Hall’s departure kicks off search for successor

Gov. Scott Walker said he would work with WEDC Chair Dan Ariens and other board members to find a replacement for Secretary/CEO Reed Hall, who will be retiring next month.

Walker said Hall oversaw the agency during a “transformational period” with a “steady hand.”

“Under Reed’s guidance, WEDC strengthened its accountability and transparency to taxpayers, improving the public trust, while moving forward the important work of developing economic opportunity for families all around our state,” Walker said.

Democratic members of the WEDC board said Hall’s retirement presents an opportunity to take on the agency’s problems.

Assembly Minority Leader Peter Barca, D-Kenosha, and Sen. Julie Lassa, D-Stevens Point, praised Reed’s willingness to serve in the job.

But Lassa noted the departures of other high-level employees.

“With Wisconsin’s economy continuing to lag behind other states in the Midwest and the nation, we can’t afford to have our lead job creation agency continue its freefall,” she said.

Though Hall was brought in as part of a bid to turn around problem at the agency, reports of failed loans and other questionable practices persisted.

Barca said Hall’s tenure was “marred by management failures and a failure to protect Wisconsin taxpayers.” The Kenosha Dem said that was due in part to Hall’s inexperience in the economic development field.

“Hopefully with his replacement we can finally realize the promise that was made that WEDC would attract world-class talent from people who have worked and been successful in economic development,” Barca said.