Brian Taffora

Brian is a Principal with Michael Best Strategies who provides clients with strategic guidance on a variety of public policy, government relations, regulatory, and legislative matters to help advance their business interests. He has deep experience with start-up and emerging businesses, venture capital, and economic development projects.

Prior to joining Michael Best Strategies, Brian was a managing director at CSA Partners, a venture capital firm focused on tech-enabled start-ups. Brian also was an employee of Ward4 in Milwaukee, a collaborative workspace for entrepreneurs and early-stage businesses. He recently served on the Personnel Team for Wisconsin Governor-Elect Tony Evers.

Brian’s Expertise: Economic Development, Strategic Planning, Public Policy, Startups, Venture Capital

Previously, Brian served as Director of Economic Development in the Office of the Milwaukee County Executive, where he worked with local government officials in 19 municipalities to devise and implement major development and redevelopment strategies and projects. Earlier in his career, he was Executive Director and Vice President of Government Affairs for the Wisconsin Business Council, an organization he helped establish. In this role, he regularly collaborated with elected officials, policymakers, lobbyists, and business leaders to enhance the business climate of Wisconsin. He monitored and analyzed legislative and regulatory developments in the state legislature and advised business executives on public policy and pending legislation.

EDUCATION

• University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, Bachelor of Arts