The Walworth County Economic Development Alliance (WCEDA) has selected Douglas Wheaton as its new executive director, according to an announcement July 23 by alliance president Kim Howarth.

Wheaton’s most recent position began in 2005 as director of city development for the City of Franklin, where he also served as executive director of the Franklin Community Development Authority. 

While in Franklin, Wheaton administered the development approval process for more than 100 new businesses and expansions, including 33 new construction development projects, totaling more than $300 million and approximately 3,000 jobs. 

Wheaton coordinated the City’s successful efforts to secure the $86 million expansion of the Northwestern Mutual Franklin campus, adding approximately 1,100 jobs.  He was also instrumental in attracting the $89 million Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare medical center, providing hundreds of additional new jobs.

In 2008, Wheaton left the Franklin position to pursue his master’s in public administration from Harvard University.

Originally from Wisconsin, Wheaton graduated from Carroll College in 1994 and earned his law degree from Marquette University in 1998.  Following graduation from Marquette, he served as a legislative assistant at the Wisconsin State Capitol in Madison, and later worked as a governmental affairs director for the Wisconsin Realtors Association.

"With such impressive credentials, WCEDA is thrilled that Doug agreed to come on as our new executive director starting in September," Howarth said. "We had several qualified people interview for the position, but in the end Doug stood out to the search committee after careful review and extensive interviewing."

Wheaton is expected to start at WCEDA in time for its next economic summit on September 10.  The event is an initiative begun by local community leaders and business owners that later was merged with WCEDA. Current and prospective WCEDA members will have an opportunity to meet Wheaton at the event.

For more information please contact WCEDA at 262-741-8527.