About Us

Governor Scott Walker

Economic Impact Report

Governor Scott Walker signed the 2011-13 state budget, creating the new Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) – formed by combining the Department of Regulation and Licensing and parts of the Department of Commerce.

The Department of Safety and Professional Services is responsible for ensuring the safe and competent practice of licensed professionals in Wisconsin. The department also administers and enforces laws to assure safe and sanitary conditions in public and private buildings. It provides administrative services to the state occupational regulatory authorities responsible for regulation of occupations and offers policy assistance in such areas as evaluating and establishing new professional licensing programs, creating routine procedures for legal proceedings, and adjusting policies in response to public needs.

The Department is organized into five divisions and the Office of the Secretary. The divisions are Policy Development, Management Services, Legal Services & Compliance, Credential Processing, and Industry Services.

The Department licenses and regulates more than 200 different types of credentials. The agency also provides centralized administrative services to nearly 100 boards, councils, and advisory committees. The boards, councils, and advisory committees have varying levels of responsibility and professional oversight based on statutory provisions.

Click here to view the DSPS Economic Footprint report and learn more about how the Department effects business and economic growth in Wisconsin.

Secretary Dave Ross		Born and raised in Superior, Wisconsin, Secretary Dave Ross graduated from Superior Senior High School in 1970 and received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin-Superior. Dave grew up in a small business family and was self-employed for over 20 years in an upholstery business. He knows the hard work it takes to run a business and is keenly aware of the importance of a reasonable tax and regulatory climate. Secretary Ross joined Governor Scott Walker’s cabinet as the Secretary of the Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) in January 2011. DSPS licenses more than 200 professional fields and houses over 70 boards and councils. The Department also includes the Division of Industry Services, formerly the Department of Commerce, which protects the safety, health, and welfare of Wisconsin’s residents through professional oversight of trades professionals and their projects. Prior to coming to DSPS, Secretary Ross served as the Mayor of Superior for 8 years. Secretary Ross was married in 1973 to his wife, Lynn, and together they have four daughters and 15 grandchildren.

Deputy Secretary
Eric Esser

Eric Esser was appointed Deputy Secretary of the Department of Safety and Professional Services in January 2016.

Eric is originally from Waunakee, WI and graduated from Edgewood College with a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice.

Eric previously served as Assistant Deputy Secretary of the department. Prior to joining the Department of Safety and Professional Services, Eric worked in the offices of State Senator Alan Lasee from 2005-2011 and State Senator Alberta Darling from 2004-2005. He also served on the Waunakee Community School District Board of Education from 2008-2011. Eric served as the Director of Gubernatorial Appointments in the Office of Governor Scott Walker from 2011-2015.

Assistant Deputy Secretary
Jeff Weigand

Jeff Weigand was appointed Assistant Deputy Secretary of the Department of Safety and Professional Services in January 2016.

A lifelong resident of Wisconsin, Jeff grew up the son of a Carpenter where he developed a fond appreciation for the construction industry. Besides spending time with his wife and son, he thoroughly enjoys remodeling his home and working on other woodworking projects.

Jeff has worked at DSPS in numerous capacities since 2012. Prior to joining DSPS, he worked for three years at the State Capitol as a Legislative Aide to Senator Glenn Grothman and Senator Joe Leibham.