Wisconsin Ag Connection - Romanski Returns as No. 2 Man at DATCP, Other Appts Made

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Romanski Returns as No. 2 Man at DATCP, Other Appts Made
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 01/21/2019

A former deputy secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection will soon get his old job back. On Friday, Secretary-designee Brad Pfaff named Randy Romanski as his number-two official, with Angela James being appointed assistant deputy secretary. Romanski served as deputy secretary from 2007 through 2010 under the Jim Doyle Administration until the death of former Sec. Rod Nilsestuen, where he then took on full responsibility of the agency for the final four months of Doyle's term.

After Scott Walker was elected governor, he served as the safety program chief in DOT's Division of State Patrol. Earlier in his career, he held staff positions in the state legislature, both in the Senate and Assembly. He has also served as a policy analyst for the Wisconsin Department of Justice and was eventually named the executive assistant for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and Wisconsin Department of Transportation.

Before joining the department, Angela James was an attorney in private practice, where she worked with water quality matters including National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permitting, Total Maximum Daily Load engagement, and nutrient trading. Prior to entering private practice, James was an attorney with a large Midwestern-based law firm, served with the Wisconsin paper industry, and was responsible for environmental compliance as the in-house counsel at an integrated gas and electric utility.

"I am grateful that Randy and Angela have accepted positions in DATCP's leadership team," said Pfaff. "Their combined experience in government administration, policy development and external relations will be invaluable as we work to carry out DATCP's mission to partner with all the citizens of Wisconsin to grow the economy by promoting quality food, healthy plants and animals, sound use of land and water resources, and a fair marketplace."

Meanwhile, Pfaff also appointed six members of his management team. Steve Ingham will serve as Division of Food and Recreational Safety Administrator; Krista Knigge, Division of Agricultural Development Administrator; Kelly Smithback, Division of Management Services Administrator; Lara Sutherlin, Division of Trade and Consumer Protection Administrator; Sara Walling, Division of Agricultural Resource Management Administrator; and Grace Colás, Communications Director.

Pfaff will announce additional appointments as they are made.

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