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Department of Workforce Development Secretary Roberta Gassman

Secretary Roberta Gassman serves in the cabinet of Governor Jim Doyle, leading the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development and overseeing 2,000-employees charged with strengthening Wisconsin's workforce. With a budget over $2 billion, the department provides training and employment assistance to job seekers; works with employers to fill jobs; enforces worker’s rights; and, administers Unemployment Insurance, Apprenticeship and Workers Compensation. Secretary Gassman carries out Governor Doyle’s agenda for economic growth, investing in children and cost effective government.

Secretary Gassman previously served as President of Gassman Communications & Public Affairs, as a bank vice president and as a top aide to a previous Wisconsin governor, county executive, and mayor.

Gassman serves on the boards of the Wisconsin Technical College System, Forward Wisconsin, and the Wisconsin PK-16 Council. She has served as president of the Madison Equal Opportunities Commission and on the boards of the National Association of State Workforce Agencies, the Downtown Rotary Club of Madison and various arts groups. She is currently a member of Downtown Rotary and TEMPO.

Gassman has been honored with numerous leadership and professional awards, including being named a "Woman of Distinction" by the YWCA. She earned her BA, with distinction, and her MSSW, from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She has two grown daughters and lives with her husband in Madison.