Dane County Executive Melissa Agard Announces Caleb Frostman as Chief of Staff

March 23, 2026
execmedia@danecounty.gov, 608-800-1127
County Executive

DANE COUNTY – Dane County Executive Melissa Agard today announced the appointment of Caleb Frostman as her new Chief of Staff, bringing extensive experience in government leadership, economic development, as well as public and private budgeting to the role.

Frostman, a Green Bay native and graduate of the University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Business, has served in a range of leadership positions at the state and local level. He was elected as the State Senator for the 1st Senate District from 2018 to 2019 and later served as Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development from 2019 to 2020, where he managed a large state agency and worked to strengthen workforce systems across Wisconsin.

“Caleb brings a strong track record of leadership at the highest levels of state government and a deep understanding of how to build and manage effective teams,” said Dane County Executive Melissa Agard. “His experience navigating complex challenges, combined with his vision for how government can better serve people, makes him uniquely suited for this role.

Frostman previously served as Executive Director of the Door County Economic Development Corporation from 2016 to 2018, where he focused on strengthening local economies and supporting business growth. He also brings more than a decade of experience in commercial real estate finance, primarily with U.S. Bank.

“Dane County is a leader in innovation, economic opportunity, and public service,” said Frostman. “I’m honored to join County Executive Agard’s team and look forward to working alongside dedicated county staff and community partners to continue delivering results for residents.”

In addition to his professional experience, Frostman has been actively engaged in community service. He has served as a Big Brother since 2019 and previously mentored youth in Minneapolis. He currently serves on the boards of Wisconsin Conservation Voters and the East Side Alano Club.

Frostman lives in Madison’s Orchard Ridge neighborhood with his wife, Emily, their two corgis, Edie and Blue, and eight chickens. An avid outdoorsman, he brings a strong personal commitment to the environment and community to his work in public service.

“As we continue to focus on operational excellence, strong partnerships, and delivering for the people of Dane County, Caleb’s leadership and understanding of how government works at every level will be invaluable,” Agard concluded.