Cieslewicz Names Joel Plant to Mayoral Aide Position

Madison - Mayor Dave Cieslewicz today announced that Joel Plant will be joining his staff. Plant currently serves as the Alcohol Policy Coordinator in a position jointly funded by the City of Madison and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. "Joel will be a very strong addition to our team," said Mayor Cieslewicz. "He is a problem-solver with a remarkable talent for bringing together people with a diverse range of views to resolve difficult issues. Joel played a central role in the development of last year's successful Halloween celebration, and will bring that consensus-building approach to a wide range of issues in our office." Plant, 29, has served as the Alcohol Policy Coordinator since 2005. Plant previously worked as a crime analyst with the Tempe, Arizona Police Department, an instructor and adjunct professor at Arizona State and Rio Salado College, and as a researcher with the Center for Problem-Oriented Policing. He holds a Bachelor's degree from Marquette University, an MS from Arizona State and a JD from UW-Madison "I am honored and excited to serve as an aide to Mayor Cieslewicz," Plant said. "As the Alcohol Policy Coordinator, I have had the pleasure of working with a wide variety of individuals and organizations throughout our community and am continually impressed by their uniform desire to make and keep Madison a vibrant and livable city. I look forward to being involved in a broad range of issues affecting the city and am pleased to continue serving the Madison community." Plant and his wife Margo, a teacher at Hawthorne Elementary, live in Madison with their son Milo. He will transition to his new position in the mayor's office in the coming months. Rebecca Cnare will continue to serve in the mayor's office on an interim basis during the transition period. A search for a new Alcohol Policy Coordinator will begin soon. Plant replaces Jeanne Hoffman, who is joining the City Engineering Department as the Facilities and Sustainability Manager. "While I will miss Jeanne in the mayor's office, I am glad that city government will continue to have the benefit of her expertise and leadership," said Mayor Cieslewicz. "Improving sustainability and efficiency in city government is one of my top priorities, and Jeanne will be a passionate and effective leader in that effort."