August 19, 2024

By Lane Kimble

MADISON, Wis. — After serving as a consistent and level-headed leader through nearly six years of progress, change, and challenges, WisDOT Secretary Craig Thompson is, himself, leaving the department.

Thompson is taking the job of Vice Chancellor of University Relations at UW, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel first reported.  He was one of Gov. Tony Evers’ first cabinet appointments upon taking office in 2019.

“Craig has done a tremendous job at the helm of the Department of Transportation, and I could not be prouder of all the work we’ve been able to do together,” Evers said in a press release.

During Thompson’s tenure, WisDOT and industry partners repaired more than 7,400 miles of state roads and nearly 1,800 bridges, the governor’s office said. Thompson and his staff regularly met with WTBA staff and its Board of Directors.

Deputy Secretary Kristina Boardman will replace Thompson, becoming WisDOT’s first-ever female secretary.

She joined the department in 2005, eventually serving as the DMV administrator before becoming one of Thompson’s deputies.  Boardman has a degree in political science from Augustana College and she worked as a Wisconsin Assembly legislative aide prior to joining WisDOT.

“WTBA is grateful to Secretary Thompson for his service and outstanding leadership at WisDOT,” WTBA Executive Director Steve Baas said.  “We look forward to building on his legacy of partnership with Secretary Designee Boardman.”

Thompson’s last day with WisDOT is Sept. 11.