Politics & Government

Waukesha County Chief of Staff Named to State Public Service Commission

Ellen Nowak, chief of staff for Waukesha County Executive Dan Vrakas, was selected to serve on the state Public Service Commission.

Gov. Scott Walker named Ellen Nowak, chief of staff for Waukesha County Executive Dan Vrakas, as one of three state Public Service Commissioners.

The appointment is Walker's second to the PSC. He appointed former state Rep. Phil Montgomery in March. The third member, former state Assistant Attorney General Eric Callisto, was appointed by former Gov. Jim Doyle.

“Ellen’s experience and unique skill set will be a great addition to the Public Service Commission,” Walker said.

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“An important role of the Public Service Commission is to ensure fairness and responsibility when it comes to utility costs and quality for Wisconsin consumers, and I know that Ellen will fulfill her duties with zeal," Walker added. 

Nowak was legal counsel to the state Assembly Speaker’s office from 2002-06, before joining Waukesha County as Vrakas' chief of staff. She has a law degree from Marquette University Law School and a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

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Nowak most recently helped shepherd the tedious for the state Supreme Court race between incumbent Justice David Prosser Jr. and Assistant State Attorney General JoAnne Kloppenburg.

Nowak thanked Walker for the appointment, saying “I look forward to the important work ahead of us and serving with Chairman Montgomery and Commissioner Callisto.”

Vrakas said Nowak "served the citizens of Waukesha County with integrity and dedication" and will be "an outstanding member" of the PSC. 


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