Walker appoints economic ‘turnaround team’
Walker appoints economic ‘turnaround team’
Governor-elect Scott Walker has named the members of his “turnaround team” that will advise his cabinet on the economic recovery in Wisconsin.
"We will commit ourselves to a jobs turnaround in Wisconsin," Walker said. "I am assembling a team that is committed on day one to jobs.”
Walker will be sworn into office on January 3, 2011. Upon taking the oath of office, Walker will call the Legislature into a special session to pass measures aimed at improving the state’s business climate. Walker is pledging to develop economic policies that will help Wisconsin’s economy create 250,000 private-sector jobs.
"The time for a turnaround is now," Walker said. "That’s why I have assembled an innovative team to provide advice on cabinet secretaries, develop pro-jobs policies, and balance the state budget."
The advisors will be divided into three specialty areas that will provide advice to the governor-elect and the transition team.
One team will deal with cabinet appointments, another with the upcoming special session on jobs and the other one will deal with balancing the state budget. The advisory teams will seek input from business groups, agricultural groups, specialty trade groups, organized labor and others interested in improving Wisconsin’s economy.
Walker’s transition is being chaired by Michael Grebe, chief executive officer of the Bradley Foundation in Milwaukee. John Hiller serves as executive director of the transition team based in Madison.
The turnaround team will include:
(Cabinet appointment team)
- Michael Grebe – President and CEO of the Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation in Milwaukee. Grebe was the chairman and CEO of Foley & Lardner, one of the country’s largest law firms. Grebe chairs the Greater Milwaukee Committee and co-chairs the Milwaukee 7 regional economic development council.
- John Matthews – Matthews of Racine served as chief of staff to Governor Tommy G. Thompson. Matthews is a senior vice president of corporate affairs of JohnsonDiversey, Inc. of Sturtevant.
- (Wisconsin open for business special session team)
- Former Lt. Gov. Margaret Farrow – Farrow of Pewaukee served as lieutenant governor with Governor Scott McCallum. She served in the State Senate from 1989 until 2001 and one term in the Assembly. he continues to serve on various civic and state boards.
- Susan Marks – Marks is the CEO of Pinstripe Inc., a Brookfield-based business services firm. Marks is president of Competitive Wisconsin Inc. and serves on several boards.
(Pro-growth budget team)
- Rick Chandler – Chandler served as secretary of the Department of Revenue for former Gov. Tommy Thompson and McCallum. Chandler, of Madison, also served as state budget director under Thompson. Chandler is currently a public affairs consultant, advising corporate clients on fiscal policy.
- Rep. Kitty Rhoades – Rhoades served for six years on the Joint Finance Committee, including two years as chair. Rhoades, of Hudson, served as the executive director of the Hudson Chamber of Commerce from 1991 to 1996. She served in the Assembly from 1999, until retiring this year.
