Funded By:
aaron@harbordistrict.org
414-643-1266
Aaron Zeleske leads the Harbor District’s efforts to improve the ecological functioning of our corner of the city, focusing on improving habitat for fish and wildlife and green infrastructure practices that improve water quality. He works on several habitat restoration projects on the Kinnickinnic River, manages innovative projects like the Eco Breakwater and Habitat Hotels, and seeks to creatively incorporate environmental principles into everything happening in the Harbor. Through these projects and programs that connect people to nature, Aaron works to change how people think about and relate to the plants and animals with whom we share our city and our world.
Prior to joining Harbor District in 2019, Aaron spent over seven years working atMilwaukee environmental organizations, River Revitalization Foundation and Urban Ecology Center. He has a Masters in Nonprofit Management from Marquette University, where he was a recipient of the Trinity Fellowship.
Autumn is our communications associate, and when she isn’t posting on Harbor District’s socials (or charming her way onto boats that dock near our office), she’s attending Marquette University’s graduate school as a Trinity Fellow.
Born and raised in New Orleans, Autumn hit the ground running in the nonprofit sector after graduating from Loyola University of New Orleans, where she got her B.A. in Creative Writing and Mass Communication. She has worked in a variety of nonprofit positions focused on digital communication, social media, and nonprofit engagement, where she has put her skills in video editing and storytelling to good use.
When she not behind a screen, you can find Autumn exploring Milwaukee, sitting by the water taking boat pics, or reading for class somewhere in nature (lately next to the fountain in Harbor View Plaza).
Judy Krause is the Finance Manager for Harbor District. She is the Principal Consultant of Judy Krause Consulting, LLC, a fiscal and project management firm specializing in nonprofit and community-focused clients. She has over 20 years of experience as a nonprofit finance professional and previously worked as the Director of Finances and Operations at Urban Ecology Center. As a consultant, Judy works with organizations to increase fiscal knowledge, ensure strong financial operations, and improve planning.
Judy is a Certified Nonprofit Accounting Professional through the National Association of Nonprofit Accountants & Consultants. She received her Bachelor of Science from Knox College in Economics. She is a fourth-degree black belt and certified instructor in ATA taekwondo. She enjoys exploring local, state, and national parks on foot throughout the seasons.
As Operations Manager for Milwaukee’s Harbor District, Katie helps revitalize the inner harbor by strengthening the connection between people and place. Katie brings energy, clarity, and a collaborative spirit to her work, building partnerships across diverse stakeholders and championing a shared vision for the district’s future.
In addition to her work with the Harbor District, Katie provides administrative support for the Milwaukee Estuary Area of Concern (AOC) Community Advisory Committee (CAC), helping to elevate community voices in environmental decision-making.
Known for her proactive mindset and ability to bring ideas to life, Katie leverages local relationships to shape a vibrant and inclusive waterfront community. She values curiosity, respect, and authenticity—principles that guide her work and relationships alike.
When she’s not in Milwaukee, Katie can often be found in northern Wisconsin, fishing, kayaking, and soaking up the outdoors.
Rachael Bush serves as the Business Engagement Specialist for Harbor District BID #51, where she works alongside local business owners to strengthen connections, foster collaboration, and drive growth across the district. Born and raised in Peoria, Illinois, she has called Milwaukee home for nearly two decades and is a proud Marquette University graduate.
Her background includes nonprofit leadership with the Sherman Phoenix Foundation and contracted projects with AALAM and OECI of the City of Milwaukee. Active in civic life, she serves on the Eras Senior Network, the ADRC Governing Board of Milwaukee County, and the Greendale Board of Health, among others. She is also a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., reflecting her dedication to service and community advancement.
Outside of work, Rachael can often be found supporting her sons at sporting events or attending local gatherings that uplift her community. Most importantly, she is mom to four children—sons Philip and Owen, and daughters Cameron and Juneau—who inspire her daily and ground her commitment to a vibrant, connected Harbor District.
tia@harbordistrict.org
414-643-1266
Tia Torhorst is CEO of Harbor District and Director of BID 51. In these roles, Tia works to make Harbor District a vibrant waterfront community where diverse businesses, people and ecologies thrive together.
For the last twenty years, Tia has focused on improving communities. Prior to this role she has served as Assistant Deputy Secretary at the WI Department of Administration supporting the diverse work of the agency to support and improve government services and amenities and working to connect the dots between cabinet agencies. In addition, Tia has worked at gener8tor, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee, Milwaukee County and the Milwaukee Bar Association. While living in Washington, D.C., she worked for the National Partnership for Women and Families creating a national framework for improving health care quality.
Her husband, two kids, very fuzzy dog and Tia can be found kayaking on the waterways in Wisconsin and checking out the amazing parks and beer gardens. As founder of the Shorewood Farmers Market, Tia always checks out a community’s farmers markets when traveling to support the small growers and makers in our communities.
Yarelis “Yary” is our Community Outreach Specialist. She focuses on building strong, inclusive connections within the Harbor District with a focus on equity, visibility, and grassroots impact.
Yary has worked with a variety of grassroots organizations—developing community programs, managing administrative operations, and cultivating meaningful relationships with sponsors and stakeholders. Her passion lies in making space for community members to feel seen, heard, and valued.
Yary has a B.A. in Musical Arts from Converse University in South Carolina. Outside of her work life, she can be found attending concerts or producing music.