Reed Hall will be reappointed by Gov. Scott Walker as secretary and chief executive officer of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.
Hall sent an e-mail to WEDC staff this week, announcing that he will return to the post.
“Thank you for all of your efforts on behalf of WEDC this last year,” Hall wrote in the e-mail, a copy of which was obtained by BizTimes. “We have accomplished a great deal. I am looking forward to a new term and a new year.”
Walker’s decision to retain Hall comes while the agency is seeking to hire a new chief operating officer and a chief financial officer.
Former COO Ryan Murray recently left the agency and took a lobbying job. Stephanie Walker, the CFO (and no relation to the governor), will leave later this month because her spouse is taking a job in the Washington, D.C., area.
Hall’s appointment is subject to confirmation by the State Senate.
Hall’s e-mail to staff also mentioned speculation that Walker intends to consider merging the WEDC and other certain state agencies, including the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA).
“Several of you have raised questions about the press reports from December 29 regarding the Governor discussing the possible merger of certain State agencies, including WEDC and WHEDA,” Hall wrote. “We do not have any specifics of this possible merger at this time other than the fact that the Governor has stated that he does not want the evaluation process rushed. Please note that nothing has been formally proposed nor has anything been vetted or passed at this time. We will let you know as soon as more information is available.”
