Secretary Randy Romanski
Randy Romanski was announced secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection by Governor Tony Evers in June 2020 and was confirmed by the Senate on September 28, 2021. Prior to this appointment, Romanski served as DATCP deputy secretary since January 2019 and interim secretary since November 2019. He brings decades of experience in government administration and policy development to the department.
Romanski has held leadership roles at multiple state agencies. He previously served as DATCP's deputy secretary and secretary under Governor Jim Doyle, working on issues such as farmland preservation, local foods, Farm to School, and renewable energy. Romanski has also served as the assistant deputy secretary for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and Wisconsin Department of Transportation.
From 2011 to 2019, Romanski served as the head of safety programs in DOT's Division of State Patrol. Earlier in his career he held staff positions in the state legislature, both in the Senate and Assembly, and served as the deputy chief of staff in the Governor's office. He has also served as a policy analyst for the Wisconsin Department of Justice.
Originally from Wisconsin Rapids, Romanski earned his bachelor's degree in Political Science from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls and his master's degree in Public Policy and Administration from the Robert M. La Follette School of Public Affairs at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Romanski resides in Monona, Wisconsin.
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.