Contact: GovPress@wisconsin.gov or 608-219-7443

HAYWARD, WI — Gov. Tony Evers today announced his appointment of Missy Hughes to serve as secretary and CEO of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation.

Ms. Hughes has served as Chief Mission Officer and General Counsel for Organic Valley/CROPP cooperative since 2003. She has also served as a member of the Organic Trade Association since 2013, including terms as both president and vice president by election of fellow Board members. She has previously served on the USDA’s Advisory Committee on Biotechnology & 21st Century Agriculture.

Ms. Hughes will begin on October 1, 2019, becoming the final member of Gov. Evers’ cabinet team. Republicans in the legislature changed state law during the lame-duck session following Gov. Evers’ election to prevent him from immediately appointing this position.

“I’ve said all along that a 72-county approach to economic development is critical to creating middle-class jobs and growing the economy. With her background helping small businesses and family farms, coupled with her experience navigating complex governmental, regulatory, trade, and business matters, Missy Hughes will be an incredible asset to our team as we work to grow an economy that works for everyone,” said Gov. Evers. “I look forward to working with Ms. Hughes as we connect the dots on economic development in a way that encourages entrepreneurship and innovation while supporting our farm economy, our manufacturers, and the Main Street businesses, start-ups, and large-scale companies that help our communities grow.”

“Having worked in a high growth business for many years, with the goal of helping farmers stay on their farms now and for the coming generations, I am excited to bring my experience to the Evers Administration, and I look forward to helping all of Wisconsin thrive,” said Missy Hughes.

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