Gov. Scott Walker announced yesterday that Ray Allen, former secretary of the state Department of Financial Institutions, was named secretary of the Department of Workforce Development, succeeding Reggie Newson.
Walker also announced that Lon Roberts, who retired in December as a partner and shareholder at Ruder Ware law firm in Wausau, is now secretary of the Department of Financial Institutions.
“Our congratulations to Reggie Newson for his outstanding leadership and commitment to supporting and strengthening Wisconsin’s workforce,” Governor Walker said in a statement. “We are grateful for Reggie’s dedication to the great state of Wisconsin and sincerely wish him the best in his future endeavors. Ray and Lon are both exceptional leaders, and we welcome them to their new roles and thank them for their service to the people of Wisconsin.”
Ray Allen served at DFI for over 18 years, including four as Deputy Secretary and most recently as Secretary. Allen has extensive experience in state government, also serving as an appointee in the Department of Industry, Labor and Human Relations, Executive Assistant to the Secretary of the Department of Employment Relations, Director of the State Office of Employee Development and Training, and as Executive Director of the Technology for Education Achievement Board. Allen has been active in the Madison area community, serving on many community boards and commissions, and was elected to three terms on the Madison School Board. The Milwaukee native received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and his Master of Science degree in Management from Cardinal Stritch University.
