City of South Milwaukee Appoints Travis Wells, MPA, as City Administrator
South Milwaukee, Wis. (April 6, 2026): The City of South Milwaukee is pleased to announce the appointment of Travis Wells, MPA, as City Administrator. Wells was appointed by the Common Council at a special meeting held tonight, Monday, April 6, 2026, at 6 p.m. He will officially commence his service with the City on May 26, 2026.
“We are excited to welcome Travis Wells to the City of South Milwaukee,” said Mayor Jim Shelenske. “Travis brings a strong foundation in municipal leadership, financial management, and community engagement. His collaborative approach and forward-looking mindset will serve our city well.”
Wells currently serves as Village Administrator for the Village of Wind Point, where he oversees day-to-day municipal operations, leads organizational and financial management efforts, and supports strategic planning initiatives. His experience includes budget development—earning the prestigious Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Distinguished Budget Award—capital improvement planning, grant writing, intergovernmental coordination, and the implementation of modern administrative and communication practices. Wells earned a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree from UW–Oshkosh. He serves as the Wisconsin City/County Management Association (WCMA) Region 8 Director.
Wells expressed enthusiasm for joining the South Milwaukee community. “I am deeply honored by the opportunity to serve as South Milwaukee’s City Administrator,” said Wells. “This is a community with a proud history and a bright future. I look forward to working with the Mayor, Common Council, talented and dedicated staff, and residents to support continued growth, strengthen services, and enhance the quality of life for everyone who calls South Milwaukee home.”
South Milwaukee is a vibrant lakeshore community in Milwaukee County, known for its strong neighborhoods, active downtown, and commitment to economic development and community investment. The competitive recruitment process was facilitated by Innovative Public Advisors (IPA), a public-sector executive recruitment and strategy firm. For more information, please contact Interim City Administrator and IPA Partner Jay Shambeau at 262-335-6102 or jay@public-advisors.com.
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