Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation: Secretary/CEO Reed Hall announces retirement

August 25, 2015

For Immediate Release

Contact: Steven Michels, 608-210-6706

steven.michels@wedc.org

MADISON – Today, WEDC announced that Secretary/CEO Reed Hall has submitted his letter of retirement.



Below is a statement from Reed Hall:



It has been an honor to serve as Secretary/CEO of WEDC since October 2012. My appointment was intended to last for an interim period of three months. Three years later it is time for me to return to my previous retired status.



As I look back at my tenure at WEDC, I want to thank the Governor for this opportunity to serve the State of Wisconsin, the WEDC Board of Directors, the other Cabinet Secretaries with whom we have worked, our economic development partners across the State, and especially our very talented and hardworking staff. Together we have increased transparency and accountability of WEDC’s operations. We have put in place checks and balances, enhanced financial tracking, and expanded the information that we provide to the WEDC Board, the Wisconsin Legislature, and the public.



WEDC’s programs have helped the Wisconsin economy to grow. Our State’s unemployment rate has fallen to 4.6% from a high of 9.2% in January 2010 and Chief Executive Magazine recently ranked Wisconsin the “12th Best State for Business” in its annual survey of CEO’s – a big increase over 2010 when the State ranked 41st. It has been a pleasure to be part of the transformation of WEDC and to help Wisconsin move forward.



Hall’s last official day will be September 25, 2015; however he will follow-through on his existing commitments, including commitments related to the September Japan trade mission with the Lieutenant Governor. In view of the announced retirement date, Hall indicated that he would reimburse WEDC for his expenses associated with the Japan conference.



Below is a statement from WEDC Board Chairman, Dan Ariens:



I would like to thank Reed for his service-he has done a tremendous job during a very challenging time for WEDC. Throughout multiple audits, budgets, and successes, Reed’s steady leadership has been instrumental as the agency has fostered relationships with job creators in all regions of the State. Wisconsin’s economy is stronger because of Reed Hall.



Moving forward the WEDC board stands ready to help administer job creating programs as the search for a new CEO is conducted. Under the board’s leadership, WEDC will continue to provide guidance, capital, and the resources necessary to help businesses create jobs.