Nilsestuen Appoints Jim Arts New DATCP Deputy Secretary
News Date April 19, 2007
Wisconsin Secretary Agriculture Rod Nilsestuen has announced the appointment of Jim Arts as deputy secretary of the department. The position was recently vacated when Governor Jim Doyle appointed Judy Ziewacz to serve as the first director of the newly created Office of Energy Independence.
"Jim brings a wealth of experience, exceptional accomplishments and a deep and abiding commitment to the people of rural Wisconsin," said Nilsestuen. "He has worked extensively at both state and local levels; knows how to run programs effectively and always commands the respect of those with whom he works. His integrity is beyond question and his capacity for work and good judgment are well known. But equally important, Jim really listens to people. Maybe that's why he is such an exceptional problem-solver.
"His knowledge of Wisconsin agriculture and rural people, understanding of legislative and administrative process, together with his experience in cooperatives, rural development, conservation and local government make him an ideal fit for DATCP's diverse programs and statewide constituencies."
Arts was reared on a third-generation family dairy farm near Lady Smith in Rusk County. He is an Air Force veteran and graduate of the University of Wisconsin-River Falls and UW-Madison Law School. He and his wife, Helene Nelson, now reside in Madison.
Arts' predecessor, Judy Ziewacz, served as deputy secretary of DATCP for four years. "As everyone who has worked with Judy Ziewacz knows, she has been absolutely instrumental in helping fashion and implement the strong, pro-active agricultural and rural agenda of the Doyle Administration," said Nilsestuen.
"Judy was also DATCP's point person for conceptualizing and recommending bio industry programs and policies to the Governor. So although everyone at DATCP was sorry to see Judy leave, it was not at all surprising that Governor Doyle selected her to direct his new Office of Energy Independence," said Nilsestuen. (Contact: Robin Engel, 608/224-5002)