MADISON – Department of Workforce Development Secretary-designee Amy Pechacek has appointed Jeremy Simon as assistant deputy secretary and Arielle Exner as legislative liaison for DWD, strengthening the department’s leadership on legislative and policy matters.
“As we work to efficiently deliver effective and inclusive services to meet Wisconsin’s diverse workforce needs, we are excited to welcome Jeremy and Arielle to our team,” Pechacek said. “While our economy has posted record-breaking results over the past year, our efforts to connect employers with job seekers, remove barriers to employment, and build in-demand workforce skills has never been more important. Jeremy and Arielle will help advance this work through oversight of our outreach, policy, and legislative relations.”
Simon joins DWD from the United Way of Greater Milwaukee and Waukesha County, where he served as director of government relations and advocacy. A proven leader with demonstrated success in program management, government affairs, revenue generation, and operational leadership, he previously served as grant and contracts specialist with UW-Milwaukee’s School of Information Studies.
He holds bachelor’s degrees in international relations and history from St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota, and an MBA from UW-Milwaukee.
“Workforce development is key to a thriving Wisconsin economy and it’s a pleasure to join the department,” Simon said. “When we help job seekers connect with new and better jobs, we strengthen families and communities. And when we engage our partners and stakeholders in this work, we extend the benefits and increase the opportunities for shared success. “
Exner joins DWD following her work as the southeastern regional political director for the Tony for Wisconsin campaign. While completing her master’s degree in public policy at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government, she consulted on a violence prevention project with the St. Louis Mayor’s Office and conducted research on structural barriers to serving in state legislatures. Exner was an American Indian Economic Development Fellow at the Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation and brings that experience to her role serving as DWD’s tribal liaison. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology with minors in French and journalism from Boston University.
“I look forward to working with members of the Wisconsin State Legislature, sovereign tribal governments and constituents from throughout Wisconsin in advancing the mission of DWD,” Exner said.
Simon can be reached through Jeremy.Simon@dwd.wisconsin.gov, while Exner can be reached through Arielle.Exner@dwd.wisconsin.gov.
