WISCONSINREPORT.COM (05/03/2010) - Now that former Wisconsin Secretary of Commerce Dick Leinenkugel has moved on to become a Republican candidate for Wisconsin U.S. Senator, the Governor has promoted former Deputy Secretary Aaron Olver to the position. When Leinenkugel resigned the Secretary job with short notice to jump into the political campaign ring, Governor Jim Doyle turned to Olver, because of his experience within the department. Olver also had business background before becoming part of the Doyle Administration.

Governor Jim Doyle has appointed Aaron Olver Secretary of Commerce. As Secretary, Olver is the state's chief economic development practitioner, responsible for both policy formulation and economic development strategy and implementation.

"Aaron Olver has been a key leader at the Department of Commerce for seven years, and is a close partner with Wisconsin's business leaders in creating jobs, attracting new companies and helping existing companies expand," Governor Doyle said.

"Nothing is more important than helping our businesses create jobs, and Aaron's talent and experience will be a strong asset as we continue our efforts to grow Wisconsin's economy," Governor Doyle continued.

Commerce has approximately 400 employees. It provides development assistance in areas such as marketing, business and community finance, exporting, small business advocacy, and manufacturing assessments.

The agency also issues professional credentials for the construction trades and administers safety and building codes. It also regulates petroleum products and tank systems and administers the Petroleum Environmental Clean-up Fund.

Prior to his appointment as Secretary, Olver most recently served as Deputy Secretary of Commerce where he was responsible for the management of internal operations.

In Governor Doyle's first term, Olver was appointed the Executive Assistant for the Department of Commerce and was responsible for policy and external relations. He also served on each of Governor Doyle's transition teams.

"Governor Doyle has been focused on creating jobs and growing Wisconsin's economy since day one," new Wisconsin Secretary of Commerce Olver said.

"I'm incredibly proud to be on his economic team, and I look forward to this opportunity to lead the Department of Commerce and continue our work to help businesses expand and bring new companies and good-paying jobs to Wisconsin," said Secretary Olver.

Prior to joining the Doyle administration, Olver was management consultant with McKinsey and Company in Chicago, IL where his practice focused on business development and growth strategy. Olver speaks regularly on economic development, manufacturing, technology, entrepreneurship, and management in the public sector.

Olver earned an undergraduate degree in Economics from the University of Wisconsin - Madison and a graduate degree in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics from Oxford University, Oxford, UK, where he was a Rhodes Scholar.

Governor Doyle also announced the appointment of Zach Brandon, current Commerce Executive Assistant, as the department's new Deputy Secretary.