Our Staff
Leo J. RiesProgram Director
414/273-1815
lries@lisc.org
Prior to his position with LISC, Mr. Ries worked for the City of Milwaukee for over ten years as Director of Housing and Neighborhood Development in the Department of City Development and as Director of the Community Block Grant Administration. In these positions, he was responsible for developing and administering programs that preserve Milwaukee’s housing stock, expand economic and housing opportunities for Milwaukee residents and which revitalize neighborhoods that have experienced decline and disinvestment. Leo Ries has also served in a voluntary capacity with numerous non-profit and civic organizations.
Leo’s main responsibilities are overseeing technical assistance and project support to CDC’s, obtaining private sector support for LISC activities, and building and promoting the community development industry in Milwaukee through partnerships and public relations.
Kathryn BergerProgram Officer
414/273-1815
kberger@lisc.org
Kathryn Berger came to Milwaukee LISC from the Wisconsin Department of Commerce’s Milwaukee office. During her five years with Commerce, she worked in minority business development and job creation programs. A lawyer by training, Kathryn is also certified by the National Development Council in both Economic Development Finance and Housing Development Finance.
Since joining LISC in January of 2001, Kathryn assumed the duties of administering the Milwaukee Partnership for Community Development, coordinating the Commercial Revitalization Affinity Group, and underwriting commercial redevelopment projects for LISC financing.
Beth DufekProgram Officer
414-273-1815
bdufek@lisc.org
Beth Dufek is LISC/Milwaukee's Revitalization Specialist, serving Main Street Milwaukee and other commercial districts since early 2006. Dufek, who has a degree in architectural engineering from Milwaukee School of Engineering, has worked with several local architectural firms, including Engberg Anderson and Quorum Architects.
Jonathan TuckerAdministrative Assistant
414/273-1815
jtucker@lisc.org
Jonathan is a former Marine who now provides administrative and operations support to the Milwaukee LISC staff.