Already well known in southeast Wisconsin as Milwaukee County executive and a local philanthropist, Chris Abele has in recent years taken on another role: He is one of the biggest supporters of the region’s growing start-up community.

And although he won’t say exactly what he has planned next in his role as a booster of entrepreneurship, he’s hinting that he’s going to take the next big step soon.

First, some background:

Evidence of Abele’s interest in entrepreneurship began to emerge after he was elected to public office in 2011. He held briefings with local start-up leaders, toured the “1871” center where start-ups share working space in Chicago’s Merchandise Mart, and formed an economic development office. Read the full story here.