WAUKESHA, Wis.— A retired county attorney has been nominated to temporarily lead Waukesha County following the death of longtime County Executive Paul Farrow.
County Board Chair and Acting County Executive Jim Heinrich announced Wednesday that he is nominating Thomas Farley to serve as interim county executive.
Farley retired in 2016 after a 31-year career with Waukesha County, including 25 years as corporation counsel, the county’s top attorney. During that time, he advised four county board chairs and three county executives and helped guide the county through multiple leadership transitions.
Heinrich said his priority was finding someone who could provide stability while the county prepares for a special election.
“In selecting the interim County Executive, my primary focus is stability,” said Chairman Jim Heinrich. “I am looking for a leader who brings a steady, experienced hand to our operations, is a dedicated steward of taxpayer dollars, and is committed to ensuring our ongoing initiatives continue to move forward smoothly until the people have their say in the special election.”
Farley said he plans to focus on maintaining county operations until voters elect a permanent successor.
“Waukesha County has been my professional home for over three decades, and I am deeply humbled to return during this challenging period of transition,” said Thomas Farley. “My sole objective is to provide steady administrative leadership, maintain strict fiscal oversight, and ensure our county departments are fully supported. This is a caretaker role focused entirely on execution, stability, and keeping the county’s long term strategic plans firmly on track until a permanent successor is named by the voters.”
Farley’s nomination comes after the death of County Executive Paul Farrow, who died last week following a battle with cancer.
If approved by the County Board, Farley would serve as interim county executive until a countywide special election is held on December 15.
The nomination will first be reviewed by the County Board’s Executive Committee on July 20 before going before the fully County Board for a vote on July 28.
