Gov. Scott Walker’s weekly e-update includes a segment called “Get to Know a Cabinet Member” that highlights a cabinet secretary and provides a brief overview of the department he or she oversees. The Governor’s goal in presenting this information is to provide the public with practical information about state government operations, especially as we head into the next budget cycle.
Reed Hall – Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC)
Reed Hall brings a fresh perspective and strong leadership to the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation. He will be guided by years of experience and a record of effective management in the private sector.
Reed served as Interim Secretary/CEO of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation since November 2012. Prior to that, Reed was Executive Director of Marshfield Clinic, Marshfield, Wisconsin, from January 2000 to July 2010; additionally, from June 1976 until January 2000, he served as General Counsel to Marshfield Clinic. During the years Reed was at Marshfield Clinic, the clinic added 53 regional clinics and grew from 145 to 800 physicians, with a total staff of 7,500.
He is a member of the Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC) Board of Directors, WMC Executive Committee; Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts and Letters Board of Directors; WisconsinEye Board of Directors; Employee Benefits Corporation Board of Directors; and 7th Congressional District Health Care Advisory Council. Reed has served on numerous boards and councils including the Board of Directors of the Wisconsin Alumni Association, where he served as national chair in 2008-09; Auto Club Group Public & Government Affairs Committee; Board of Directors of Forward Wisconsin; and the Wisconsin Idea Board of Visitors.
WEDC has 100 employees and an annual budget of about $87 million. Its mission is to elevate the Wisconsin economy to be the best in the world by providing a positive business climate, world-class support services, and economic development tools to accelerate business start-up, attraction, and growth. WEDC staff is organized into six categories:
- Economic and Community Development
- Entrepreneurship and Innovation
- Business and Industry Development
- International Business Development
- Marketing and Public Affairs
- Finance and Administration
Reed’s experience at the Marshfield Clinic, in numerous civic organizations, and involvement in creating private sector jobs in Wisconsin makes him a perfect fit for this position.
Reed is married to his wife, Ellie, and together they have three children and four grandchildren.