Waukesha County Board Chair Jim Heinrich nominated retired corporation counsel Thomas Farley to serve as interim county executive on Wednesday.
Farley retired in 2016 after 31 years with the county, including 25 years as corporation counsel. He guided leadership through major transitions, including the adoption of the county executive system, the 2005 interim period following Dan Finley’s resignation, and the 2015 transition from Dan Vrakas to Paul Farrow.
Heinrich, who became acting executive after Farrow’s July 7 passing, selected Farley for his extensive institutional knowledge and ability to assume responsibilities immediately.
The nomination will be reviewed by the County Board Executive Committee on July 20, followed by a full board vote on July 28. If approved, Farley will serve as interim executive until the December 15 special election.
State law required Heinrich to appoint an interim executive within 30 days of the vacancy. The winner of the December special election will serve until the April 2027 general election, when Farrow’s term was set to expire.
Farley has stated his goal is to provide stable leadership, maintain fiscal discipline, support county departments, and ensure long-term strategic plans remain on course.
Heinrich noted that Farley has advised four board chairs and three county executives, served as a key cabinet member, and has no plans to seek the office, allowing him to focus fully on supporting staff and maintaining current initiatives during the transition.
Nomination papers for the special election are now available, with filings due by 5 p.m. on October 20.
