Michael Haas named to head new Wisconsin elections agency

MADISON — Wisconsin's new elections commission has appointed a new administrator to supervise state elections and lead its staff.

The commission approved hiring Michael Haas as its administrator. Haas currently works as the state Government Accountability Board's Elections Division administrator. He now becomes Wisconsin's top elections official.

Gov. Scott Walker signed a law last year eliminating the GAB on June 29 and replacing it with an elections commission and an ethics commission.

The GAB announced Haas' appointment Friday. He'll make $120,000 per year. GAB spokesman Reid Magney said he didn't immediately know Haas' current salary or whether the commission considered anyone else. He said the panel made the hiring decision in closed session.

Haas will begin work in his new position June 30. His appointment is subject to state Senate confirmation.