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May 5, 2020 

Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley Announces First Cabinet Picks

Department head positions for Administrative Services, Human Resources, and Health and Human Services to be filled by accomplished leaders

MILWAUKEE – County Executive David Crowley is announcing three new leaders of Milwaukee County departments, Administrative Services, Human Resources, and Health and Human Services. These key personnel announcements will ensure continuity and create a strong team to realize County Executive Crowley’s vision for Milwaukee County.

Julie Landry, current Chief Human Resources Officer for Milwaukee County, will serve as the Director of Milwaukee County Department of Administrative Services (DAS). Landry will replace Teig Whaley-Smith, who served as DAS Director under County Executive Chris Abele since 2015. Margo Franklin, currently the Director of Employee Relations at Milwaukee County, is being tapped to serve as Chief Human Resources Officer.

DAS and Human Resources are the backbone of Milwaukee County, they provide support services to all county departments.

As Mary Jo Meyers transitions into the role of Chief of Staff to County Executive Crowley, Shakita LaGrant-McClain will serve as interim director of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). LaGrant-McClain is currently the Assistant Administrator for the Disability Services Division within DHHS. A permanent director will be named following a search process.  

“Julie, Margo and Shakita have all demonstrated strong commitments to excellence and a high level of service to residents and employees of Milwaukee County. Their passion for service has been a pillar of their personal lives and in their professional capacities. Appointing three highly accomplished individuals to key leadership roles, who bring a wealth of knowledge, and are highly respected throughout the Milwaukee County community is exciting for Milwaukee County’s workforce and the residents we serve. They each bring great perspective and life experience to each of their roles to serve with compassion and the highest regard for public service,” said County Executive Crowley.

“I am humbled by this opportunity to lead a diverse department at the County. I am thankful for the leadership of Teig Whaley-Smith and his leadership team. I am looking forward to what we can accomplish together,” said Landry.

Julie Landry has a wealth of knowledge and experience with over two decades of public sector service. She began her career as a middle school teacher at Milwaukee Public Schools then moved up the field of human resources at MPS and Racine Unified School District. Julie has overseen budgets of $2 million, developed and implemented strategic goals in performance management and professional development.

“This is an unprecedented and exciting time for Milwaukee County. I have had the privilege to serve and to learn under the leadership of Julie Landry since she joined the County in 2019. I am eager to continue to make Milwaukee County an employer of choice throughout the region,” said Franklin.

In addition to her service in the United States Army Reserve, Margo brings over two decades of experience in human resources to the role. She has worked for the Medical College of Wisconsin, Kohl’s Corporate and led teams at Goodwill Industries. She holds multiple professional certificates in Human Resources Management. 

“I am excited to lead DHHS through this important time of transition. This time for us is critical as we always have and will continue to serve the most vulnerable populations in our community. The resiliency and recovery from COVID-19 will be a top priority moving forward,” said LaGrant- McClain. “Mary Jo Meyers’ leadership has taken DHHS to new levels with youth justice reform and the transformation of behavioral healthcare system, but there is more work to be done. I am looking forward to working with a great team and continuing the positive momentum of DHHS.”

DHHS is one of the largest departments at Milwaukee County with over 800 employees serving across several divisions. LaGrant-McClain has been with DHHS since 2013, where she served as the Program Coordinator for the Disability Resource Center, analyzing and developing policies for the department. LaGrant-McClain hold a Master’s in Business Administration from Mount Mary University and has been an adjunct professor of communications and public speaking.

County Executive David Crowley will submit his nominations for Department of Administrative Services Director and Chief Human Resources Officer to the County Board of Supervisors for confirmation for the June board meeting.

MILWAUKEE COUNTY EXECUTIVE OFFICE

(414) 278-4211 | fax: (414) 223-1375
Milwaukee County Courthouse, Room 306
901 N. 9th Street | Milwaukee, WI 53233
 

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