Dem Gov. Tony Evers has appointed John W. Miller to serve as secretary and CEO of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.
Miller is a former Universities of Wisconsin regent. But Senate Republicans refused to confirm the appointment after Miller vocally opposed a deal the system cut with Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, to freeze diversity, equity and inclusion positions.
Miller formerly served as president and CEO of Miller-St. Nazianz Inc., his family’s agricultural equipment manufacturing business. A decade ago, he founded Arenberg Holdings LLC, a venture capital fund in Milwaukee.
Miller, a major Dem donor, replaces Missy Hughes, who resigned from the post this fall to launch her bid for guv.
Miller has donated more than $600,000 to Dem and liberal campaigns and groups since 2013, according to the database maintained by the state Ethics Commission. That includes $26,500 to Evers’ campaign between 2017 and 2021.
“From investing in our workforce and higher education to bolstering entrepreneurs and budding businesses to leveraging public and private partnerships, John understands what it takes to build the 21st-century economy Wisconsinites need and deserve, and I have no doubt that his leadership will help us continue our work toward a stronger future for our state and communities across Wisconsin,” Evers said.
In a statement on his appointment, Miller noted WEDC has had a “record year” for investments. The state agency contracted for 320 tax incentives, grants and loans in fiscal year 2025, totaling $91.5 million, according to an earlier release.
“I have every intention of using my experience in the business community to continue that success into 2026 and beyond,” Miller said.
See the announcement.
