Kelli A. Trumble- Secretary

Governor Jim Doyle appointed Kelli A. Trumble to Secretary of Tourism in February 2007. The Wisconsin Department of Tourism is charged by the Governor and Legislature with promoting travel to and within the state. The Department has a $15 million annual budget and 40 employees.

In her first year in the cabinet position, she's made brand development and strategic business planning her focus, following the Department's mission to inspire people to love the Wisconsin experience by effectively marketing the state and its tourism offerings. 

The branding initiative unearthed Wisconsin's point of difference and provided a unifying competitive strategy that could be applied across state agencies and business sectors. The brand platform celebrates the people of Wisconsin for their originality and creativity. The strategic business planning process is based on bringing best business practices to government and is already guiding how the Department supports the work of the tourism industry-at-large and fulfills information needs for visitors. 

Ms. Trumble currently serves on the Wisconsin State Fair Park Board of Directors and the Wisconsin Sports Development Corporation Board of Directors.

Ms. Trumble brings experience as a tourism promoter and business owner to the Secretary's office. Her long career in Wisconsin's travel and hospitality industry began with her position as Executive Director at the Wisconsin Dells Visitor & Convention Bureau. In 2003, she opened Sundara Inn & Spa located in Wisconsin Dells. Before selling her investment in Sundara Inn & Spa, it was named the Number #3 Favorite Spa Escape in America by ABC's "Good Morning America."

In 1996, she opened her own firm, specializing in marketing, communications and customer relations programs for the tourism industry. Ms. Trumble also developed The Entertainment Network, an in-area cable television show featuring "what's new and things to do" in Wisconsin Dells.

Ms. Trumble served on the Governor's Council on Tourism for nine years, as well as the Wisconsin Tourism Federation, the Wisconsin Association of Convention & Visitors Bureaus, and the Wisconsin Festivals & Events Association. Over the years, Ms. Trumble has been tapped by industry organizations to serve as a speaker and discussion leader at conventions including the Wisconsin Governor's Conference on Tourism, The National Tour Association, the Wisconsin Restaurant Association, The Missouri Governor's Conference on Tourism, and others.

Ms. Trumble is a graduate of the School of Journalism at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Today, she and her husband, former Wisconsin Dells' mayor and tourism business owner Ben Borcher, reside in Wisconsin Dells. In their free time, they tour the state on their Harley-Davidson motorcycle and Trek bicycles, enjoying the state's many theater, arts and restaurants.

Mark Richardson - Deputy Secretary

Governor Doyle appointed Mark Richardson as Deputy Secretary of the Department of Tourism in June 2007. Richardson serves under Tourism Secretary Kelli A. Trumble and has responsibility for the day-to-day operations of the Department.

In his first year at the Department, Mark has worked closely with Secretary Trumble to integrate brand development and strategic business planning into the Department's mission: to inspire people to love the Wisconsin experience by effectively marketing the state and its tourism offerings.

Richardson comes to the Department with a solid background in marketing, brand positioning and product management.  Richardson was most recently the Director of Membership and Marketing at the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce, where he led the team responsible for bringing 500 new members to the organization in 15 months and increasing new member revenue by 35%. Prior to his tenure at the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce, Richardson was employed with Charter Communications for nine years and held a variety of positions including Regional Director of Marketing & Sales.

Richardson is active in the United Way Dane County, serving as a member on its Inclusiveness & Diversity Committee. Richardson is a graduate of Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois where he earned degrees in English, Humanities and Marketing. He lives in Madison with his wife Natalie.