Gov. Doyle: Names Randy Romanski as secretary of DATCP

Contacts: Laura Smith, Office of the Governor, 608-261-2162

Lee Sensenbrenner, DATCP, 608-224-5020

MADISON – Governor Jim Doyle announced today that he is appointing Randy Romanski as Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP). He replaces Rod Nilsestuen, whose leadership brought the most beneficial transformation of agriculture in generations. Romanski served as Nilsestuen’s Deputy Secretary since December 2007, and has been involved in agriculture and rural policy for nearly two decades – in the Governor’s Administration and the state legislature.

“Rod Nilsestuen was a great Secretary of DATCP and one of the most important agriculture leaders in the history of Wisconsin,” Governor Doyle said. “Randy was Rod’s second in command, and an integral part of DATCP recent successes. I am confident that in the coming months Randy will work hard to continue Rod’s great work, and follow through on efforts to further strengthen Wisconsin’s agriculture industry.”

“Rod was a generous mentor and his leadership as DATCP Secretary set a great example,” Romanski said. “I am deeply honored to take on this important role, and will work hard to continue the great progress made under Governor Doyle and Rod Nilsestuen to diversify and grow our state’s agricultural economy.”

Secretary Nilsestuen’s legacy includes policy changes that have contributed to dramatic increases in milk and cheese production, dynamic growth in organic farming and grazing operations, protecting our state’s farmland through the Working Lands Initiative, promoting the development of biofuels and bioenergy to generate homegrown renewable energy in Wisconsin, connecting consumers to local farmers through the Buy Local, Buy Wisconsin program and strong support for investments in America’s dairyland.

Romanski has a broad range of government and senior administrative experience in agricultural, rural and consumer issues. He worked very closely with Secretary Nilsestuen to enact legislation, such as: the landmark 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 at DATCP.

Prior to joining DATCP, Romanski served as the Executive Assistant for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, deputy chief of staff for Governor Jim Doyle; executive assistant for the Department of Transportation; and spokesperson and policy analyst for the Wisconsin Department of Justice. He also has strong experience in the state legislature, having held staff positions in both the Senate and the Assembly, working directly on agricultural, rural affairs and natural resources issues.