I am pleased to introduce Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) Secretary James Bond. He is a proud Marine Veteran, with over three decades of service – service to his country, the State of Wisconsin, and to fellow veterans.

He joined WDVA in 2010, most recently serving as Deputy Secretary before his appointment as Secretary of WDVA by Governor Tony Evers on January 9, 2023. Before joining WDVA, he served in several professional and leadership roles at the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development.

Secretary Bond attained his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees from the University of Wisconsin–Madison after serving on active duty in the United States Marine Corps from 1983 through 1988 with assignments at home and abroad.

Welcome, Secretary James Bond.

Bill Michaels, originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, launched his radio career in 1992 at WRCR in Rushville, Indiana. In 1999, he moved to Wisconsin after being hired by WTMJ and the Green Bay Packers. There, he became the voice fans trusted on The Packers Post Game Show as part of the Packers Radio Network. Over the years, he also hosted Sports Central, Brewers Post Game, Badgers Game Day, and Bucks Weekly.

In 2011, Bill took a bold step by leaving WTMJ and the Packers Radio Network to launch his own statewide platform — The Bill Michaels Sports Talk Network. It debuted on August 1, 2011, and spanned 16 stations and 28 signals over nine years.

In January 2021, Bill transitioned to Mid-West Family Communications, where he relaunched The Bill Michaels Show. Today, the show airs on 16 stations and 22 signals, reaching more than 300,000 listeners daily across Wisconsin. Bill is now involved in a television production of his show on MY24 Milwaukee and was played a feature role in the NETFLIX Movie, The Fall Of Favre.

Bill has received widespread recognition for his work in broadcasting. He has been honored multiple times with awards for Best Sports Talk Show and Best Overall Show in the state of Wisconsin — a reflection of both his longevity and the deep connection he has with his audience.

Beyond radio, Bill is the founder of Bill Michaels Inc., a podcast and livestream production company that connects with a broader digital audience.

Bill is also deeply committed to giving back to the community. He served on the board of directors for Fisher House Wisconsin for six years, and through his charity motorcycle event — now the largest ride in the state — he has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars in support of veterans and military families. The ride attracts over 1,400 motorcycles and more than 2,000 participants each year.

Alongside his fiancée Christen, Bill co-founded the Big Unit Foundation, which provides donations and support to veterans, active-duty military, first responders, and their families through random acts of kindness.

A proud father of four and grandfather of three, Bill resides in Brookfield, Wisconsin.