DWD: Secretary Gassman appoints Andy Feldman as executive assistant

CONTACT: Dick Jones, Agency Liaison, 608-267-4780

On the web: http://dwd.wisconsin.gov/dwd/newsreleases/2009/110509_feldman_ea.pdf

MADISON – Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) Secretary Roberta Gassman today announced the appointment of Andy Feldman as Executive Assistant for the Department.

“I am pleased to announce the appointment of Andy Feldman to the top management team at the Department of Workforce Development,” Secretary Gassman said. “Andy brings valuable experience in employment and training policy, along with exceptional credentials in policy and public management. He will be an important asset as we work during these challenging economic times to implement the Governor’s agenda to grow our economy, create jobs, and help put Wisconsin back to work.”

As Executive Assistant, Feldman will fill one of the Department’s top three leadership roles and be responsible for external relations for the Secretary’s Office, including communications, legislative and congressional relations, as well as interactions with DWD partner agencies and organizations. The appointment is effective November 9, 2009. Feldman most recently served as Senior Policy Advisor to Governor Jim Doyle.

A native of Milwaukee, Feldman earned his B.A. in Economics from Swarthmore College and a Masters and Ph.D. in Public Policy from Harvard University. His doctoral research focused on best practices in employment and training programs. Feldman served as a Staff Economist on President Clinton’s Council of Economic Advisors, taught Strategic Management at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government, and was Special Assistant to the Secretary of Administration and Finance in Massachusetts.

Feldman replaces Executive Assistant Jessica Erickson, who has been appointed Communications Director for Governor Doyle. “Jessica has been a tremendous asset to our DWD leadership team, and we will miss her greatly,” Secretary Gassman said. “Jessica’s talent is truly unique, and it’s not surprising that Governor Doyle has tapped her for such an important role in his office.”

A member of Governor Doyle’s cabinet, Secretary Gassman leads the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development and oversees more than 1,600 employees charged with strengthening the state’s workforce. DWD provides training and employment assistance to job seekers, enforces worker’s rights, administers Unemployment Insurance, Apprenticeship, and Worker’s Compensation, and works with employers to fill jobs.