact, which Brooks denied. The Milwaukee Police Department investigated, but the district attorney's office declined to file charges. Pérez emphasized his abstention was precautionary and that the termination was unrelated to his prior complaint.

Wisconsin Center District Board President Jim Kanter was named chief of staff to the board to oversee daily district operations during the transition. Statements from both Kanter and VISIT Milwaukee CEO Peggy Williams-Smith emphasized that events, customer commitments, and daily operations across Wisconsin Center District facilities – including the Baird Center, UWM Panther Arena, and Miller High Life Theater – would continue smoothly without interruption.

Editor's note: This story was updated to include new information.

Portions of this article were formatted using A.I. FOX6's staff and an editor reviewed it for accuracy and tone prior to publishing.

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