Kenosha Economic Development Leader Nicole Ryf Drives Regional Growth

Ryf's public-private partnership approach has attracted major investments to the region.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Nicole Ryf, president of the Kenosha Area Business Alliance, has built an economic development career rooted in public-private partnerships and regional collaboration. She began her career in Wisconsin before expanding her experience through roles in Texas and Virginia, and returned to Wisconsin in 2022 to serve as executive director of the Waukesha County Center for Growth. In July 2023, she became president of the Kenosha Area Business Alliance, overseeing business attraction, expansion, redevelopment and talent initiatives.

Why it matters

Ryf's collaborative approach and focus on aligning local, regional and state strategies have helped the Kenosha area attract significant investments, including a $3 billion manufacturing facility from Eli Lilly that is expected to create up to 750 high-skill jobs. Her leadership and community involvement are seen as key drivers of economic development in the region.

The details

During Ryf's tenure, the Kenosha area has attracted several major projects, including Eli Lilly's $3 billion manufacturing investment in Pleasant Prairie. Ryf works closely with local governments, utilities, developers, the Milwaukee 7 and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. to coordinate strategies and initiatives.

  • Ryf began her career in Wisconsin before expanding her experience through roles in Texas and Virginia.
  • Ryf returned to Wisconsin in 2022 to serve as executive director of the Waukesha County Center for Growth.
  • In July 2023, Ryf became president of the Kenosha Area Business Alliance.

The players

Nicole Ryf

President of the Kenosha Area Business Alliance, with a career rooted in public-private partnerships and regional collaboration.

Kenosha Area Business Alliance

The economic development organization that Ryf leads, overseeing business attraction, expansion, redevelopment and talent initiatives in the Kenosha region.

Eli Lilly

A pharmaceutical company that has invested $3 billion in a new manufacturing facility in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin, expected to create up to 750 high-skill jobs.

Heather Smith

Senior director of business and investment attraction for the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp., who praised Ryf's leadership and collaborative approach.

Milwaukee 7

A regional economic development partnership that Ryf works with to align local, regional and state strategies.

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What they’re saying

“Ryf works closely with local governments, utilities, developers, the Milwaukee 7 and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. to align local, regional and state strategies.”

— Heather Smith, Senior director of business and investment attraction, Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. (biztimes.com)

The takeaway

Nicole Ryf's collaborative approach and focus on aligning local, regional and state strategies have helped the Kenosha area attract significant investments, demonstrating the power of public-private partnerships and regional cooperation in driving economic development.