WEDC Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes steps down, Gov. Tony Evers announces

MADISON, Wis. (CIVIC MEDIA) – Gov. Tony Evers announced Friday that Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes will resign after six years with the administration.

Hughes was appointed to Evers’ administration in September 2019. In that time, the WEDC has collaborated with companies to commit over $8 billion in planned investments, and the partnership has resulted in the creation or retainment of over 45,000 Wisconsin jobs. Hughes has guided the WEDC in developing and growing relationships with global industry leaders, such as Microsoft, Eli Lilly and Company, and Kikkoman, all of which announced operation investments in the state, generating thousands of jobs.

“I want to thank Gov. Evers for his vision and support for our efforts to build an economy for all, where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Gov. Evers made it clear to me from Day One that he wanted an economy where every Wisconsinite has the opportunity to prosper and succeed, and that he was counting on everyone in his cabinet to make that happen,” said Hughes in a statement. “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. Opportunities to be in the national news for positive accomplishments show companies and talent that Wisconsin competes on the global stage. 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.”

Evers and the WEDC saw record investments in state businesses and communities during the 2025 fiscal year.

“My administration’s focus from the get-go has been building an economy that works for everyone, investing in Wisconsin’s homegrown talent and Main Streets, and supporting and expanding some of our state’s most iconic brands and companies while attracting new industries and opportunities here to Wisconsin. That’s exactly what we’ve done, and Missy’s played an important role in this work,” Evers stated.

“Over the past six years, we’ve harnessed the ingenuity and innovation of entrepreneurs, small businesses, and local economies, created good-paying, family supporting jobs in critically important sectors, and we’ve worked to put Wisconsin on the map as a tough competitor for workers, new ideas, and emerging industries and markets. I’ve so appreciated Missy’s leadership at WEDC and am thankful for her years of dedicated service, and Kathy and I wish her and her family well.”

Under Hughes’ leadership, the WEDC helped support nearly 9,500 businesses expand or move into empty storefronts across Wisconsin through the administration’s Main Street Bounceback Grant Program and secured $49 million to grow the state’s personalized medicine and biohealth sector. Additionally, Hughes orchestrated several high-profile international trade missions, including in Germany and France.

Hughes’ resignation is effective on Sept. 19. Her replacement is expected to be announced soon.