Gov. Tony Evers’ transportation secretary, Craig Thompson, is set to step down from his role next month to join the University of Wisconsin-Madison as the vice chancellor for university relations. Thompson was appointed by Evers in December 2018 before the start of the governor’s first term. His successor will be Kristina Boardman, who will make history as the first woman to serve as transportation secretary.

Thompson’s appointment initially faced concerns from state Senate Republicans due to his past as a lobbyist for the Transportation Development Association of Wisconsin, known for advocating tax and fee increases to fund road improvements. However, Thompson was eventually confirmed in 2021. During his tenure, over 7,400 miles of roads and 1,780 bridges were improved without raising the state’s gas tax, which has remained unchanged since 2006.

Under Thompson’s leadership, the Department of Transportation managed to enhance infrastructure funding through other means. This included an increase in vehicle title and registration fees through the first state budget signed by Evers and the federal bipartisan infrastructure package signed by President Joe Biden in 2021. Thompson, a University of Wisconsin-Madison graduate, will succeed Charles Hoslet as the vice chancellor for university relations, overseeing relations with various stakeholders.

In his new role, Thompson will handle the university’s connections with state and federal government, Congress, businesses, and other entities. His departure from the Department of Transportation marks the beginning of a transition in leadership, with Boardman poised to take over the responsibilities as transportation secretary.