The Sconi

Today, Governor Tony Evers announced the appointment of Gary Besaw to the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) Board. Besaw will serve as a Consumer Representative with his term expiring on May 1, 2029.

Gary Besaw, from Keshena, is currently the Director of the Menominee Tribal Department of Agriculture and Food Systems and Director of the Menominee Tribal Food Distribution Program. He is an enrolled member of the Menominee Nation and has been part of the Menominee Tribal Legislature for 15 years. During his tenure, he held positions as Tribal Chairman twice, Vice Chairman once, and Secretary once. Besaw also serves on the Shawano-Menominee Farm Service Agency County Committee in his second term.

“DATCP has a long tradition of policy engagement from the citizen members of the DATCP Board," said DATCP Secretary Romanski. “I thank the Governor's leadership in appointing Mr. Besaw. We look forward to having him join and continuing our positive and collaborative working relationship with the DATCP Board."

Besaw has contributed to various environmental and policy committees for the Menominee Nation including representing them for 15 years on the Wisconsin Legislature's State-Tribal Relations Study Committee. He previously worked in Native American education at the College of Menominee Nation as Vice President of Student Services. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Art Education from the University of Wisconsin-Stout and a Master’s degree in education administration from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His first board meeting is scheduled for March 6, 2025.