James Bond
James Bond serves as the Secretary-designee for the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs. He is the chief advocate for more than 330,000 veterans in Wisconsin and their families. As Secretary, he is responsible for the leadership and management of the WDVA, including strategic and long-range planning initiatives that will align with the department's vision.
Since joining the department in 2010, James has served as Administrator of the Divisions of Veterans Benefits and Veterans Services, overseeing many of the department's programs, benefits and services. He also served from 2019-2023 as the Deputy Secretary for the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs and was responsible for day-to-day operations, as well as directing and coordinating the Department's strategic planning and program development.
Prior to employment with the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs, James was employed by the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development as Deputy Division Administrator in the Divisions of Employment and Training and Family Supports, and as Bureau Director of Management Services, in the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation.
James received his Bachelor of Science and Masters of Science degrees from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. He served on active duty in the United States Marine Corps from 1983 through 1988 with assignments at home and abroad.
James lives in Madison with his husband, Todd, and their two sons.