Paul Jadin, president of the Madison Region Economic Partnership (MadREP) and former CEO at the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. (WEDC), resigned his $208,000-a-year position yesterday to join three other former state secretaries in publicly criticizing their former boss, Gov. Scott Walker.
Jadin says his decision was made to keep his political activity separate from MadREP. Jadin pulled no punches regarding Walker’s handling of state business and had plenty to say in a Wisconsin State Journalarticle.
According to a statement from MadREP Board Chair Tim Gaillard just released this afternoon, “After careful reflection upon Mr. Jadin’s right to express himself on this matter and the best interest of our organization and the people we serve, the board decided to reject the resignation and instead institute an unpaid leave of absence for the balance of the year. The board of directors felt they needed more time to evaluate the matter.”
Michael P. Gay will immediately assume the position of acting CEO. Gay joined MadREP in May of 2013 as senior vice president of economic development.
