New County Clerk Appointed

In a news release Monday, April 6, Waukesha County Board Chairman Jim Heinrich announced the appointment of Georgia Maxwell as the next Waukesha County Clerk, following the retirement of Meg Wartman. Maxwell brings more than three decades of senior executive leadership in Wisconsin state government, with a career defined by modernizing public institutions, strengthening operational performance, and guiding complex statutory and regulatory systems.

Maxwell’s background includes serving as Commissioner and former Chairperson of the Wisconsin Labor and Industry Review Commission, Deputy Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, and Assistant Deputy Secretary at both Workforce Development and the Department of Financial Institutions. Across these roles, she has been recognized for leading large organizations, driving strategic reforms, and building durable partnerships with policymakers, municipal leaders, and statewide stakeholders.

"I’m thrilled to have someone of this caliber stepping into the Clerk’s office," said Chairman Jim Heinrich. "She’s exactly the kind of steady hand we need, a natural leader who can step in day one with the executive experience required to keep our elections and county records running smoothly. We’re lucky to have her on the team."

Throughout her career, Maxwell has spearheaded statewide workforce and economic reforms, modernized administrative processes, and guided agencies through politically sensitive and high visibility challenges. Her leadership is widely regarded as strategic, collaborative, and grounded in accountability and transparency—qualities central to the constitutional responsibilities of the County Clerk.

Her appointment is drawing praise from former colleagues at the state and federal levels.

“Georgia Maxwell was a key leader for us as we implemented conservative, pro-taxpayer reforms in state government,” said former Governor Scott Walker, who appointed Maxwell to several key roles in his administration. “I was proud to have her on our team. She worked to make government more effective, efficient, and accountable to the people. Georgia will be an outstanding Waukesha County Clerk.” 

Congressman Scott Fitzgerald, who worked closely with Maxwell during his tenure as State Senate Majority Leader, echoed those sentiments. "In the more than two decades that I have known Georgia Maxwell, she has consistently demonstrated the type of integrity, sound judgment, and steady leadership that local government depends on. Her career in public service has been defined by fairness, transparency, and accountability. Georgia not only understands how government works, but how it should work for the people it serves. I have complete confidence in her ability to serve as Waukesha County Clerk.”

County Executive Paul Farrow said "Congratulations to our new County Clerk Georgia Maxwell. Georgia brings the kind of experience, judgment, and steady leadership that will serve Waukesha County well. Her long record of public service, commitment to accountability, and ability to lead complex government operations make her exceptionally well qualified to serve as our next County Clerk."

The selection was made following a comprehensive recruitment process and a recommendation from a committee of county leaders. "Many thanks to the selection committee for their commitment to a rigorous and objective process," Heinrich added. "Their collective insight ensured we identified a candidate with leadership experience necessary to serve our residents effectively."

The Waukesha County Code provides the Board Chair with the authority to fill this specific vacancy. As such, Maxwell will begin her service in early June and will serve the remainder of the term through 2028. Chairman Heinrich will formally introduce the new County Clerk to the Board of Supervisors at the upcoming April meeting.