New ETF Deputy Secretary to Assume in February Next Year

Transition plan activated for leadership change in ETF’s Executive Team

Secretary John Voelker has appointed Diana Felsmann to assume as Deputy Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Employee Trust Funds effective February 2025, following the retirement of the incumbent, 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 the University of Wisconsin-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.

“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,” said Voelker.

Voelker made the announcement, as ETF activates its transition plan for the anticipated leadership change. Beginning this month, Felsmann will share responsibilities with Eckes, who will assist Felsmann and continue supporting the Executive Team and providing operational oversight of ETF’s modernization initiatives.

“I extend great gratitude to Shirley for her contributions to ETF and the State of Wisconsin during her long public service career,” said Voelker. “While on a personal level I will miss working with Shirley and the passion she brings in making ETF the best it can be, I am confident our transition plan will allow us to continue to move forward smoothly."

A certified public accountant, Eckes joined ETF in 2021. Prior to ETF, Eckes has served various leadership positions in state agencies, including as Deputy Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Revenue and Chief Operating Officer of the State of Wisconsin Investment Board . Her management experience in the private sector also covered the real estate investment and information technology industries.

“I am grateful for the support of my colleagues at ETF, led by John. The last three years have been fulfilling as we implemented initiatives that helped modernize ETF’s processes and systems. ETF will be in good hands with Diana, as the agency continues to advance its priorities to support the customer experience of members of the Wisconsin Retirement System,” said Eckes.

ETF is a non-cabinet Wisconsin agency that administers retirement, insurance, and other benefit programs for approximately 692,000 WRS members, including current and former public employees, retirees, and their beneficiaries.

Related Resources

• About ETF
• ETF Executive Team
• ETF Divisions and Offices
• ETF Mission, Vision, and Values