Former Waukesha County’s Dwyer Receives Top Honors with “Friend of County Government” Award

“Incredible Supporter of Counties”

For his longtime dedication to county government in Wisconsin, former Waukesha County Board Chairman James Dwyer has been named the 2012 recipient of the Wisconsin Counties Association’s (WCA) “Friend of County Government.”

 

The award, the highest given by the association annually, is given to an individual who has performed exemplary service on behalf of Wisconsin’s 72 counties. Mr. Dwyer was honored as the 2012 winner on September 24, 2012 at the WCA Annual Conference in La Crosse County, where close to 1,000 county officials from around the state were in attendance.

 

“Over the years, Jim Dwyer has been an incredible supporter of counties and the taxpayers of this state and his dedication to making our state a stronger place to work and live is greatly appreciated and recognized,” said WCA Executive Director Mark D. O’Connell. “His service to not only the citizens of Waukesha County, but the rest of Wisconsin over his long career, truly impacted this state and we are proud to recognize him with this honor.”

 

Jim Dwyer served as the Waukesha County Board chair from 1994-2012 and on the board from 1992-2012. He served on the WCA Board of Directors from 1994-2012 and was president of the association from 1997-1998. During his tenure on the WCA Board, he also served as the secretary-treasurer and the National Association of Counties (NACo) representative for WCA.

 

In addition, he was a member of the Waukesha County Criminal Justice Collaborating Council from 2002 to 2012, the Waukesha County Economic Development Corporation board from 1994 to 2012, the Waukesha County Community Development Block Grant board from 1998 to 2000 and the Supreme Court Planning and Policy Advisory Committee (PPAC) from 2003 to 2012

 

“Jim proved that he not only understands the “big picture” issues affecting the counties and the courts, but also that he knows how to implement good ideas at the local level,” said Chief Justice Shirley S. Abrahamson. “As a result of Jim’s work over the years, both the courts and the counties are much better off. The courts have a better understanding of the counties and the counties have a better understanding of the courts. In other words, Jim helped bring us together to work better for the benefit of all. This is an award he not only deserves, but also an award he has truly earned.”