IRG Continues Growth, Adds Chris Reader as Executive Vice President

Jul 21, 2021 | Mentions, Press Release

Madison, Wis. — Chris Reader, former senior director of workforce and employment policy at Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce, has joined the Institute for Reforming Government as its new executive vice president. As IRG senior leadership, Chris will oversee efforts to generate policy solutions and execute the organization’s vision of creating the next wave of reforms to make Wisconsin free and prosperous for all.

“With over 15 years of combined experience in state government and WMC, Chris is a game changer for IRG and will be a valuable contributor to Wisconsin’s freedom infrastructure,” said C.J. Szafir, president of IRG. “Moving Wisconsin forward requires people who get results and Chris will help take IRG to the next level. It’s our goal to make Wisconsin the heart of the American dream, where all Wisconsin families have a voice and opportunity to succeed, and Chris will help us get one step closer to achieving that.”

While at WMC, Chris helped spearhead Wisconsin’s efforts to become the 25th right to work state, and led WMC’s efforts on workforce, HR, education, and healthcare policies. Prior to WMC, Chris spent nearly a decade in the Wisconsin State Legislature, most of that time as a top aide and Senate chief of staff for Rich Zipperer. In the legislature, Chris led an office that successfully advanced major policy initiatives, including tort reform, creating an earmark transparency report for the state budget, and calling for oversight hearings into federal stimulus spending after the great recession. Chris has a B.S. in political science and public administration from UW-Green Bay and he lives just outside Beaver Dam with his wife and two children. He can often be found fishing, running, or coaching tee ball.

“I am thrilled to join IRG to further their mission of developing creative policy solutions, engaging communities, and holding the government accountable,” said Chris Reader. “I am excited to see what we’ll be able to accomplish together for Wisconsin families and taxpayers. Together, we can bring the next wave of reforms to Wisconsin and help all families succeed and achieve the American dream.”

Chris can be reached at [email protected]

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