Secretary-designee Brad Pfaff
Brad Pfaff was selected as the secretary-designee of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) by Governor Tony Evers. Pfaff has spent most of his career working on behalf of Wisconsin farmers and rural residents at the local, state and federal level.
Pfaff grew up on his family’s dairy farm in La Crosse County. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay and his master’s degree from George Mason University.
Prior to his appointment, Pfaff was the deputy chief of staff to U.S. Representative Ron Kind. He has also served as the executive director of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency, overseeing the implementation of federal crop assistance programs, the Conservation Reserve Program, and federal farm loan programs.
Previously, Pfaff was a staff member for U.S. Senator Herb Kohl and served on the La Crosse County Board. Pfaff and his family live in Onalaska.
Deputy Secretary Randy Romanski
Randy Romanski was announced deputy secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection by Secretary Brad Pfaff in January 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 executive assistant for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and Wisconsin Department of Transportation.
Since 2011, Romanski has been serving as the safety program chief 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. 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.
Assistant Deputy Secretary Angela James
Secretary Pfaff named Angela James Assistant Deputy Secretary in January 2019. Before joining the department, James was an attorney in private practice. Her experience includes work with water quality matters including National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting, Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) engagement, and nutrient trading.
Prior to entering solo legal practice, James was an attorney with a large Midwestern-based law firm, served with the Wisconsin paper industry, and was responsible for environmental compliance as the in-house counsel at an integrated gas and electric utility. Through these positions, James also gained significant hands-on experience in air, water, waste, and OSHA regulations.
She currently serves as a commissioner and secretary of the Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District. James has bachelor's, master's, and law degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.