Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers has selected John W. Miller as the next secretary and chief executive officer of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. (WEDC), effective December 15. Miller succeeds Missy Hughes, who left the agency in September to pursue a gubernatorial campaign. n nA graduate of Marquette Law School, Miller previously worked as a congressional aide representing Wisconsin’s 4th District in Washington, D.C. In 2008, he took leadership of his family’s agricultural machinery manufacturing enterprise. Later, in 2015, he launched a Milwaukee-based venture capital fund focused on supporting startup ventures across the Midwest. n nGovernor Evers praised Miller’s background in both public service and private enterprise, describing him as exceptionally prepared to guide the state’s economic strategy. Evers emphasized that Miller’s understanding of modern economic development aligns with Wisconsin’s goals for long-term growth and community resilience. n n“Miller brings a strong record of achievement and a clear vision for building an economy that serves all residents,” Evers said. “His leadership will be instrumental in advancing our efforts to strengthen Wisconsin’s future.” n nMiller has also contributed to national policy discussions, having served on the Library of Congress Trust Fund Board during the Obama administration and on the U.S. Trade Representative’s Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations under President Biden. He resides in Fox Point with his family. n nIn his remarks, Miller expressed appreciation for the appointment, calling it an honor to lead WEDC at a time of significant momentum. “WEDC achieved record investment levels in 2025, and I intend to leverage my experience in the business sector to sustain this trajectory into 2026 and beyond,” he said. n
— News Original —nGov. Tony Evers appoints new leader for Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.n nGov. Tony Evers has appointed a new leader to the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp., the governor’s office announced Wednesday. n nJohn W. Miller will become the agency’s secretary and CEO beginning Dec. 15. WEDC’s past secretary, Missy Hughes, stepped down in September and announced a bid for governor that month. n nMiller is a Marquette Law School graduate who previously served as a congressional staffer in Washington, D.C. for Wisconsin’s 4th Congressional District. n nHe became the CEO of his family’s agricultural equipment manufacturing business in 2008, and founded a venture capital fund in Milwaukee to invest in Midwest startups in 2015, according to the governor’s office. n nIn a statement, Evers said Miller has a “proven track record” of success in both the public and private sectors and called him “uniquely qualified” to lead the state’s economic development agency. n n“John understands what it takes to build the 21st-century economy Wisconsinites need and deserve, and I have no doubt that his leadership will help us continue our work toward a stronger future for our state and communities across Wisconsin,” the governor stated. n nMiller also served on the Library of Congress Trust Fund Board of Directors during the Obama Administration, and the United States Trade Representative Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations during the Biden administration. n nHe currently lives in Fox Point with his family, the governor’s office said. n nIn a statement, Miller said it’s a privilege to accept WEDC’s top job and he’s honored to be selected by the governor. n n“WEDC celebrated a record year of investments in 2025, and I have every intention of using my experience in the business community to continue that success into 2026 and beyond,” he stated.