Dept. of Children and Families: Ron Hunt appointed DCF deputy secretary

Contact: Erika Monroe-Kane, 608-266-9000

Henry Wilde Returning to Private Sector

Today, Department of Children and Families Secretary Reggie Bicha announced that Ron Hunt has been appointed Deputy Secretary, effective September 6. Hunt will be assuming the responsibilities of Deputy Secretary upon the departure of current Deputy Secretary Henry Wilde. Among Hunt’s new responsibilities will be co-chairing the Milwaukee Child Care Anti-Fraud Task Force.

“Ron has tackled and solved innumerable challenges related to starting up and staffing DCF. His extensive experience combined with our Department’s innovative spirit will continue our progress to better protect children, strengthen families, and build Wisconsin communities,” stated Secretary Reggie Bicha.

Ron Hunt has 34 years in public service, including his most recent role as DCF Division Administrator for the Division of Enterprise Solutions, which includes Human Resources, Information Technology, and Finance. Hunt has extensive experience on workforce related programs within Wisconsin state government that provide support to job seekers, workers, and employers. Hunt provided leadership on the development of Wisconsin’s job center system, and provided oversight on employment and training programs in the state.

Henry Wilde is leaving his role at DCF to return to the private sector. Wilde was an instrumental member of the DCF leadership team. He managed the transition team that created DCF; oversaw the Division of Early Care and Education over the past year; and led Department efforts to reform child care in Wisconsin, including improving safety, reducing fraud and increasing quality. In this period, the Department’s anti-fraud work saved $100 million in taxpayer funds and also saw the creation of YoungStar, a child care rating and improvement system.

“It has been an honor and privilege to work with Henry. With his entrepreneurialism, strategic abilities and dedication, we have made major reforms that will improve life for generations of Wisconsin’s children and families,” stated Secretary Reggie Bicha. “He helped DCF establish a strong foundation from which our state will continue to find ways to better serve families.”