Former Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development secretary Reggie Newson has been hired by Ascension Wisconsin to lead the health care system’s lobbying efforts with the state and federal governments.
Newson’s title with Ascension will be vice president and chief advocacy officer, the health care system announced Thursday evening.
In his new role, Newson “will be responsible for developing and implementing state and local strategies for advancing Ascension Wisconsin’s legislative and regulatory priorities at the state and national levels,” a statement released by Ascension Wisconsin reads.
Newson was selected by Gov. Scott Walker’s to serve in his cabinet as secretary of the state DWD in October, 2011. He remained in that position until February of this year, when he left state government to take a job as regional manager of business and transportation services for the Wisconsin Energy Corporation.
“As we look to continue strengthening our relationships across the state, we wanted someone who has a successful track record of establishing strategic partnerships and understands the vital role health care plays both as an economic driver and as a safety net for our most vulnerable residents,” said Bernie Sherry, senior vice president and ministry market executive of Ascension Wisconsin, in a prepared statement.
Newson lives in Milwaukee. He received a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in political science from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and an MBA in corporate communications from Concordia University. Newson is also a member of the Easter Seals of Southeast Wisconsin board of directors.
