Gov. Tony Evers has tapped John W. Miller as the next secretary and CEO of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp., the governor’s office announced Wednesday. Miller will step into the role on Dec. 15, succeeding Missy Hughes, who resigned in September to launch a campaign for governor.
Miller brings a blend of public-sector experience and private-sector leadership. A Marquette Law School graduate, he previously served as a congressional staffer for Wisconsin’s 4th Congressional District in Washington, D.C., before returning to the state to lead his family’s agricultural equipment manufacturing company in 2008. In 2015, he founded a Milwaukee-based venture capital fund aimed at investing in emerging Midwest startups, as reported by WPR.
Evers praised Miller’s background, saying he has a “proven track record” across industries and is “uniquely qualified” to steer Wisconsin’s economic growth. “John understands what it takes to build the 21st-century economy Wisconsinites need and deserve,” Evers said, adding that he expects Miller’s leadership to support “a stronger future for our state and communities across Wisconsin.”
Miller has also held national appointments, serving on the Library of Congress Trust Fund Board of Directors during the Obama administration and on the United States Trade Representative Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations under the Biden administration. He currently resides in Fox Point with his family. (RELATED: Wisconsin Lawmakers Push for Gas-Tax Transparency and New IVF Tax Credit)
Calling the appointment an honor, Miller said he plans to build on the agency’s momentum. “WEDC celebrated a record year of investments in 2025, and I have every intention of using my experience in the business community to continue that success into 2026 and beyond,” he stated. (RELATED: WEDC Scandal Resurfaces Amid Wisconsin Gubernatorial Race)
