Governor Doyle Announces Appointments to the Wisconsin Technical College System Board

MADISON – Governor Jim Doyle announced the appointments today of Stan Davis, Jon Geenen, and Terry Erickson to the Wisconsin Technical College System Board.  The Governor also announced the reappointment of Phil Neuenfeldt to the board, which establishes statewide policies and standards for the educational programs and services provided by the 16 technical college districts in the state.


 


“Now more than ever, our technical college system needs people who are committed to maintaining and strengthening the educational values of this state,” Governor Doyle said.  “These appointees bring unique experiences to the Board that will help ensure Wisconsin’s technical colleges continue to train a highly-skilled workforce for the jobs of tomorrow.”


 


Stan Davis is a partner at Axley Brynelson, LLP, where he serves as co-chair of the Government Relations Group.  He has worked as the Governor’s Deputy Chief of Staff and Chief Legal Counsel and is a member of both the Wisconsin Injured Patient and Family Compensation Fund and the Governor’s Judicial Selection Committee.  Davis is a board member of the Madison Children’s Museum, the Charles Hamilton Houston Institute, and the Urban League of Greater Madison.  He received his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and his J.D. from George Washington University Law School.  Davis and his wife, Jessica, live in Sun Prairie with their two daughters.


 


“I am honored to have an opportunity to serve on this important board,” Davis said.  “Wisconsin’s technical colleges play an important role in one of the best systems of higher education in the country, and I look forward to working with the members of the board to further that mission.”


 


Davis’ appointment will fill a vacant seat on the board and is effective immediately for a term to expire May 1, 2009.


 


Jon Geenen is an International Vice President for the United Steelworkers Union.  He is co-chair of the Wisconsin Blue/Green Alliance and is a member of the Governor’s Task Force on Global Warming.  Geenen received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the National Labor College, his MPA from the University of Baltimore, and participated in the Industrial Apprentice Program at Fox Valley Technical College.  Geenen and his wife, Sheri, live in Kaukauna.


 


“Wisconsin’s Technical College System is an essential part of Wisconsin’s educational system, and is key to providing workers and industry with the skills and tools necessary to be successful in a rapidly evolving economy,” Geenen said.  “I am exited about the opportunity to play a role in its continuing progress and development.”  


 


Geenen will replace José Vásquez on the board, who the Governor recently appointed to the Board of Regents.  Geenen’s appointment is effective April 3, 2008 for a term to expire May 1, 2009.


 


Terry Erickson served as the Executive Director of the Boys and Girls Club of Greater La Crosse for 35 years before retiring in 2007.  He is a member of the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Health, the Governor’s Council on Juvenile Justice, and the State Superintendent’s Drug and Alcohol Advisory Board, and previously served on the Board of Directors for the Western Technical College District.  Erickson is also the Commissioner of the Mississippi Valley Conference and is a NCAA Basketball official. He received his Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and is currently pursuing a Masters Degree in Education at Winona State University.  Erickson and his wife, Sue, live in La Crosse.


 


“While serving on the Western Technical College District Board, I became keenly aware of the impact of the technical schools.  They are a huge asset to the State of Wisconsin,” Erickson said.  “It is a tremendous honor to be selected as a State Board member. I am hopeful that with my leadership experiences, I can help strengthen the system.”  


 


Erickson’s appointment will fill a vacant seat on the board and is effective immediately for a term to expire May 1, 2011.


 


Phil Neuenfeldt has served on the Wisconsin Technical College Board since 2001 and is the Secretary-Treasurer for the Wisconsin AFL-CIO.  His reappointment is effective immediately and will expire on May 1, 2013.