Leadership Team

Chytania Brown

President and Chief Executive Officer

Chytania Brown has over 20 years of experience in criminal justice, workforce development, community development, policy, and advocacy. In 2020, she became the first African American female to be appointed President and CEO of Employ Milwaukee, Inc.  Chytania oversees the administration of federal, state, and philanthropic funds and the creation of effective programs that ensure alignment between the skills demanded by a changing economy and those offered by the region’s labor force. 

Chytania began her career as a parole agent followed by advancement into numerous Senior and Executive Leadership roles in workforce development, including 17 years at Employ Milwaukee, which was previously known as both the Private Industry Council (PIC) and Milwaukee Area Workforce Investment Board (MAWIB). As a change agent at Employ Milwaukee, she led the creation of a reentry department to provide tailored employment and training services to individuals involved in the criminal justice system, participated in national research projects, and expanded youth and young adult workforce resources by building an Office of Career Exploration.  Prior to rejoining Employ Milwaukee in 2020, Chytania was the Administrator of the Division of Employment and Training at the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) under two gubernatorial administrations.  On the state level, she spearheaded innovative American Job Center initiatives that expanded service delivery inside Wisconsin correctional institutions and launched a Mobile Career Lab for out-of-state veteran recruitment and enhanced community connectivity.

Chytania is working on her Doctor of Philosophy for the Advancement of Learning in Service at Cardinal Stritch University.  She is inspired by the quote, “The only way to achieve the impossible is to believe it is possible.” – Unknown

Julie Cayo

Chief Planning Officer

Julie Cayo has over 20 years of experience in urban planning, economic development, workforce development, and community development and revitalization. Julie oversees the planning, fund development, compliance, and business intelligence functions of Employ Milwaukee. Julie spent the first decade of her career making plans for the built environment through downtown redevelopment, brownfield remediation, and traditional urban planning projects. In 2012, Julie joined Employ Milwaukee where she realized that making plans to connect people to sustainable economic well-being is her passion. Julie’s areas of expertise include data-driven program design, project management, and developing neighborhood-based initiatives. Julie has a bachelor’s degree in Urban Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay and a master’s degree in Urban Planning from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee School of Architecture and Urban Planning (SARUP).

Annemarie Probst

Chief Financial Officer

Annemarie Probst’s corporate and not-for-profit financial administration experience are cherished credentials she brings into her new role as the Chief Financial Officer of Employ Milwaukee. Annemarie oversees all direction of the organization’s finances, including internal and external financial reporting, the preparation of financial statements, developing and managing budgets, and strategizing with department leaders to improve operational performance and productivity. Before joining Employ Milwaukee, Annemarie worked with the Lutheran High School Association of Greater Milwaukee through TRIUN3, overseeing budget preparation, financial reporting, ensuring compliance with state and federal guidelines, and assuring donations and grants were used to the utmost integrity of the donors’ intent. 

With financial management experience in the private, public, and nonprofit sectors spanning over three decades, Annemarie has assisted other organizations and companies like the Kern Family Foundation, The LANG Companies, Sacred Heart Seminary and School of Theology, and General Mills determine their strategic direction and efficiently administrate financial procedures and systems.  

Annemarie received a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She also passed the State of Minnesota Certified Public Accountant Exam.