Wisconsin Department of Tourism

Dave Fantle


Dave joined the Department of Tourism in January, 2011 after working seven years as vice president of public relations for VISIT Milwaukee.  At VISIT, Dave was the creator of the bronze Fonz statue, which graces the Milwaukee RiverWalk. The project was the recipient of the highest public relations award honors from such industry organizations as the Society of American Travel Writers, U.S. Travel Association and the Wisconsin Association of Convention & Visitors Bureaus. Dave is also a founding member of Film Wisconsin, the non-profit organization charged with promoting the state for film, television and video gaming projects. Dave moved to the Badger State in 1988 from his native Minnesota thanks to his Wisconsin bride. He and his wife, Cathy, have three “almost” adult children. He holds a BA in Journalism from the University of Minnesota.