Search Committee Recommends Michael Luckey for County Administrator Position

JEFFERSON, Wis. – The 13-member committee tasked with finding the next Jefferson County Administrator has recommended Michael Luckey for the position. The final step before Luckey officially takes the role is a vote on the recommended appointment by the full 30-member Board of Supervisors, which will occur during their meeting at 7:00pm on Tuesday, March 11th.

Michael has been serving as the Interim County Administrator since December, following the departure of Ben Wehmeier who is now President and CEO of the Greater Watertown Community Health Foundation. Prior to his Interim position, Luckey was Wehmeier’s assistant, helping implement the county’s strategic priorities. Before that, he spent nearly a decade in senior positions in Wisconsin’s state government, including as Chief of Staff to two State Senators, as a policy advisor in the State Assembly, and as the first director of the Wisconsin Interagency Council on Homelessness. He is on the board of the St. Vincent de Paul in Lake Mills and is an active member of the St. Therese of Lisieux Parish. He received a Bachelor’s degree in Government from Georgetown University in Washington, DC and a Master of Public Affairs degree from the La Follette School of Public Affairs at UW-Madison. Luckey was born and raised in Wisconsin and lives in Lake Mills with his wife and daughter.

“The Search Committee thought Michael was the best candidate to continue the strong record of success we have experienced in Jefferson County,” said Steve Nass, Jefferson County Board Chair and leader of the Search Committee. “We have a long history of responsible budgeting, high-quality services, and transparent and effective government. With Michael Luckey as our next Administrator, I have faith that we will continue that and more.”

Jefferson County hired CPS-HR, a local government recruiting firm, to perform a nationwide search. They received 44 applications and alongside the committee spent months winnowing the field down to a single candidate.

The Jefferson County Administrator is the county’s Chief Administrative Officer and is responsible for implementing the policies adopted by the Board of Supervisors and overseeing the day-to-day operations of the county’s 680 employees. The Administrator presents the county’s annual budget, which for 2025 is $109.6 million, and appoints members to many boards and commissions. Under the Board’s direction, the Administrator also represents the county’s interests in negotiations and intergovernmental partnerships and at community events. The position is also involved with setting long-term and strategic priorities.

“I am thrilled, grateful, and honored to be considered as Jefferson County’s next Administrator,” added Luckey. “I have been working with an extraordinary team during my time here, and though I have big shoes to fill, I believe we are well-equipped to build on our strong foundation. This is my home, the people we serve are my neighbors, and I am fully invested in Jefferson County’s bright future.”