Mark R. Hogan
Secretary and CEO

August 26, 2019
The Honorable Tony Evers
Governor
State of Wisconsin
115 East Capitol #1,
Madison, Wisconsin 53703
Dear Governor Evers,
As we have discussed recently, it is my intent to resign my position as Secretary and CEO of the
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) effective September 3, 2019.
Coincidentally, Governor Scott Walker appointed me to this position exactly four years ago on September
3, 2015. The appointment came at a very good time in my life, and I viewed it as an opportunity to give
back to a state that has been incredibly good to my family and me. What I did not realize at the time was
the opportunity to lead the WEDC team would also provide me one of the great privileges of my life. I will
always be grateful to Governor Walker for asking me to take on this role.
As you know, WEDC is comprised of professionals who are committed to, and passionate about, the
work they perform to advance economic development efforts throughout Wisconsin. By implementing
our 30 programs and working with our 600 statewide partners, we have been able to achieve many great
successes over the past four years. These accomplishments are a result of WEDC being able to lead
our state’s economic development efforts while interacting seamlessly with our local and regional
economic development partners, including those from academia and industry, for the good of the people
of Wisconsin.
I appreciate the trust you have shown me over the past eight months to lead WEDC in a way consistent
with my basic belief of trying to do the right thing for the right reason. I also want to acknowledge the
support WEDC and I have received from Maggie Gau and Joel Brennan. In addition, a special thank you
to WEDC’s board chair, Lisa Mauer, for her unwavering support for the WEDC team.
I realize there may have been some who thought my relationship with you could not work, and perhaps
there were some who simply did not want it to work. I have always believed that trying to prove people
wrong is a waste of focus. Rather, I am proud that the many successes we have achieved together
speak for themselves.
Going forward, my commitment to you today is the same as it was in December. I want WEDC to
continue to succeed, and I will offer my assistance to ensure the transition is as seamless as possible. I
believe in the WEDC team, and as I have said to them on many occasions, through their efforts and
those of our statewide partners, the best is yet to come!
Best personal regards,

201 W Washington Avenue, Madison, WI 53703, P.O. Box 1687 • 608-210-6701 • mark.hogan@wedc.org