Battiato named interim University Staff secretary
Kate Battiato assumes the role as John Lease, her predecessor, retires on Oct. 30.
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Drawing on her extensive experience in public policy, government relations, workforce development and organizational leadership, the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration (VCFA) is pleased to announce that Kate Battiato will serve as interim University Staff secretary beginning Oct. 29.
Throughout her career, Battiato has led complex initiatives spanning state government, higher education and the nonprofit sector. Most recently, she has served as vice president of media and community impact at LeadingAge Wisconsin. Her background also includes leadership roles with the Wisconsin Health Care Association and service in the Office of Governor Tony Evers as a policy and legislative assistant.
Earlier in her career, she worked in the Wisconsin State Assembly and as a policy consultant with the Wisconsin Association of School Boards, building a strong foundation in state government, public policy, stakeholder engagement and constituent service.
Battiato also has strong ties to the university, having previously served as career development coordinator in the La Follette School of Public Affairs and earning both a bachelor of arts in political science and a master of public affairs from UW–Madison.
”We appreciate Kate stepping into this vital interim role and look forward to working with her,“ said Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration Rob Cramer.
Battiato assumes this role as John Lease, her predecessor, retires on Oct. 30. A search process is currently underway to fill the position permanently.
”John’s leadership, steady guidance, and appreciation for the diverse skills and perspectives of University Staff have left a lasting mark on the university’s shared governance model,“ said John Horn, chief of staff for the VCFA. “I wish him the best in his retirement and thank him for his years of service.“
