MADISON – The leader of the state’s economic development agency is leaving her post ahead of an expected run for governor.
Missy Hughes, who has been the Secretary and CEO of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. since 2019, will step down next week, according to Gov. Tony Evers’ office.
Hughes is expected to join the Democratic primary for governor in the coming weeks.
“Each of our state’s successes serves to inspire more development, more innovation, and more growth. People start seeing something good happening in their communities, and they want to keep it moving forward,” Hughes said in a statement about her departure. “Every day, Wisconsin is solving problems for the world, and we’ve made sure the world has us on its mind. I’m incredibly grateful to have been a part of this work and the Evers Administration.”
Since Hughes’ appointment, she has overseen the renegotiating of a failed multibillion deal with Taiwanese tech giant Foxconn under the Walker administration and has coordinated an effort to help businesses recover from the economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic, among other programs.
Evers noted Hughes worked with companies “to commit to over $8 billion in planned investments and to create or retain over 45,000 jobs.”
Before being appointed by Evers, Hughes worked for 15 years as general counsel for Organic Valley, a billion-dollar dairy cooperative.
Republican lawmakers confirmed Hughes’ appointment twice.
If she launches a campaign for governor, Hughes will join Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley in the Democratic field. State Sen. Kelda Roys and State Rep. Francesca Hong also are expected to join the race.
Evers said he would be seeking to replace Hughes in the coming weeks.
Molly Beck can be reached at molly.beck@jrn.com.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wisconsin jobs agency head Missy Hughes expected to run for governor