Press Release: DOA Secretary Blumenfeld Makes Chief Legal Counsel Announcement

Madison, Wis. – Today, Department of Administration (DOA) Secretary Kathy Blumenfeld announced the appointment of Jennifer Vandermeuse as DOA Chief Legal Counsel effective March 9, 2025. Vandermeuse most recently served as Assistant Attorney General and Criminal Appeals Unit Director for the Wisconsin Department of Justice, having served at the DOJ in civil and criminal units since 2014. She previously was an associate in the bankruptcy and financial restructuring group at Godrey & Kahn, S.C. in Madison, and clerked for Judge Robert D. Martin in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Wisconsin. She received her JD from the University of Wisconsin Law School, and a Master of Public Affairs degree from the University of Wisconsin’s LaFollette School of Public Affairs.

Vandermeuse steps into the role vacated by Anne Hanson, who now serves as DOA Deputy Secretary.

“Jennifer Vandermeuse brings exactly the kind of legal, managerial, and wide-ranging experience and perspective we need at DOA,” said Secretary Kathy Blumenfeld. “I’m thrilled to have her join our leadership team and provide trusted and steady counsel to the flagship agency of Wisconsin State Government, as well as the agencies, partners, and people we serve throughout the state.”

“I am truly honored to accept this appointment as Chief Legal Counsel for DOA,” said Vandermeuse. “I’ve been privileged to serve the people of Wisconsin for the last ten years, and I look forward to continuing that service in this new role. Having worked with many state agencies in the past, I’ve come to deeply respect the important work they do. DOA plays a crucial role in moving the state forward, and I am thrilled to be a part of this agency’s leadership team.”