State Natural Resources Secretary Preston Cole will be retiring from the Evers Administration next week after a 35-year career in public service.
During his tenure at the DNR, Cole led the agency to deliver on the governor's commitment to ensure clean water for all, developing strategies for climate resilience, rural prosperity, outdoor recreation, and public health and safety.
Under his leadership between 2019-2021, the Wisconsin DNR made significant grant and loan awards to Wisconsin farmers, local municipalities, and stakeholders to promote clean water initiatives including more than $587 million in Clean Water Fund loans for municipal wastewater treatment projects and more than $148 million in Safe Drinking Water loans, with many funded projects occurring in historically underserved communities.
Prior to his time as secretary, Cole spent 11 years serving on the Natural Resources Board after appointments in 2007 by Gov. Jim Doyle and 2013 by Gov. Scott Walker. Additionally, he served as the Natural Resources Board chair from 2013-14.
Categories: Wisconsin, Government & Policy