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Governor Doyle Names Governor Jim Doyle today announced Scott Hassett, Secretary of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), has decided to leave his post to write, travel, and consult on environmental and regulatory issues. The Governor named Matt Frank as Secretary of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Rick Raemisch as Secretary of the Department of Corrections (DOC) effective September 1, 2007. Governor Doyle issued the following statement: “In his time at the DNR, Secretary Hassett showed the entire state and region that protecting the environment and growing the economy can and must go hand in hand. Under his leadership, Wisconsin embarked on the most aggressive regulatory reform package in the Midwest. “Matt Frank has a great love for this state and a passion for protecting its precious natural resources. His life long commitment to public service and his strong environmental enforcement experience will ensure that Wisconsin’s natural resources are protected for future generations. “For more than four years, Rick Raemisch has helped lead the Department of Corrections, identifying smart, cost-effective approaches to hold down prison growth and improve public safety. I am pleased to name both of them to these new posts.” Scott Hassett has served as DNR Secretary since January 2003. During his tenure, the DNR increased Stewardship land by nearly 180,000 acres, implemented the Green Tier program, a nationally recognized approach to encourage sustainable business growth, and implemented an innovative package of regulatory reform measures aimed at improving Wisconsin’s business climate. He maintained nationally-renowned outdoor recreational programs in the face of challenges like Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS) and Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). “Over the past four years, we proved that Wisconsin can have a clean environment and a healthy business climate,” Hassett said. “I thank Governor Doyle for his leadership and for the opportunity to serve the people of the state.” A Wisconsin native, Matt Frank brings environmental enforcement experience and a lifelong love of the outdoors to the DNR. Frank has been the Secretary of the Department of Corrections, the largest state cabinet agency, since 2003. Frank was as an assistant attorney general for the Wisconsin Department of Justice for 22 years. While serving as administrator of the Division of Legal Services under then Attorney General Doyle for six years, Frank oversaw the state’s environmental protection defense and enforcement actions in state and federal courts. An avid outdoorsman, Frank has supported a range of environmental causes over the years and enjoys camping, hiking, biking, fishing, canoeing, kayaking and recreational boating with family and friends. “Growing up in a small, rural Wisconsin town, my parents taught me to value the beauty and richness of our state’s environment. I have always believed we must protect Wisconsin’s environment for future generations,” Frank said. “I am honored to lead the DNR, build on the accomplishments of my predecessor Secretary Hassett, and help Governor Doyle write the next chapter of Wisconsin’s proud environmental tradition.” Rick Raemisch has served as DOC Deputy Secretary since 2004, having previously served as administrator of community corrections for DOC since 2003. As a four-time elected Sheriff, a former assistant district attorney for Dane County, and a former assistant U.S. Attorney, Raemisch brings more than 25 years of criminal justice experience to the Secretary post. “Governor Doyle understands that keeping our families and neighborhoods safe should always be our top priority,” Raemisch said. “It has been an honor to serve in this Administration, and I look forward to continuing our work promoting both efficiency and public safety.” - 30 -
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