Madison, WI– The Madison Region Economic Partnership (MadREP) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Mark Thomas as the organization’s new Board Treasurer. Dr. Thomas brings a wealth of experience in strategic planning, finance, and workforce development to the role, further strengthening MadREP’s commitment to fostering economic growth in south-central Wisconsin.

Dr. Thomas currently serves as the Executive Vice President for Policy and Strategy at Madison College, where he is also the institution’s Chief Strategy Officer. In this capacity, he oversees the college’s economic development policy and strategy, serves as the liaison for workforce strategy, manages government relations, and directs its global strategy initiatives. Over the past decade, he has played a pivotal role in shaping Madison College’s policy, strategy, finances, administration, and operations, having previously held the positions of Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer.
Prior to his tenure at Madison College, Dr. Thomas accumulated over 20 years of executive leadership experience as a Chief Financial Officer, Chief Administrative Officer, Chief of Staff, Budget Director, and Property Manager across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. As a first-generation college graduate, he holds a Bachelor of Business Administration, a Master of Public Policy, and a Doctorate in Higher Education Administration. His diverse background, combined with his passion for social justice, positions him as a strong advocate for inclusive regional economic development.
Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Thomas is deeply engaged in his personal interests, including family, music, soccer, and mountain biking. His extensive international travel experience for business and cultural exchanges has further shaped his perspective on workforce development and global economics.
In his new role as Treasurer of the MadREP Board, Dr. Thomas will support the Board Chair in leading the Executive Committee. He expressed his enthusiasm for this opportunity, stating, “I’m excited about working through the next several months to determine the best way forward to serve the economic development needs of south-central Wisconsin.”
MadREP looks forward to the leadership and financial stewardship that Dr. Thomas will bring to the organization as it continues its mission to drive regional economic prosperity.
About MadREP:
MadREP is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering sustainable economic development across the Madison region. It serves as a resource for business attraction, expansion, and retention while focusing on long-term strategies to promote regional growth and prosperity.
For more information, please visit madisonregion.org or contact:
Everett Butzine
Interim President and CEO of MadREP
communications@madisonregion.org