Bio

A.J. (NINO) AMATO

(C) 608-514-3317

RESUME

amatoformadison@gmail.com

Over 40 years of executive leadership and management experience in the public and private sectors that include:

Current:

  • UW-Platteville, College of Engineering, Adjunct Professor: “Sustainability Policies & Best Practices” & “Energy, Environment & Society (2015 to Present)
  • Public Policy Chair, United Against Hate, Non-Profit, Non-Partisan 501c3 (2017 to Present)
  • Honorary Board Chair, Coalition of Wisconsin Aging & Health Groups, Former President & CEO (2010 to Present)
  • Voter Accessibility Advisory Board, Wisconsin Election Commission, Aging  and Disability Advocate (2017 to Present)

Former:

  • Founder and President of Nino Amato & Associates, Strategic Planning, Marketing, and Public Affairs Consulting Firm (2002-2010)
  • Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer, Meriter Hospital & Health Services (1998-2002)
  • Senior Vice President of Wisconsin Power & Light Co. & WPL HOLDINGS (1985-1998)
  • President/CEO, Forward Wisconsin, State of WI. Economic Development Marketing Corp. (WP&L Loan Executive (1987-1988) & Member Board of Directors (1987-1992)
  • Governors Commission For Quality Workforce & Development, Co-Chair and Commission Member (1990-1992)
  • UW-Whitewater College of Business & Economics, Director of Business Outreach, Small Business Development Center, Technology Transfer & WI. Innovation Center (1982-85)
  • Executive Vice President & Business Manager, First Reality Group, Inc. (1977-1982)
  • Business Analysis Intern: John R. Wrage Industrial Management Consultants (1976-77)

UW-MADISON DEGREES & PUBLICATIONS

University of Wisconsin-Madison: Bachelor Degree from the School of Education (Major Political Science & Wisconsin Teachers Certification); Master of Arts Degree from the Robert M. LaFollette School of Public Affairs (Public Policy & Administration)

Publications:

  • A Blueprint For Wisconsin’s Renewable Energy Future & Sustainability Policies
  • Renewable Energy Competition – Strategies for a Renewable Energy Future
  • Co-Author; “Today’s Hidden Racism: a Polite Apartheid.”Americas New Face Of Racism – Racial Disparities in: K-12 Public Education / Healthcare Outcomes / Income Inequality Employment Opportunities & Criminal Justice System Outcomes
  • We Are Many United Against Hate; “America’s New Threat – Right-Wing Militia Hate Groups”
  • The Strategic Challenge of Cultural Change within the Health Care & Rx Drug Industry
  • The Wisconsin Idea – The Rising Costs of Higher Education, Student Debt & Servitude
  • The Wolves On Wall Street – Corporate Lobbyist, Financial Greed &Too-Big-To-Fail

Recognition & Honors: Racial Justice – Civil Rights – Environmental 

  • Racial Justice Award –  YWCA  of  Madison
  • Whitney M. Young Jr. Civil Rights Award – The Greater Madison Urban League
  • James C. Wright Human Rights Award – Madison Equal Opportunities Commission
  • Executive Service Award & Recognition – Wisconsin NAACP Dane County Chapter
  • Civic & Educational Service Award – Madison School District School of Hope Initiative
  • Environmental Sustainablity & Business Collaboration Award – EPA Region 5

GOVERNMENTAL APPOINTMENTS & LEARDERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES

  • State Election Commission, Voter Accessibility Advisory Board (2017 to Present)
  • We Are Many United Against Hate, Advisory Board & Policy Chair (2016 to Present)
  • National Council of Consumer Organizations, Wisconsin Representative (2014 to Present)
  • Sauk Creek Woods Preservation Working Committee Member, Co-Chair (2018 to Present)

PAST APPOINTMENTS  &  LEADERSHIP  RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • University of WI – Madison, School of Education “HOPE LAB,” Advisory Board, Chair
  • Madison-Dane Co. Task Force on Unification of City-County Health Depts. Co-Chair
  • Madison Mayor’s Task Force on Racial Profiling & Race Relations, Task Force Chair
  • Department of Health Services – United For Mental Health Coalition, State Chair
  • Doyle’s (D) Task Force on Energy Efficiency & Renewable, Working Committee Chair
  • Thompson’s (R) Special Commission on Wisconsin Quality Workforce, Co-Vice Chr.
  • Technical College System Board of Directors, Served as Board President & Vice Pres.
  • University of Wisconsin Board of Regents, Representing the WI. Technical College System
  • University of Wisconsin Hospital & Clinic Authority Board & Clinics, UW-Regent Liaison
  • Madison Equal Opportunities Commission, Served as President and Vice Pres. Two Terms