Timeline for the Vacancy Upon the Resignation of County Executive Parisi

May 03, 2024
County Board Chair Patrick Miles, (608) 886-9167
County Board

On October 4, 2023, County Executive Parisi announced his intention to step down mid-term in May of 2024 after 13 years of service as Dane County’s chief elected official.

Parisi subsequently announced that May 3 would be his last day as County Executive. 
 
Per state statute, upon a vacancy in the office of the county executive, the chairperson of the county board immediately succeeds to the office. Upon doing so, the chairperson assumes the duties and responsibilities until the county board confirms an interim appointment. For the county board, the first vice chair assumes the duties of the chair during this time.    

Within 30 days of the county executive vacancy, the county board must confirm an interim county executive appointed by the county board chair, who is serving as county executive during this time.  

County Board Chair Patrick Miles will assume the duties and responsibilities of the county executive at the end of the business day on May 3rd.  

Remarking on the transitions, County Board Chair Patrick Miles said, “I am certain that this transition will be smooth and the important work that takes place every day on behalf of county residents will continue because what is not changing is the high quality, dedicated staff. As a County Board Supervisor with 18 years of experience, I feel confident in guiding the county through this time. I wish Joe the best in his retirement, and would like to extend my sincerest thanks to him for the leadership he has given the county over the last 13 years.”  

County Board Supervisor Chad Kemp (District 32), First Vice Chair, will assume the role of County Board Chair during this time.

Chair Miles anticipates the County Board will vote on an interim county executive appointment at the May 23, 2024 meeting.  

The interim county executive will serve until a special election for the office is held.

County Clerk Scott McDonell explained the process for the special election: “following resignation from County Executive Parisi, I will call a special election for the Office of the County Executive.  I anticipate the special election to take place in November 2024.  This timeline would allow for interested people to begin circulating nomination papers on May 4, 2024, with 500 signatures due by June 3rd at 5:00pm.”

The winner of the special election will serve the remainder of the term, which will end in April 2025 when there will be an election for the full four-year term.