Deputy Secretary Garrett Named 250 Public Service Champion

Safety and Professional Services

Tony Evers, Governor

PRESS RELEASE--Contact DSPS Newsroom at dspsnewsroom@wisconsin.gov March 16, 2026 DSPS Communications 608-220-1553

DSPS Deputy Secretary Recognized as Public Service Champion

Madison, Wis. - Local Gov 250 and the National Academy of Public Administration announced

today that Department of Safety and Professional Services Deputy Secretary Jennifer Garrett has been selected as a 250 Public Service Champion. "I am incredibly proud to work in state government and to serve the people of Wisconsin. It has been the highlight of my career," Garrett said. "I'm also proud to be included with such a strong list of national, state, and local leaders who have dedicated their time and energy to public service and who strive to ensure that government works--and works well." Local Gov 250 is a national effort to honor and elevate the role of government in the United States. As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary, the National Academy of Public Administration and its partners created the awards process to honor 250 public servants who have had an exceptional impact on their communities. "There are many leaders working in government across the country who are deserving of recognition, and this year marks an especially important time for our country to honor them. These 250 Champions are truly special and make a difference in our everyday lives," said James- Christian Blockwood, President & CEO of the National Academy of Public Administration, in a news release announcing the winners. "We look forward to celebrating all of them, and hope this inspires future public servants and the American people." Deputy Secretary Garrett is one of seven honorees from Wisconsin and the only state government employee to earn the honor. She and the other Local Gov 250 Champions will be recognized at a reception in Philadelphia later this year. Garrett has more than 10 years of state service and has been at DSPS nearly seven years. In 2024, the Council of State Governments selected Garrett to participate in their Henry Toll Fellowship, the nation's premier leadership development program for state government officials. Department of

Dan Hereth, Secretary

About DSPS

DSPS issues more than 240 unique licenses, administers dozens of boards and councils that regulate professions, enforces state building codes, runs the state fire prevention program, and maintains the award-winning Wisconsin Enhanced Prescription Drug Monitoring Program, which is a key tool in the multi-faceted public health campaign to stem excessive opioid prescribing. A fee-based agency, DSPS is self-sustaining and receives no general fund tax dollars for its day-to-day operations. With five offices and 250 employees throughout Wisconsin, DSPS collaborates with constituents and stakeholders across a wide range of industries to promote safety and advance the economy.