MADISON, Wis. – Today, Gov. Tony Evers announced the appointment of Gary Besaw to the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) Board, effective February 24, 2025. Gary will service as a Consumer Representative to serve a term expiring on May 1, 2029.
Gary Besaw, of Keshena, currently serves as the Director of the Menominee Tribal Department of Agriculture and Food Systems and Director of the Menominee Tribal Food Distribution Program. Mr. Besaw is an enrolled Tribal member of the Menominee Nation and has served on the Menominee Tribal Legislature for 15 years, twice holding positions as Tribal Chairman, and once each as Vice Chairman and Secretary. Gary currently serves on the Shawano-Menominee Farm Service Agency (FSA) County Committee, serving his second term.
“DATCP has a long tradition of policy engagement from the citizen members of the DATCP Board,” said DATCP Secretary Romanski. “I thank the Governor’s leadership in appointing Mr. Besaw. We look forward to having him join and continuing our positive and collaborative working relationship with the DATCP Board.”
Mr. Besaw has served on multiple environmental and policy committees for the Menominee Nation including 15 years as the Menominee Nation’s representative on the Wisconsin Legislature’s State-Tribal Relations Study Committee. He previously worked in Native American education at the College of Menominee Nation as Vice President of Student Services. Mr. Besaw holds a Bachelor of Science in Art Education from the University of Wisconsin-Stout and a Master of Science degree in education administration from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His first board meeting will be March 6, 2025.
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