Department of Workforce Development

For Immediate Release -- Dec. 10, 1996
Contact: Kevin W. Keane (608) 266-8110

GOVERNOR APPOINTS STEWART AS SECRETARY OF DWD

MADISON -- Gov. Tommy G. Thompson today named Linda Stewart as secretary of the Department of Workforce Development, the broad agency that oversees all work-related activities in the state including the new W-2 program.

Ms. Stewart, 48, is currently the assistant state director overseeing the Division of Program and Economic Development with the Wisconsin Technical College System. She will begin her new duties Jan. 6.

“Linda brings to this important state agency a diverse management background in education, job development and private business, which will serve the people of Wisconsin well,” Gov. Thompson said. “I am also impressed by her longstanding commitment to serving her community, especially the youth. Linda’s dedication and depth of experience give me every confidence that she will lead this new agency to great success in serving the public.”

Ms. Stewart will earn $88,000 a year and her appointment is subject to Senate confirmation. She replaces Richard Wegner, who served as acting secretary after Carol Skornicka resigned earlier this year to take an executive position with Midwest Express.

Ms. Stewart joined the Wisconsin Technical College System as an executive assistant in 1990 and was promoted to assistant director just a year later. Prior to joining WTCS, Ms. Stewart was manager of the Compact for Educational Opportunity; assistant vice president for corporate banking at First Bank Milwaukee and management trainee to the assistant vice president for retail banking at First Wisconsin National Bank. She also held positions with the University of Michigan and the State of Wisconsin.

A graduate of Rockford College, Ms. Stewart went on to earn a master’s degree in adult and continuing education and a doctorate degree in educational administration and supervision at the University of Michigan.

Ms. Stewart, who resides in Milwaukee, serves on the Governor’s Education Block Grant Advisory Committee (chairwoman), State Apprenticeship Advisory Committee, State Youth Apprenticeship Advisory Committee, North Milwaukee State Bank Board of Directors, University of Wisconsin System Design for Diversity Committee and YWCA of Greater Milwaukee Public Policy Committee.