NASCA Press Release: Diana Maas Announced as 20 Under 40 Award Recipient

For Immediate Release
May 22, 2025

Contact: Elizabeth Whitehouse, Executive Director, executivedirector@nasca.org

NASCA Press Release: Diana Maas Announced as 20 Under 40 Award Recipient

Madison, WI — The National Association of State Chief Administrators (NASCA) proudly announces Diana Maas, Assistant Deputy Secretary at the Wisconsin Department of Administration (DOA), as a NASCA 2025 20 Under 40 Award winner. This prestigious award recognizes 20 outstanding individuals from across the country for their exceptional contributions to state government.

Since her appointment in December 2023, Maas has served as a vital member of the executive leadership team at Wisconsin’s flagship agency. She oversees stakeholder engagement, legislative relations, internal and external communications, and several critical program areas, including the Divisions of Intergovernmental Relations, Gaming, Environmental Justice, and Energy, Housing, and Community Resources.

Maas brings extensive experience from her roles in transportation communications, legislative affairs, and corporate government relations to public service. She previously worked on Capitol Hill, where she played a role in honoring Wisconsin-born First Lieutenant Alonzo Cushing with a posthumous Medal of Honor, 150 years after his heroic acts at the Battle of Gettysburg during the Civil War.

DOA Secretary Kathy Blumenfeld reflected on Maas’ profound achievements in state government.

“Diana has proven to be a trusted partner and often provides remarks on behalf of the agency and the administration at public groundbreaking and ribbon cutting events, celebrating the impact that millions in grant dollars are having in communities across Wisconsin. This outreach strengthens partnerships between state, local, and community organizations and connects the dots between agencies and the work of the Governor.”

Maas graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with degrees in political science and communication arts. She remains engaged with the campus community and continues to mentor students, shaping the next generation of leaders.

Founded in 1976, NASCA is the nation’s only nonpartisan, nonprofit organization serving chief administrative officers or CAOs. NASCA provides a forum for state chief administrative officers to exchange information and learn new ideas from each other and private sector partners. NASCA engages states in transforming government operations through shared knowledge, operational excellence, and thought leadership.

For more information on NASCA, please visit NASCA.org.