This week’s Milwaukeean of the Week is someone who’s been shaping how the rest of the country, and the world, sees the city we call home – one headline, campaign, and Top Chef moment at a time.
Meet Claire Hanan, Vice President of Communications & Advocacy at Visit Milwaukee and a proud champion of everything that makes this place special. With a journalism background, deep community ties, and a career that spans New York publishing to Milwaukee Magazine and beyond, Claire is proof that loving this city—and knowing how to tell its story—can be a full-time power move.
When she’s not boosting Milwaukee’s national reputation, she’s serving on local boards, supporting hunger-relief efforts, and soaking up the lakefront lifestyle. Let’s get into it.
What is your background (born here or a transplant – if so, from where)?
Born in Madison but landed in Milwaukee by middle school and then boomeranged back in my 20s!
Any stories from your youth that define your path?
My mom has been an inspiration my entire life, and now I feel inspired by so many people around me. From friends to coworkers, my bosses, some of the amazing elected officials I get to work with, journalists, etc, I feel so lucky to be learning from all of these brilliant folks all the time.
Where did you study?
I went to the University of Missouri of journalism school and then did a short stint at NYU for a summer publishing program.
What do you do for work now (where you work, title, job responsibilities, etc)?
I’m the Vice President of Communications & Advocacy at Visit Milwaukee, where I lead the organization’s strategic communications, government affairs, and community engagement initiatives to elevate the city’s reputation and maximize tourism impact.
In this role, I oversee both internal and external communications efforts and shape public policy engagement. This work includes guiding media relations, advocacy campaigns, and cross-sector collaborations that promote Milwaukee as a premier travel destination. And sometimes I get to do extra fun campaigns like “Top Chef”!
Can you talk a little bit about your career journey? How’d you get to where you are now?
Right out of college, I started out in book publishing in New York, but did a little freelancing at a startup fashion magazine to keep my foot in journalism. After a few years out there, I missed Milwaukee and my family so I came back to Milwaukee and started working as an editor at Milwaukee Magazine. In 2017, after five amazing years at the magazine, I moved over to Visit Milwaukee and I’ve been here ever since!
Can you talk more about your community involvement or volunteer experience?
I very proudly serve on the boards of the Milwaukee Press Club, Pabst Mansion, and Imagine MKE. I also volunteer when I can at a couple of wonderful organizations that feed Milwaukee’s hungry.
What are some ways you have impacted the community in your line of work?
I like to think that our work to market Milwaukee has helped local businesses and the residents they employ, as well as elevating the community’s reputation in hearts and minds around the country!
What do you like about living in Milwaukee?
I love living near the lake, I adore our restaurants, bars and breweries, and I think our arts and cultural scene rivals that of any major metro in the country. I feel tremendously lucky to live here and raise my kids here every day.
What do you want to see for Milwaukee’s future?
I see Milwaukee’s future as one defined by confidence, collaboration, and momentum. The city is increasingly comfortable owning its identity as authentic, creative, and community-driven, while continuing to invest in the people, neighborhoods, and industries that make it unique.
Anything else we should know about you, your job, community involvement, or life in general?
I’m a really good dog sitter, I think I probably eat too much peanut butter, and I’m in the market for new music recs!