“We Succeed as a Whole”: Meet the new Sauk County Development Corporation Director

We had a chance to interview the new Sauk County Development Corporation (SCDC) Director, Thomas Cox, to learn more about what he’s witnessed since his arrival in Sauk County and to get to know his leadership style better. SCDC has a permanent position on the Sauk County Institute of Leadership Board of Directors, and Thomas filled that role with his new position.

You've been in Sauk County for a few months now, what have you noticed/witnessed about our economic vitality?

I think the first thing that struck me was how lucky we are in this county in terms of our economic diversity. Each city, town or village brings something different to the table. From the arts and performances to vibrant tourist destinations, the county really does have a wonderful economic diversity, which only helps promote a stronger and hopefully sustainable vitality in years to come. 

And to follow that up, what have you noticed about Sauk County's workforce needs?

The workforce needs here are not that different from everywhere else in the world right now. After the 2020 changes, we have seen a decreased workforce participation rate and that is down to a multitude of factors. I believe that is my role to help businesses and workers alike find their purpose within work. Why does what they do matter? Once people find this we see huge changes in workforce attrition rates and the overall participation rates. Another thing I have noticed, which I think is fantastic, is the willingness of the educational partners in the county to step up and look at what we may need next. The school district, the post secondary offerings and the other workforce participation partners are doing a fantastic job. 

How do you see the Sauk County Institute of Leadership Program filling those needs?

Leadership is not just a skill that leadership positions need. It is a cross disciplinary skill and the more that we can attract people to go through the fantastic SCIL program, the better places we will be as a community to take the strides forward that we will need in the future. 

You've got your observations, tools, and personal leadership style that you bring to Sauk County. How do you deploy them in a way that isn't jarring to the many factions that you have to answer to?

Well, I hope I can do that. I think like most of us out there I have done a number of those personality tests, strength finders, DISC assessments etc., and I can always take something new from them, but ultimately my leadership style is one that believes we succeed as a whole. I cannot do this work alone, so the stronger, better informed and educated my team and in turn, their teams are, the better the work we will produce. Throw in a little humor and a need to lighten the mood to put people at ease, and you probably have me as a leader in a nutshell.

You can read more about Thomas and our other Board Members by clicking here.