UW-Madison names new legislative liaison

A Wisconsin legislative staff veteran who for seven years has served on the staffs of three Wisconsin State Assembly members will become the new assistant director of state relations at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

Casey Nagy, executive assistant to Chancellor John D. Wiley and director of state relations, announced Monday (March 15) that Donald Nelson will join UW–Madison effective April 15.

“Don’s career at the state Capitol has given him great insights into the inner-workings of state government and the UW System,” Nagy says. “His existing relationships with decision-makers at the Capitol will be extremely helpful as the university works with state government to grow the economy and increase opportunities for students.”

Nelson has served as communications director and policy adviser for Rep. Dean Kaufert, R-Neenah, who is the current chair of the Joint Committee on Finance, since January 2003. He also served as a legislative and research assistant to Rep. Mark Pettis, R-Hertel, from 1999-2003, and Rep. Sheila Harsdorf, R-River Falls, from 1997-99.

“I have developed good relationships with legislators on both sides of the aisle,” Nelson says. “I look forward to continuing those relationships, and helping to tell legislators and others in state government about the great things happening at UW–Madison.”

As assistant director of state relations, Nelson will be responsible for responding to requests from legislators, the governor’s office and state agencies with information, advice and interpretations of university policies, resources and services.

He also will review legislation and executive proposals for how they will affect UW–Madison and propose courses of action, as well as advance UW–Madison’s own legislative proposals and building projects. His salary will be $52,470.

Nelson has a bachelor’s degree in political science and mass communication from UW-Milwaukee. He is also a 16-year veteran of the Air Force, spending the past eight years in the reserves. He is currently a public affairs specialist with the Air Force News Service near his hometown of Pflugerville, Texas. He also does advocacy work with the Leukemia Society of America, educating and promoting awareness of the disease. Nelson lives in Columbus with his two children and is a member of the Columbus Board of Education.