Gary Besaw Joins Wisconsin DATCP Board as Consumer Rep

By Blake Jackson

Governor Tony Evers has appointed Gary Besaw to the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) Board, effective February 24, 2025. Besaw will serve as a Consumer Representative, with his term expiring on May 1, 2029.

Gary Besaw, residing in Keshena, currently directs the Menominee Tribal Department of Agriculture and Food Systems and the Menominee Tribal Food Distribution Program. An enrolled member of the Menominee Nation, Besaw has a substantial history of public service.

Besaw served 15 years in the Menominee Tribal Legislature, including two terms as Tribal Chairman, one as Vice Chairman, and one as Secretary. Besaw currently serves his second term on the Shawano-Menominee Farm Service Agency (FSA) County Committee.

“DATCP has a long tradition of policy engagement from the citizen members of the DATCP Board,” said DATCP Secretary Romanski. “I thank the Governor’s leadership in appointing Mr. Besaw. We look forward to having him join and continuing our positive and collaborative working relationship with the DATCP Board.”

Besaw has also contributed to numerous environmental and policy committees for the Menominee Nation, including 15 years as their representative on the Wisconsin Legislature’s State-Tribal Relations Study Committee.

Besaw prior experience includes serving as Vice President of Student Services at the College of Menominee Nation, focusing on Native American education.

Besaw holds a Bachelor of Science in Art Education from the University of Wisconsin-Stout and a Master of Science degree in education administration from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Besaw is scheduled to attend his first board meeting on March 6, 2025.

Photo Credit: wisconsin-doa