MILWAUKEE — Governor-elect David Crowley has announced Jeff Pertl will serve as his chief of staff
Pertl most recently served on current Governor Tony Evers’ cabinet, as the former secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families.
“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.
Today, Crowley appointed many other Co-Chairs to his transition team, including:
- Thad Nation, founder and senior partner of Nation Consulting, will serve as the transition team’s director.
- 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, the co-founder and CEO of The Hmong Institute in Madison, where he leads community development, education, and cultural enrichment initiatives.
- Nick Bauer, a Milwaukee-area investment professional and business executive with more than two decades of experience in investment management and financial services.
- Kathleen Rulka, 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, 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.
- Mary Arnold, who served as Mayor of Columbus, Wisconsin.
- Maria Luisa Morales, a longtime community and immigrant rights advocate who has worked to advance equity 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,” says Crowley.
