Wisconsin Ag Connection - Evers Officially Appoints Romanski as DATCP Secretary

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Evers Officially Appoints Romanski as DATCP Secretary
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 06/02/2020

After serving on an interim basis for the past six months, Randy Romanski has officially been named secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. Gov. Tony Evers made the announcement on Monday, saying Romanski has done an 'outstanding job' leading the agency through challenging times.

"Wisconsin's agricultural community has dealt with challenges for years, from low prices to trade wars to a global pandemic," Gov. Evers said. "I believe he'll continue to do great work as secretary."

This is the second time in his political career that Romanski has served as the DATCP chief. Former Gov. Jim Doyle made him a cabinet member after the untimely death of then-Secretary Rod Nilsestuen in 2010. Prior to that, he served as Doyle's deputy chief of staff and also held staff positions in both the Senate and the Assembly, working directly on agricultural, rural affairs and natural resources issues.

"I appreciate Governor Evers' confidence and trust in me," Romanski said. "I have been honored to work with the team at DATCP to serve the citizens of the state. I look forward to continuing that work as we serve as a resource to Wisconsin's diverse agriculture and consumer communities."

During his first stint at DATCP, Romanski worked on issues such as the Working Lands Initiative; investment tax credit assistance for dairy farmers, meat processors, dairy cooperatives, food processors and beginning farmers; the new Farm to School program; and helped secure funding for the Buy Local, Buy Wisconsin program.

A graduate of University of Wisconsin-River Falls, he has a master's degree in public administration from the UW-Madison's Robert M. La Follette School of Public Affairs.

Romanski had been serving as deputy secretary under former DATCP Secretary-designee Brad Pfaff for nearly a full year before the Wisconsin State Senate denied Pfaff's nomination in November 2019.

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