Evers appoints John Miller, Milwaukee venture capitalist, to the UW Board of Regents

Devi Shastri
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
John W. Miller was appointed to the Board of Regents Monday Feb. 8.

Gov. Tony Evers on Monday appointed John Miller, founder and principal of the Milwaukee-based Arenberg Holdings venture capital fund, to the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents.

Miller will finish out the remainder of the term of Regent José Delgado, who died last month of a stroke. The term ends in May, after which the governor's office said it plans to reappoint Miller to a full, seven-year term on the board.

Miller started his career working as a U.S. congressional staffer for Rep. Jerry Kleczka, who then represented Wisconsin's 4th District, which is anchored in Milwaukee. 

He earned his bachelor's degree at Marquette University and his master's at Georgetown University, before going to law school at UW-Madison. 

Two years after earning his law degree in 2006, he became president and CEO of Miller-St. Nazianz Inc., his family's agricultural machine manufacturing business.

He sold the business in 2014 and started Arenberg Holdings, which works to mentor and invest in early-stage businesses across the Midwest.

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“As a large employer, former public servant and active community member on various boards and organizations, including the University of Wisconsin Law School Board of Visitors, John will bring a well-rounded perspective to the UW Board of Regents,” Evers said in a statement. “John recognizes the role the UW System plays in connecting the dots across our communities, our economy and the culture and history of our state, as well as our future, and I believe he will be an excellent addition to the Board of Regents.”

The appointment is effective immediately.

“I began my career serving the public and believe that I have an affinity for helping government institutions better serve their constituencies,” Miller said in a statement. “With the onset of coronavirus and ever-present budgetary challenges present today, the University System is facing a profound set of dilemmas that require smart advocacy and adherence to the core belief that public universities must play a vital role in improving the health, quality of life, the environment and agricultural sector for all citizens of Wisconsin.”

UW System Board of Regents President Andrew Petersen welcomed Miller to the board.

“He joins the board at a critical time as we respond to the pandemic and advocate for our next budget, and we will need his supportive voice," Petersen said.

Contact Devi Shastri at 414-224-2193 or DAShastri@jrn.com. Follow her on Twitter at @DeviShastri.