Sec. John Voelker has appointed Diana Felsmann as ETF’s next Deputy Secretary, following the retirement of Shirley Eckes.
Felsmann is currently ETF’s Chief Legal Counsel and has been with the agency for more than a decade, starting as a Policy Analyst in 2011.
Prior to ETF, Felsmann worked for the Wisconsin State Public Defender for eight years after receiving her law degree from UW-Madison. She has over 24 years of experience as an attorney in the public and private sectors, primarily in benefits administration, and is trained in project management and business and policy analysis.
Voelker said, “While Diana’s vast experience makes her highly qualified as the next Deputy Secretary, one of her best attributes for the position is her passion for ETF’s mission.”
Since October 2024, Felsmann has shared responsibilities with Eckes, who continues to support the executive team and provide operational oversight of ETF’s modernization initiatives.
Voelker also appointed Peter Rank as ETF’s next Chief Legal Counsel, replacing Felsmann.
Rank joined the agency in 2022, handling member issues and offering legal guidance on WRS benefits, among other duties.
After receiving a UW-Madison law degree, Rank clerked for former Wisconsin Supreme Court Chief Justice Shirley Abrahamson. He was also an Assistant Attorney General at the Wisconsin Department of Justice for almost a decade.
Felsmann and Rank will assume their new roles on Feb. 9, 2025.