Evers Appointed BMO Director to Wisconsin Economic Board
The appointment of Aaron Towns to the state development board brings fresh private-sector experience to agency oversight.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in People
Live Poll
Do you trust that government-appointed boards improve the economic outlook for your local business community?
Governor Tony Evers has appointed Aaron Towns to the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors. The appointment fills a vacancy created by the resignation of John Brogan.
Why it matters
The board provides critical strategic leadership and operational oversight to the agency responsible for state business development efforts. This role dictates how the corporation manages resources to impact the state economy.
Aaron Towns brings 20 years of experience in finance, operations, and technology to the board. He has been part of the leadership team at BMO Financial Group since 2013.
The players
Tony Evers
The Governor of Wisconsin who leads the state executive branch and makes appointments to administrative boards.
Aaron Towns
The Director of Commercial Banking Wisconsin at BMO Financial Group and a new appointee to the state's economic development board.
BMO Financial Group
A multinational financial services provider with significant commercial banking operations in Wisconsin.
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
The state agency responsible for business recruitment and economic development programs throughout Wisconsin.
John Brogan
The former member of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors who recently resigned.
The details
As a board member, Towns will help guide the operational strategy of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation. The board is composed of a mix of private-sector leaders and public officials, requiring appointees to manage public-private coordination on state economic initiatives.
Timeline
September 22, 2026: Governor Evers announced the appointment.
2013: Towns began his tenure at BMO Financial Group.
Market Landscape
The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation operates under a mixed-governance model established by state law. This appointment maintains the required balance of private-sector expertise and public-sector oversight mandated by those statutes.
Business owners should monitor the board's upcoming strategic decisions on development funding and regional initiatives. The shift in board composition could influence future criteria for state business development programs.
The takeaway
This appointment highlights the continued integration of commercial banking leaders into state-level economic governance. Operators should track how the board's new composition adjusts the agency's focus regarding business lending and state economic priorities.
Further reading
For more on state leadership changes, see People.
Live Poll
Do you trust that government-appointed boards improve the economic outlook for your local business community?
