“…asks the right questions that lead to the right decisions.”
- Rob Holyoke, Thiensville Supervisor
Accomplished. Leader.
Service.
28 years, decorated military service, world-wide
Founding member, Dept of Homeland Security
President, Friends of the Cedarburg Bog
2018 DU Wisconsin Conservationist of the Year
Roll-up-your-sleeves, in-the-field conservationist
Current leader, non-profit conservation organization
County board supervisor, 2018-present
Experience.
USCG Academy graduate and masters degree from US Naval Warfare College, both with honors
Recognized leader of military and law enforcement operations
Instructor, under- and post-graduate studies
Ops director for Presidentially-appointed Task Force
Executive of $4Million dollar insurance business
Led 120 engineers in $125Million avionics development program
Led two non-profit conservation organizations to historic levels of impact
Balance.
A strategic thinker who balances the ‘long view’ with time-sensitive decisions
USCG’s business and $4B capital planner
USCG’s Director of Strategy for Department of Homeland Security
Malcolm Baldrige quality examiner
Offers pragmatic solutions over ideology
Works to dampen unhelpful partisanship to sustain a high-functioning, non-partisan county board
“… Bruce has proven to be an outstanding elected official…”
- Jeff Rothstein, county supervisor, 2008-2020
My Journey to Ozaukee…
… started with the adventure of a lifetime.
I grew up in rural Pennsylvania, leaving at age 17 to attend the US Coast Guard Academy.
The next three decades saw me serving my country around the US and the world. I led law enforcement and search-and-rescue teams in high-risk endeavors; I commanded ships and crews along the eastern seaboard and in the Great Lakes; I served aboard a US Navy warship in the Persian Gulf and sailed a square-rigged tall ship to Australia; I found myself teaching foreign naval officers about the underpinnings of our country that make the US so exceptional; I worked alongside presidential appointees in shaping the CG, and managed CG business and capital planning. It was an amazing 28-year ride.
Two assignments brought me to Wisconsin: (1) Captain of the CG icebreaker in Sturgeon Bay — where I first fell in love with Wisconsin and its people; (2) CG Base Milwaukee’s commanding officer during 9/11 and in its aftermath. After these experiences, I was hooked—I knew I would call Wisconsin my permanent “home”…. But first, I went to DC as CG Director of Strategy for the creation the Department of Homeland Security. When my work there was done, I returned to Wisconsin.
After three decades of world-wide military service, I could have settled anywhere in the country, but…
I chose semi-rural Ozaukee County…
Low taxes were an important bonus.
As I transitioned to executive positions in the private sector, I also found leadership roles with volunteer conservation organizations. But I knew I could have a bigger impact.
In 2018, I first ran for County Board, receiving 2 of every 3 votes.
My commitment is to work to sustain the natural character of Ozaukee County, to keep taxes low, and to improve county focus, operations, and efficiency.