News Summary
Jackie Q. Carter has become the first woman and first person of color to lead Port Milwaukee, where she has achieved significant milestones. Under her leadership, the port has handled nearly 5 million tons of cargo and welcomed over 25,000 cruise passengers. As she transitions to the City of Milwaukee’s Department of Employee Relations, her legacy at the port includes enhancing infrastructure and fostering business development.
Milwaukee – Jackie Q. Carter has made history by becoming the first woman and first person of color to serve as the director of Port Milwaukee. Appointed in 2023, she has been instrumental in the port achieving notable milestones, handling nearly 5 million tons of cargo and welcoming 57 cruise vessels with over 25,000 passengers within a two-year timeframe. In her role, Carter has focused on various core areas such as business development, infrastructure enhancement, operational efficiency, and forging international partnerships to further bolster regional trade and tourism.
As of July 2025, Carter will transition to the role of director of the City of Milwaukee Department of Employee Relations. In this position, she will oversee nearly 7,000 employees working for the city. This upcoming move highlights her expanding influence and leadership within the city’s administration.
Throughout her career, Carter has contributed significantly to various civic and community initiatives. She serves on boards for prominent organizations such as the Milwaukee Harbor District, the Wisconsin Marine Historical Society, and Project Kindred. Additionally, she is actively involved in the Social Development Commission, the Inland Rivers Ports and Terminals board, and the NAF advisory board at James Madison Academic Campus. Carter’s extensive background spans over 20 years in the local nonprofit and public sectors, showcasing her dedication to public service.
Recent developments at Port Milwaukee include the groundbreaking of the South Shore Cruise Dock, aimed at enhancing its competitive edge among Great Lakes ports. This new infrastructure project is essential for accommodating Seawaymax vessels and is anticipated to significantly boost tourism and job creation within the Milwaukee area. Originally estimated at $7.3 million, the project’s costs have now exceeded $17 million, with the state providing $4 million in funding to support its advancement.
The opening of the new dock is expected in 2026, coinciding with projections that the extended facilities will considerably increase cruise traffic. Officials are optimistic that the port will generate over $230 million in economic impact in 2025, with the cruise dock officially launching the cruise season that year. Anticipations indicate the arrival of 22 cruise ships and an estimated 11,000 international visitors to Milwaukee.
Port Milwaukee’s recent achievements have earned them the Robert J. Lewis Pacesetter Award for the 16th time, a testament to the port’s continued growth in international tonnage and robust commercial activity. Jackie Q. Carter has emphasized the importance of collaboration among staff and partners at Port Milwaukee, which she believes is vital for the port’s prosperity and future initiatives.
As Jackie Q. Carter steps into a new chapter in her career with her forthcoming role in the City of Milwaukee Department of Employee Relations, her tenure at Port Milwaukee leaves a strong legacy of progress and innovation, marking significant advancements in both the maritime and city employee management sectors. With a focus on inclusivity and community development, Carter’s work continues to shape the future landscape of Milwaukee.
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Additional Resources
- Biz Times: Notable Alumni – Jackie Q. Carter
- Urban Milwaukee: City Breaks Ground on New Cruise Ship Dock
- TMJ4: Port Milwaukee Welcomes First Cruise Ship of the 2025 Season
- Urban Milwaukee: Port Milwaukee Earns Great Lakes Seaway Pacesetter Award
- On Milwaukee: NNS – Jackie Carter Port Director
- Wikipedia: Milwaukee
- Google Search: Milwaukee ports
- Google Scholar: Port Milwaukee
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Milwaukee
- Google News: Port Milwaukee
Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
