By Shereen Siewert
A Rothschild native is returning to the metro area to serve as Wausau’s new business development specialist, according to a news release issued Tuesday.
Sean Fitzgerald, a D.C. Everest graduate who founded an Oshkosh media and publishing company, was hired by the city’s Planning, Community and Economic Development department in May.
In this role, Fitzgerald will assist with various economic development projects in Wausau, help manage the city’s tax incremental finance application and review process, will serve as a point of contact between business leaders and city staff, and will represent the community development department within Wausau’s business community, among other responsibilities, the release stated.
Fitzgerald most recently owned and served as publisher and president of New North B2B magazine, a nationally award-winning monthly business news periodical serving northeast Wisconsin. He founded the Oshkosh-based media and publishing company in 2002 after stints as business editor for daily newspapers in Oshkosh, Fond du Lac and Rhinelander.
“We are excited to welcome Sean back home to Wausau; his unique experience as both a business owner and a journalist focused on business and economic development will be an asset in the City’s continued strategic efforts,” said Christian Schock, Director of Development for the City.
In addition to his work with B2B magazine, Fitzgerald held leadership and oversight roles for a variety of business, educational, economic development, civic, cultural and human service organizations in communities across northeast Wisconsin. He served nine years on the board for Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce, was a co-founder of the young professional organizations in Oshkosh and Fond du Lac, helped successfully establish Greater Oshkosh Economic Development Corp. and chaired the Oshkosh Area United Way annual fund raising campaign. He also served as an elected official on the City of Oshkosh Common Council.
Mayor Katie Rosenberg said Fitzgerald’s background in economic development, policymaking and communication will bring “added depth” to the city’s community development program during a critical time for Wausau.
“I am so pleased to welcome him home and I know he’s ready to hit the ground running for Wausau,” Rosenberg said.
Fitzgerald holds a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Carthage College in Kenosha. He’s a native of Rothschild and a graduate of D.C. Everest High School.
Contact Sean Fitzgerald at Wausau City Hall at [email protected] or 715-261-6684
