Secretary Randy Romanski
Randy Romanski began serving in the role of Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) in November 2019. Romanski brings decades of experience in government administration and policy development to the department.
Romanski previously held leadership roles at multiple state agencies. At DATCP, he has worked on issues such as meat and dairy processing, farmland preservation, preparing career pathways for the next generation of Wisconsin agriculturalists, and connecting the dots between farmers and consumers, from buying local to the international marketplace.
Originally from Wisconsin Rapids, Romanski earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls and a master's degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Romanski was appointed by Governor Tony Evers and has been confirmed by the Wisconsin State Senate.
Deputy Secretary Aileen Switzer
Aileen Switzer was appointed Deputy Secretary in 2022 by Secretary Romanski. Switzer joined DATCP following many years of service at the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT).
With more than 25 years in state service, Switzer has gained experience in agency operations, budgets, and improvement programs. In her most recent role as the administrator for the Division of Budget and Strategic Initiatives at WisDOT, Switzer oversaw the management of the department’s biennial budget, department-level strategic initiatives, stakeholder outreach, and federal relationships.
Switzer holds a master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning from UW-Madison and resides in the Madison area with her husband and two children.
Assistant Deputy Secretary Mike Strigel
Mike Strigel began serving as Assistant Deputy Secretary in July 2023. In this role, Strigel supports DATCP’s external affairs and strengthens relationships with stakeholders.
A Wisconsin native, Strigel has experience leading efforts to preserve working lands and the future of farming. His work has taken him through the prairies, savannas, forests, and wetlands of Wisconsin.
Strigel holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in communication from Cornell University and a Master of Science degree in land resources from the University of Wisconsin – Madison.