Home > Biography: DWD JoAnna Richard

Department of Workforce Development Deputy Secretary JoAnna Richard

As Deputy Secretary, JoAnna Richard is responsible for internal day-to-day operations of the department overseeing 1900 employees and budget of nearly $2 billion. Her responsibilities include oversight of the department's seven divisions: Vocational Rehabilitation, Unemployment Insurance, Workers Compensation, Employment and Training, Family Supports, Equal Rights and Administrative Services.

JoAnna Richard came to DWD from the Office of Attorney General Jim Doyle where she served as legislative liaison since 1999. In her role there, she was the policy and budget analyst and advisor to the Attorney General on matters pending before the state legislature. She also has experience in public policy work for the State Assembly, Senate and the private sector. She is a former member of the Dane County Board of Supervisors and earned a Bachelor of Arts in History and Bachelor of Science in Political Science from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, where she graduated with honors.