Governor Doyle Appoints Jack L. Fischer, A.I.A., Secretary of Commerce

Jack L. Fischer, A.I.A., Secretary

Governor Jim Doyle announced on November 9 that he is appointing Jack L. Fischer, A.I.A., as Secretary of the Department of Commerce effective Monday, November 26, 2007. As Commerce Secretary, Fischer will play a key role in continuing the implementation of Governor Doyle's plans to grow businesses in Wisconsin, create the jobs of tomorrow, and help Wisconsin companies compete in the global marketplace.

"I am pleased to appoint Jack Fischer as the new Secretary of Commerce," Governor Doyle said, "Jack has had a long, successful career and has been recognized for his professional and civic achievements. Jack's deep understanding of business development and variety of experiences will prove valuable to the Department of Commerce and all of Wisconsin."

"I would like to sincerely thank Governor Doyle for giving me this special opportunity to serve as Commerce Secretary for the state of Wisconsin," Jack Fischer said. "My architectural, development, national and international business experience will bring an added dimension to this important position. I will utilize my 30 years of private sector experience coupled with the exceptional team in the Department of Commerce to energize growth, and support retention and expansion of business within the state and enthusiastically represent Governor Doyle's economic development agenda."

Jack L. Fischer, A.I.A., is currently President/CEO of the Fischer Group Companies including J.L. Fischer, Inc. and involved in related partnerships. The Fischer Group companies focus on the development of retail mall, offices and residential housing development alternatives. TFG expertise includes consulting services, architecture, and development and construction management.

He is past President of JP-Marathon, Inc. and Interglobia Inc., a development company. He retired from Marathon after 22 years as an officer when he and his partners sold their ownership interest to the International JP Group companies. He has worked and traveled extensively internationally for project activities with JP/Marathon group in Mexico, El Salvador, Venezuela, Brazil, Western Europe, Poland, Finland, Sweden, Russia, Norway, South Africa, Zimbabwe, the Caribbean, and North America.

During his career, Fischer has been involved with the design, construction and development of over 100 Class A facilities including commercial, residential, retail, industrial, and federal building types.

Fischer received his B.S. and M.A. in Architecture from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. He is the recipient of both the "Young Distinguished Alumni Award" in May, 1987 and the "Distinguished Alumnus Award" during commencement, 1993.

In addition, Fischer has served on many boards representing his civic interests including economic development, healthcare, environmental issues, finance, and the arts.

Fischer replaces Secretary Mary Burke who left November 1, 2007 to devote more time to her non-profit work and family interests, including her position as President of the Boy's and Girls Club of Dane County and her family's Trinity Foundation.

The Department of Commerce has over 400 employees who provide development assistance in areas such as marketing, business and community finance, exporting, small business advocacy, and manufacturing assessments.

-- Tony Hozeny, Department of Commerce
Carla Vigue, Office of the Governor