Acting Dane County Executive Nominates Jamie Kuhn as Interim County Executive
May 17, 2024
Carrie Springer
County Executive
Today, Acting Dane County Executive Patrick Miles announced he is appointing Jamie Kuhn as Interim Dane County Executive. Miles assumed the duties of County Executive on May 3, 2024 when former Dane County Executive Joe Parisi resigned from his term, creating a vacancy in the office until a special election can be held on November 5, 2024 to fill the remaining months of that term, which expires in April of 2025.
Within 30 days of assuming the role of County Executive, Miles must appoint an interim to serve until that election takes place. He has requested that Acting County Board Chair Chad Kemp place the appointment on the agenda of the May 23, 2024 County Board meeting. The appointment would take effect immediately upon approval by the County Board.
“I am impressed with Jamie’s collaborative, open approach to working through tough issues. I am confident she will keep the important work of county services moving forward and provide a smooth transition to the person who is elected in November,” said Miles. “I am excited about the timing of myself and Jamie filling the role of County Executive during Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) Heritage Month. I am the first Asian American to act as Dane County Executive, and Jamie will be the first Asian American woman to fill this role.”
Kuhn is a former Dane County Board Supervisor with almost 20 years of public service. She served in both the executive and legislative branches at the state level as the Director of External Relations for Governor Tony Evers and Chief of Staff to State Senator Mark Miller. Most recently, she served as the State of Wisconsin Medicaid Director at the Department of Health Services.
“I am humbled to be considered to serve the Dane County community,” said Kuhn. “I look forward to collaborating with the Board of Supervisors, the agencies, and our residents during this transition. Serving all the people of our community with compassion will keep us moving forward.”
As the Medicaid Director, Kuhn was accountable for over 1,000 employees and an annual budget of approximately $14 billion. She has a Master’s of Science in Social Work from UW-Madison and is currently an independent consultant. She also worked for Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin and Milwaukee County.
“Jamie’s dedication to progressive policy enactment combined with her extensive budget experience both at the state level and in Dane County government makes her uniquely qualified to be ready to serve Dane County residents again on day one and ensure a smooth transition process,” said Miles. “I look forward to working with her again.”