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Updated 08/28/2026
WAEWDC is a function of the Department of Workforce Development (DWD) and membership consists of state agency leaders (or their designees) from DWD, the Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP), Department of Public Instruction (DPI), Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), Department of Natural Resources (DNR), University of Wisconsin System, Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS), and University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension, as well as appointees from other key organizations and industries, pursuant to Wis. Stats. s. 15.227(15).
Dean - School of Agricultural Sciences, Utilities, and Transportation
Northcentral Technical College
Owner
Dutch Dairy
Representative of businesses related to animal agriculture
Secretary
Department of Workforce Development
Secretary
Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection
Assistant State Superintendent
Department of Public Instruction
On behalf of Jill Underly, State Superintendent
Director - Agriculture and Natural Resources
Wisconsin Technical College System
On behalf of Layla Merrifield, President
Agricultural Sciences Educator and FFA Advisor
DeForest School District
Representative of the Wisconsin Association of Agricultural Educators
Sr. Agriculture Account Manager
We Energies
Representative of businesses providing engineering, mechanical, electronic, and power services relating to agriculture
Project Manager
Heartland Farms, Inc.
Representative of general agriculture
Sales Manager
Vita-Plus
Representative of agribusiness
Director of Food and Agribusiness Practice
M3 Insurance
Representative of general agriculture
The following members represent leaders from state agencies responsible for K-12 education, post-secondary education, workforce development, economic development, agriculture, and natural resources.
Chief Operating Officer
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
On behalf of John Miller, Secretary and Chief Executive Officer
Policy Initiatives Advisor
Department of Natural Resources
On behalf of Karen Hyun, Secretary
Dean - College of Agriculture, Food & Environmental Science
University of Wisconsin-River Falls
On behalf of Renée Wachter, Interim President
Agriculture Institute Director
UW-Madison Division of Extension
On behalf of Karl Martin, Dean & Director
Senator - Wisconsin 13th Senate District
Chair, Senate Committee on Education
Representative - Wisconsin 1st Assembly District
Chair, Assembly Committee on Education
Senator - Wisconsin 24th Senate District
Chair, Senate Committee on Agriculture and Revenue
Representative - Wisconsin 49th Assembly District
Chair, Assembly Committee on Agriculture
Technical college district director
Universities of Wisconsin Representative
The following members represent different industries and education subject matter experts and are appointed by either the secretary of agriculture, trade, and consumer protection or the superintendent of public instruction. Members serve 3-year terms.
General Manager
Insight FC Cooperative
Representative of agribusiness
Deputy Director
Sauk County Land Resources & Environment
Representative of environmental stewardship interests
Food and Agriculture Area Manager
Oneida Nation
Representative of businesses related to natural resources
President
AB Ag Services, Inc.
Representative of businesses related to plant agriculture
President
McKay Nursery Company
Representative of landscaping, golf course, greenhouse, floral, and related businesses
Owner
Falls Meat Service
Representative of food product and food processing businesses
Commodities Manager
United Wisconsin Grain Producers, LLC
Representative of businesses related to renewable energy
Co-host of Local 5 Live, Host of Midwest Farm
WFRV-TV
Representative of agricultural communication interests
Vice President of Dairy Pool
Organic Valley
Representative of the board of agriculture, trade and consumer protection
Avid Teacher
Eau Claire Area School District
School guidance counselor
School Board Member
Darlington Community School Board
School board member
Superintendent
Sauk Prairie School District
School district administrator
Teacher who teaches classes in science, vocational technology, business, math, or a similar field
DWD Contact Information
201 E. Washington Ave
P.O. Box 7946
Madison, WI 53707
(608) 266-3131
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