We are thrilled to announce that John Kissinger, President & CEO of GRAEF, was named a Wisconsin 275 recipient - The State's Most Influential Business Leaders presented by BizTimes Media.

2024 Profile

John Kissinger leads GRAEF, a Milwaukee-based engineering, planning and design firm that has worked on prominent projects such as the Santiago Calatrava addition to the Milwaukee Art Museum, renovation of Lambeau Field and redevelopment of the former Laacke & Joys manufacturing building. More recently, GRAEF provided structural engineering for the $456 million Wisconsin Center District’s Baird Center expansion. Up next: the firm has been hired by the City of Milwaukee to create a plan for the former Northridge Mall site. GRAEF has nearly 300 employees across its 10 offices throughout the Midwest, Florida, and Turks and Caicos.

Kissinger became CEO of GRAEF in 2012. In September 2024, GRAEF announced that Kissinger will pass the president torch to Pat Kressin, vice president of business development, on Jan. 1, 2025. Kissinger will remain as CEO of the firm until his retirement.

The future of your industry: “There’s a strong and ongoing demand for new and upgraded infrastructure. I believe the future of engineering and design is very promising.”

Advice for first-time leaders: “Trust your instincts and do what you believe is right, rather than relying solely on advice or what you’ve read. Authentic leadership comes from being true to yourself.”

Favorite part of the workday: “Connecting with my colleagues. Whether it’s collaborating on projects, brainstorming new ideas, or just catching up, the energy and creativity of the team make each day inspiring.”