About Henry

Professional Background

Henry Sanders, Jr brings a broad range of experience in the public, private, and non-profit sectors to the Office of Lieutenant Governor.

Sanders is the founder of the Madison Area Growth Network (MAGNET) and Propel Wisconsin Innovation—non-profit organizations dedicated to job creation and attracting/retaining skilled professionals to help grow the economy in Wisconsin. A small business owner himself, Henry connects small to mid-size businesses in the biotech industry with capital to help build capacity, expand operations, and create local jobs.

Prior to his efforts in the private sector, Henry worked for the City of Madison on prevailing wage issues and for US Representative Tammy Baldwin, serving as the Congresswoman’s Outreach Coordinator on labor, education and environmental issues. He strengthened economic development activities in Dane and Rock Counties as a Community Relations Officer at the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA). Sanders also served as a youth programs coordinator for the Vera Court Community Center.

Sanders served as Vice President of Economic Development and Public Policy of the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce, where he built the organization’s Small Business Advisory Council and helped to increase the collaboration and involvement of progressive, women and minority-owned businesses in South-central Wisconsin.

Appointed by Governor Doyle to the Wisconsin Council on Workforce Development, Henry is also a member of the Regional Economic Collaboration Council and the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Alumni Board. Sanders also serves as Vice-Chair of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin’s Black Caucus, and was one of the first community leaders in Wisconsin to endorse President Barack Obama’s candidacy.

Henry’s Roots

Henry is a life-long resident of Wisconsin. His father, Henry Sr., and mother, Theresa, are both long-time community activists and instilled a strong sense of public service and volunteerism in Henry from birth.

Sanders attended Madison Public Schools and graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Following college, he helped revive the Vera Court Neighborhood Center, which provides educational opportunities and community services to Dane County youth and families.

Henry and his wife, Emily, reside in Waunakee, WI. They are expecting their first daughter in April.

Awards & Distinctions

Sanders received the UW Whitewater Outstanding Recent Alumnus Award in 2007 and the Village People Spring Water Bearer Award in 2008 for his demonstration of professional achievement and civic involvement. He also received the Hometown Heroes Award for his service at the Vera Court Community Center. Named in Business Magazine’s “Top 40 Under 40” for 2005, Henry has also been included in Madison Magazine’s first edition of “Up and Comers,” and was recently the cover story of Dane County’s BusinessWatch Magazine. Henry was the first black columnist for both the Capital Region Business Journal and Madison Magazine. He is also an accomplished boxer.