The Daily Reporter – WI Construction News & Bids Wisconsin's Construction Authority
James Bond
Gov. Tony Evers has announced his appointment of James Bond to serve as secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs, effective Jan. 9.
Bond previously served as the deputy secretary of DVA, and his appointment fills the vacancy created by former Secretary Mary Kolar’s retirement. The appointment also marks the first time an openly LGBTQ individual will lead one of the state’s cabinet agencies, according to review of records by the Legislative Reference Bureau.
Bond joined DVA in 2010 and served as the administrator of the Divisions of Veterans Benefits and Veteran Services before being appointed to deputy secretary in 2019. Prior to his time with DVA, Bond was employed at the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development as a deputy division administrator in the Divisions of Employment and Training and Family Supports and as bureau director of management services in the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation.
Bond, a disabled veteran, served on active duty in the United States Marine Corps. from 1983 to 1988 with assignments home and abroad. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Bond lives in Madison with his husband, Todd, and their two sons.
