County Executive

Biography

Dan Vrakas was elected by the people of Waukesha County to serve as County Executive during a special election that was held on Tuesday, October 18, 2005 and was re-elected to serve a full 4-year terms in 2007 and 2011. In this capacity, he is the chief executive officer of Waukesha County government where he administers approximately 1,400 full-time employees, 400 part-time and seasonal employees, and manages a $273.8 million annual budget. Prior to holding this position, Dan was elected to serve in the State of Wisconsin Legislature where he represented the 33rd Assembly District for 15 years. As a State Representative, he was the Assembly’s Majority Caucus Chairman and distinguished himself as an able and willing leader that worked effectively with both major political parties.

Born and raised in the City of Waukesha, Dan is a graduate of Waukesha High School and the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point. He makes his home in Waukesha County’s beautiful Lake Country area, and enjoys spending time with his daughters. During his free time, he also enjoys boating, golfing, riding Harley Davidson motorcycles, tackling home improvement projects, and bicycling. He is the former owner of Paul’s Metropolitan Restaurant, which was a community landmark in downtown Waukesha. Dan is supportive of local civic groups that seek to enhance quality of life and frequently uses his skills as a celebrity auctioneer to help raise funds for a variety of causes. He has also been a member of numerous community and non-profit organizations.

Purpose

Waukesha County is organized under a County Executive form of government.  The County Executive is elected for a four year term in a county-wide non-partisan election in April.  The Executive is responsible for coordinating and directing all administrative and management functions of the County which are not vested in other elected officials.  The Executive has the power to appoint the heads of all County departments, except those headed by elected officials or State statutory boards and commissions.  The Executive appoints the members of most boards and commissions.  Appointments are subject to County Board confirmation.  A major responsibility of the County Executive is budget preparation and its submission to the County Board.  The County Executive may veto a resolution or ordinance passed by the County Board, and the Executive may exercise a partial veto of legislation which involves an appropriation.  A two-thirds vote of the members elect of the County Board is necessary to override a County Executive veto.