Politics
Evers appoints BMO executive Aaron Towns to state economic development board
Gov. Tony Evers has appointed Aaron Towns, a BMO Financial Group commercial banking director, to the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation’s board. Towns fills a vacancy left by John Brogan’s resignation.
MADISON, Wis. — Gov. Tony Evers has appointed Aaron Towns to the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation’s Board of Directors, bringing a banking and technology executive into a key role overseeing the state’s economic development efforts.
Towns’ appointment fills a seat vacated by John Brogan, who resigned from the board. Evers announced the appointment Sept. 23, 2026.
Towns has more than two decades of experience in finance, operations and technology. Since 2013, he has served as director of commercial banking for Wisconsin at BMO Financial Group, where he has worked on commercial banking, economic development partnerships, innovation initiatives and strategic relationships with clients across the state.
“Aaron is a respected member of the business community and brings a wealth of experience from a variety of sectors,” Evers said in a statement. “The work of this board is critical to advancing the prosperity of Wisconsin’s booming business community, and I believe Aaron and the expertise he brings to the table will be an excellent addition to the board moving forward.”
Towns said he plans to use his background in finance, innovation and economic development to connect Wisconsin businesses, workers and communities with opportunities for growth.
“I am honored to be appointed by Gov. Evers to the WEDC Board of Directors and grateful for the opportunity to serve Wisconsin,” Towns said. “Our state has extraordinary people, businesses, ideas and resources. I look forward to bringing my experience in finance, innovation and economic development to help connect these strengths, expand opportunity, and strengthen Wisconsin’s economy and communities.”
The WEDC board plays a central role in guiding the state’s economic development organization as it works with businesses and communities on investment, expansion and job-growth initiatives. Towns’ appointment adds a private-sector banking perspective to that work as the board addresses the state’s economic priorities.