WDVA: STATE VETERANS AFFAIRS SECRETARY BLACK RESIGNS: Donna Williams to be WDVA’s New Acting Secretary

ATTENTION NEWSROOM – NEWS RELEASE

March 28, 2011 - For Immediate Release

Contact: Board Chair Dan Naylor 715-258-9502, Board Secretary Marv Freedman   608-236-4448

VETERANS AFFAIRS SECRETARY BLACK RESIGNS

Donna Williams to be WDVA’s New Acting Secretary

(MADISON) – WDVA Secretary Kenneth B.Black submitted his resignation, effective April 1, 2011, to Board Chair Dan Naylor.

Secretary Black’s letter stated, “This letter confirms that I am resigning as Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs.  It has been my honor and privilege to work for the veterans of the state.

In his response to Secretary Black,Mr. Naylor wrote, “I have received your letter of resignation effective April 1, 2011 and accept it on behalf of the Board of Veterans Affairs.  I appreciate your efforts on behalf of Wisconsin’s veterans during your time as Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs, and I wish you the best in your future endeavors.”

Under the Board’s Rules of Procedures, Deputy Secretary Donna Williams becomes the Acting Secretary. She currently serves as the Deputy Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs.  Ms. Williams, a combat veteran, retired from the United States Army at the rank of Colonel after 29 years of service.  She has served in numerous leadership positions from Platoon Leader to Brigade Commander.  Ms. Williams is a graduate of the Army Command and General Staff College, Air Command and Staff College, Joint Forces Staff College and the Army War College.  Additionally, she has completed Airborne and Air Assault Schools. Ms. Williams received her Bachelor’s Degree from Ripon College as a Distinguished Military Graduate and her Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Golden Gate University. 

The Board of Veterans Affairs looks forward to working collaboratively with Acting Secretary Williams when she assumes her new duties on April 1st, as well as the Department’s dedicated staff in our continuing mission of serving the veterans of Wisconsin and maintaining Wisconsin’s comprehensive veteran’s benefits and programs in a cost-effective manner.