[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 64 (Monday, April 13, 2026)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1708-S1709]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO JOHN KISSINGER

  Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. President, I rise today to honor John Kissinger, 
president and CEO of GRAEF, on his retirement. For more than 25 years, 
Mr. Kissinger has been a tireless advocate for his community, 
supporting cultural and entertainment institutions through workforce 
development initiatives. This tireless work has directly resulted in 
the construction, renovation, and revitalization of numerous well-known 
buildings and cultural hubs across Wisconsin.
  Mr. Kissinger earned his bachelor of science in civil engineering 
from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 1979 and his master of 
science in civil and environmental engineering from the University of 
Wisconsin-Madison in 1983. In 1984, he joined GRAEF as a structural 
engineer in the firm's Milwaukee office. Since joining GRAEF, he 
steadily advanced within in the company, serving in roles including 
vice president, regional manager, and chief operating officer. In 
January 2012, he was named president and CEO.
  Among his notable projects at GRAEF, Mr. Kissinger served as the

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engineering project manager for the instantly iconic Milwaukee Art 
Museum Quadracci Pavillion, featuring a soaring structure designed by 
Santiago Calatrava. He also contributed to projects including the 
renovation and expansion of Green Bay's historic Lambeau Field, home to 
our beloved Packers, and the Wisconsin Center in downtown Milwaukee, as 
well as the Milwaukee Public Museum's IMAX Theater. These projects and 
many others have given him a unique understanding of the intersection 
between the design and contours of a city, the needs of its residents, 
and the delicate balance between the two.
  Beyond this work, Mr. Kissinger is an active presence in the 
Milwaukee community. He currently serves as chairman of the Milwaukee 
Area Workforce Investment Board, and in 2010, he was appointed by then-
Milwaukee mayor  Tom Barrett to lead the agency. He also has a 
longstanding interest in supporting programs for youth employment, 
serving as the cochair of the city of Milwaukee's Earn and Learn Youth 
Employment Program, in addition to volunteering with the organization. 
Mr. Kissinger was recently appointed to the Metropolitan Milwaukee 
Association of Commerce's Cultural and Entertainment Capital Needs Task 
Force to help identify funding options to preserve key local facilities 
in Milwaukee, including the BMO Harris Bradley Center, the previous 
home of our Milwaukee Bucks.
  Mr. Kissinger's 25 years at GRAEF, as well as his many community 
service initiatives, have created a lasting impact on not only the 
Milwaukee community, but also on the greater Wisconsin community. I am 
pleased to join others in recognizing John Kissinger's success and 
contributions to the people of our State and our Nation. I wish him all 
the best in his retirement.

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