Kate Battiato Named Interim UW-Madison Staff Secretary

The veteran policy aide steps into the role as a search for a permanent secretary begins at the university.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in People

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of an arched stone collegiate doorway, evoking the institutional administration of a major university. — Kate Battiato has been named interim staff secretary for UW-Madison, stepping into the administrative role as the university begins its search for a permanent successor. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Kate Battiato has assumed the position of interim University Staff secretary at UW-Madison. She succeeds John Lease, who recently retired from the post.

Why it matters

The transition occurs as the university continues its administrative operations while actively conducting a search to fill the permanent position.

The transition involves the replacement of a long-standing secretary position with an interim appointment. A formal search process to identify a permanent successor remains in progress.

The players

Kate Battiato

She is the new interim University Staff secretary who previously held roles at LeadingAge Wisconsin and the La Follette School of Public Affairs.

John Lease

He is the former University Staff secretary who recently concluded his service with the university through retirement.

Tony Evers

He is the Governor of Wisconsin whose office previously employed Battiato as a policy and legislative assistant.

The details

Battiato brings a background in policy and leadership to the university, having previously worked in the Office of Governor Tony Evers and the Wisconsin State Assembly. Her career also includes experience with the Wisconsin Association of School Boards and the Wisconsin Health Care Association.

October 29, 2026: Kate Battiato began her tenure as interim University Staff secretary.
October 30, 2026: John Lease retired from the position of University Staff secretary.

Market Landscape

This transition aligns with the standard operational shifts within the University of Wisconsin-Madison governance structure. It reflects the ongoing administrative turnover often seen within major public educational institutions.

The change in leadership does not alter student services or academic programming at this time. Staff and faculty can expect administrative continuity while the search for a permanent replacement continues.

The takeaway

Interim appointments are a common mechanism used by universities to maintain continuity during leadership transitions. Stakeholders can expect the administrative search process to follow established institutional protocols in the coming months.