Wisconsin Ag Connection - Freese to Replace Cliff as CAO of Wisconsin Farm Bureau

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Freese to Replace Cliff as CAO of Wisconsin Farm Bureau
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 06/25/2013

A former state lawmaker has been tapped to take over as the Wisconsin Farm Bureau's new chief administrative officer. Stephen Freese has been hired to oversee the day-to-day operations of the Madison-based farm group, starting in August.

"I am very excited to be given the opportunity to make a positive difference for farm families and rural Wisconsin with our state's premier farm organization," said Freese, who has been serving as the CEO of the Circus World Museum in Baraboo since 2007. "(Now) I get to do my dream job twice... I was a state representative in a rural area, and now I will be working on behalf of the people in the rural areas of Wisconsin at Farm Bureau."

Freese represented the 51st Assembly District from 1991 to 2007. During his tenure at the Capitol, he was elected as the Speaker Pro Tempore from 1995 to 2007. Prior to his political career, he served as a board supervisor in Grant County and the town of Jamestown.

While at Circus World, Steve was responsible for all aspects of management and operations. His departure comes six months after Gov. Scott Walker unsuccessfully proposed moving Circus World's operations to the Wisconsin Historical Society--a move that Freese says got him contemplating a career move.

Meanwhile, WFBF President Jim Holte says Freese will be an excellent fit for the state's largest farm organization.

"Stephen's strong background in public service, management of a non-profit organization and personnel make him uniquely qualified for this critical position," Holte said.

Freese, 53, still helps manage a farm near Hazel Green that has been in his family since 1874. A native of Grant County, he has a degree in political science from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville.

He replaces Roger Cliff, who is retiring in December after 40 years with the Farm Bureau.

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