Madison, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) has promoted two current managers as the agency moves into 2025.
DSPS Secretary Dan Hereth announced the promotion of Jennifer Garrett to Deputy Secretary.
Garrett has been at DSPS since 2019, serving as Communications Director before moving to Assistant Deputy Secretary in August 2022. She will continue to serve as chief of staff for the Secretary and manage DSPS external affairs. Last year, Garrett participated in and graduated from the Council of State Governments (GSG) Henry Toll Fellowship, the nation’s premier leadership development program for state government officials. She was also elected to the board of directors of the Council on Licensure, Enforcement, and Regulation, an international organization for occupational regulation stakeholders.
“The State of Wisconsin and I are incredibly lucky Jennifer Garrett will continue to bring her counsel and apply her talents as DSPS Deputy Secretary,” said Sec. Hereth. “She is a dedicated and talented leader who cares deeply about public service.”
With Garrett’s promotion, Hereth is tapping Niko Ruud to fill the department’s Assistant Deputy Secretary position. Ruud has been with DSPS for two years as Administrator of the department’s Division of Professional Credential Processing.
Ruud is an Air Force veteran who served as a Maintenance Officer for three active-duty assignments at units across the globe. Before joining DSPS, he was the supervisor for the Comprehensive Health and Wellness Program at the Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs.
Ruud oversaw DSPS’s transition to a modern, online credentialing platform, LicensE, which has helped the department improve the efficiency of its licensing work. DSPS has significantly lowered application review times during his tenure and issued more initial licenses in each of the past two years than it had in any prior year.
“Niko has been a tremendous division administrator, leading his team through a complicated, years-long transition,” Sec. Hereth explained. “His organization, attention to detail, and leadership skills will continue to be of great benefit to DSPS and the State of Wisconsin in this new role.”
In his new role, Ruud will provide oversight and lead operational work across all DSPS divisions.
About DSPS: DSPS issues more than 240 unique licenses, administers dozens of boards and
councils that regulate professions, enforces state building codes, and maintains the 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 250 employees throughout Wisconsin, DSPS collaborates with constituents and stakeholders across a wide range of industries to promote safety and advance the economy.
