MADISON, WI — The Wisconsin Association of School District Administrators (WASDA) Board of Directors has selected veteran educational leader Damian LaCroix to serve as its next executive director.
LaCroix brings more than three decades of experience in Wisconsin public education to the statewide organization, which represents and supports school district superintendents. A longtime superintendent, he assumes this new leadership role following a career that spans 33 years in public education, including 19 as superintendent of the Howard-Suamico School District.
LaCroix’s selection follows a comprehensive search process conducted by the WASDA Board of Directors.
“It is a true honor to be selected as the next executive director of WASDA,” LaCroix said. “I am committed to supporting Wisconsin’s superintendents and fostering strong relationships within our educational community. Together, we will advocate for public education, empower leaders, and collaborate to ensure every child in Wisconsin receives a high-quality education. I look forward to advancing our shared mission and building on WASDA’s proud legacy.”
LaCroix is known for his service-first leadership style, strong governance practices, and ability to lead school systems through periods of complexity and change. During his tenure in Howard-Suamico, he led a policy-governed district of approximately 1,000 employees, overseeing long-range strategic planning, multiple successful referenda, complex budgeting, and capital improvement efforts while maintaining a strong focus on transparency and community trust.
In addition to district leadership, LaCroix has extensive experience supporting and developing educational leaders across Wisconsin. He has designed and delivered executive coaching, professional development, and mentoring programs for superintendents and administrative teams, including new and aspiring leaders. His work in communication and outreach has earned national recognition, and he has presented at statewide and national conferences on leadership, governance, and community engagement.
LaCroix has also been involved with WASDA throughout his career, serving in multiple leadership and service roles, including as chairperson of the Large District Caucus, a professional development committee member, a conference presenter, and a WASDA Reads facilitator.
“Damian LaCroix brings an exceptional combination of experience, integrity, and vision to this role,” said WASDA Board of Directors President Patrick Rau. “He understands the realities superintendents face and has dedicated his career to strengthening public education through collaboration, thoughtful governance, and advocacy. The board is confident he will build on WASDA’s strong foundation while supporting our members during a time of significant change and opportunity.”
Throughout his career, LaCroix has worked closely with state policymakers, the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, and education partners to advance superintendent priorities and provide a strong, unified voice for public schools. He has also served in consulting and advisory roles, supporting leadership development, strategic planning, and organizational improvement efforts for school districts and other organizations across the state.
LaCroix holds a specialist certificate in administrative leadership from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, a master’s degree in educational leadership from Marian College, and a bachelor’s degree in history from Lawrence University. In addition to serving as a superintendent, he has also been a school principal, associate principal, teacher, and athletic coach.
LaCroix will succeed Jon Bales, who is retiring as executive director after leading WASDA for the past 13 years.
WASDA, as the premiere collaborative educational leadership association, serves superintendents by providing professional support and expanding their capacity to be effective, innovative leaders. To learn more about WASDA and its work, visit www.wasda.org.
