MADISON, Wis. – Today, Governor-elect David Crowley announced that Jeff Pertl, the former secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF), will serve as Chief of Staff in his incoming administration. 

Pertl has served the state of Wisconsin with integrity for decades. Prior to his role at DCF, Pertl was the senior policy advisor for the Office of the State Superintendent at the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI). Pertl also served as a Dane County Supervisor and received his undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin (UW)-Madison and his Master of Public Policy from the University of California, Berkeley. He lives in Madison with his wife and children. 

“Jeff Pertl brings an incredible depth of experience, a strong understanding of state government, and a deep commitment to serving Wisconsin families,” said Governor-elect Crowley. “Throughout his career, he has demonstrated the leadership, thoughtfulness, and collaborative approach needed to tackle our state’s biggest challenges and deliver results for the people of Wisconsin. I’m confident Jeff will be an invaluable partner as we build an administration focused on bringing people together, making life more affordable for working families, and moving Wisconsin forward.”

Governor-elect Crowley also announced that Thad Nation, a long-time professional specializing in state and local government and political advocacy, will serve as the director of his Transition Committee. Thad Nation is the founder and senior partner of Nation Consulting, where he serves as a senior advisor to CEOs and executive teams. Before founding Nation Consulting, Thad built a career in government and politics, including work for three governors, executive-level roles across multiple state agencies, and experience with state and national political parties. He lives in Mequon with his wife.

Additionally, the Governor-elect announced the following Wisconsinites will serve as Co-Chairs on his Transition Committee:

  • Shirley Ellis spent nearly three decades working with Congresswoman Gwen Moore, serving as a trusted senior adviser and District Director. In that role, she oversaw district office operations, constituent engagement, and outreach to community organizations and stakeholders throughout Milwaukee and Wisconsin’s Fourth Congressional District.
  • Greg Wesley is President and CEO of the Greater Milwaukee Foundation, where he leads philanthropic efforts and community partnerships aimed at strengthening the Milwaukee region. Prior to joining the Foundation, he served as Senior Vice President for Strategic Alliances and Business Development at the Medical College of Wisconsin.
  • Alex Lasry is a business executive with experience in professional sports, economic development, and public policy. He previously served as Senior Vice President of the Milwaukee Bucks, where he helped lead the organization’s business development, rebranding, and new arena development efforts.
  • Marcus Lewis is a Wisconsin educator and higher education professional. A member of the Ho-ChunkNation, he has more than a decade of experience in diversity and equity work and has served as a faculty member at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.
  • Peng Her is the co-founder and CEO of The Hmong Institute in Madison, where he leads community development, education, and cultural enrichment initiatives. 
  • Nick Bauer is a Milwaukee-area investment professional and business executive with more than two decades of experience in investment management and financial services. 
  • Kathleen Rulka is a retired Marriage and Family Therapist and clinical chaplain in Marshfield whose professional career focused on palliative care, hospice services, and end-of-life counseling.
  • Alec Knutson serves as Chief Advocacy Officer for Ascension Wisconsin, where his work involves healthcare advocacy and public policy. 
  • Dan Terrio serves as Area Extension Director for UW-Madison Division of Extension in Milwaukee and Waukesha Counties. A member of the Oneida Nation, Terrio also serves on various boards, including the Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project.
  • Awais Khaleel serves as Assistant Corporation Counsel for Dane County, where he provides legal counsel and representation for county government and its departments.
  • Mary Arnold served as Mayor of Columbus, Wisconsin, providing leadership to the city’s municipal government and representing the community in local government affairs. 
  • Maria Luisa Morales is a longtime community and immigrant rights advocate who has worked to advance equity and improve conditions for Latinx communities in Racine and throughout Wisconsin. 


“I am focused on assembling a strong transition team and preparing my administration to deliver for the people of Wisconsin from day one,” said Governor-elect Crowley. “As we onboard our transition team and prepare to lead the Badger State, I look forward to working with legislative leadership to advance our shared priorities that deliver results for all Wisconsinites.”


Governor-elect Crowley is building an administration rooted in community, collaboration, and opportunity for all. From neighborhoods across Wisconsin to the halls of the State Capitol, his transition is focused on listening to residents, bringing people together, and laying the foundation for a stronger, more prosperous Wisconsin. The transition team will focus on identifying talented leaders, engaging communities across the state, and preparing an administration ready to tackle the challenges and opportunities facing Wisconsin.


Wisconsinites are encouraged to visit crowley.wi.gov to follow the latest transition updates, learn more about the incoming administration, and explore opportunities to serve the people of Wisconsin.