Michelle Knuese will lead the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI)’s Division of Corporate and Consumer Services as the division’s administrator, DFI Secretary-designee Cheryll Olson-Collins announced on Monday.
Knuese will lead a staff of 19 employees and oversee the state’s central business registration filing system, which processes documents that effect business formations, mergers, consolidations, and dissolutions, according to a press release from DFI. The division also files and maintains documents under the uniform commercial code, notary, apostille, trademark, and tradename programs, as well as the registrations, renewals, and financial reporting of charitable organizations, fundraising counsels, and professional fundraisers.
“Michelle is a great addition to the DFI leadership team with her extensive leadership experience in state government and her commitment to serving the people of Wisconsin,” said DFI Secretary-designee Olson-Collins said in a statement. “Michelle is known for her ability to motivate staff and create inclusive environments. I’m confident she will do a great job leading the DFI’s Division of Corporate and Consumer Services.”
Knuese held several leadership positions in the areas of budget, finance, and program management in service to government entities in both Wisconsin and Arizona. Most recently, she managed multiple budgets for the Waukesha County Department of Administration.
Knuese’s appointment fills the vacancy left by DFI Deputy Secretary Patti Epstein, who held the position until being appointed deputy secretary in January 2022.
