Robert H. Milbourne

Milbourne is the first President and CEO of the Columbus Partnership, a civic organization of top business, education and community leaders formed in 2002 to improve the economic and cultural base of Central Ohio. He came to Columbus after serving as CEO of a similar group in Milwaukee for 17 years. Prior to his work in Milwaukee, he enjoyed a career in government and business.

Milbourne was born in Wilmington, Delaware. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in economics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Milbourne also attended the Harvard Business School where he completed the Program for Management Development and was elected class commencement speaker.

Milbourne worked in Wisconsin state government from 1970 to 1979 under Democratic and Republican governors. He served as State Budget Director during the mid-1970’s and was honored by the Wisconsin Center for Public Representation as the “Outstanding State Official in Wisconsin” in 1979.

Milbourne left government to become Vice President and Economist at the Kohler Company, a leading manufacturer of plumbing products, engines and generators, and one of the largest privately held corporations in the United States. He was responsible for corporate planning, budgeting, economic forecasting, and corporate communications. Milbourne was also in charge of the real estate business at Kohler Company and helped create a major resort featuring a world class hotel and four Pete Dye golf courses.

Milbourne has also been a volunteer for public service. In 1984-85, he headed the Wisconsin Strategic Development Commission, which prepared a long-term strategic plan for the state’s economic future. Many of the recommendations have been implemented, including major reform of the tax system, controls on state spending, and new private/public economic development initiatives.

Milbourne served on the faculty of the Economics Department at the University of Wisconsin-Madison as an adjunct professor. For 23 years he taught a popular undergraduate course – Contemporary Economic Issues. He was selected as one of the top teaching professors at the University of Wisconsin by the student body.

Milbourne has served on many boards and community organizations including:

• Chancellor’s Council, University of Wisconsin-Madison
• Chairman, Board of Visitors, Political Science and LaFollette School, University of Wisconsin-Madison
• Chairman, Greater Milwaukee Open (PGA Golf Tournament)
• Chairman, Greater Milwaukee Convention and Visitors Bureau
• University of Wisconsin Athletic Board
• Skybus Airlines Board
• University School of Milwaukee Trustee
• Experience Columbus Board
• Columbus Chamber Board
• Columbus School for Girls Board

Milbourne is married to Amy and has twin daughters – Molly and Ryan.

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