Kellner named RNC host committee CEO
The host committee for the 2024 Republican National Convention in Milwaukee is turning to one of the city’s big financial hitters to lead the organization.
Businessman and philanthropist Ted Kellner is stepping in as chief executive officer, the group announced Thursday.
Kellner is replacing Steve King, who is stepping back to a role on the organization’s board of directors.
King, a longtime GOP stalwart and former U.S. ambassador to the Czech Republic, had been commuting between his home in North Carolina and Milwaukee since joining the effort in September.
“I am confident that what we have started at the Host Committee has set Milwaukee up for success in 2024, and I’m honored to have had the opportunity to lead the launch of this organization,” King said in a statement. “While it has been a great honor to serve as the CEO of the Host Committee in my home state, this change will allow me more time to spend with my family in North Carolina.”
The host committee is charged with raising money for the event − the target is $68 million.
The committee also contracts with the major venues that include Fiserv Forum and the Wisconsin Center, and sets up a transportation system to ferry delegates and others to the event.
The convention will be held in Milwaukee, July 15-18, 2024, and is expected to draw 50,000 visitors to the city and region.
Reince Priebus, a former White House chief of staff under ex-President Donald Trump, and the chairman of the host committee, praised King’s efforts in launching the organization.
“Steve leaves big shoes to fill, but there is nobody better than Ted Kellner to step in and continue building on our progress. I’m confident that we will continue to build on our success to host a worldclass convention in 2024,” Priebus said in a statement.
Kellner is a major Republican donor at the state and national level, although he has contributed to Democrats, including President Joe Biden. Kellner’s friendship with Biden goes back to 1972.
In 2018, Kellner hosted a fundraiser for Trump at the Pfister Hotel.
Kellner is currently chairman and CEO of T&M Partners, a holding company for personal investments. In 1980, Kellner co-founded Fiduciary Management, Inc., and four years later co-founded Fiduciary Real Estate Development.
He has served on numerous boards, including at the Medical College of Wisconsin and Milwaukee World Festival Inc.
Kellner lauded King and said he was looking forward to taking on the job.
“Milwaukee is a vibrant, welcoming city,” he said. “I am excited to build on the work that Steve and his team have started to showcase everything we have to offer in 2024. I’m ready to get to work.”