General counsel for review board returning to private sector

Listen to this article

The general counsel for the three-person, independent body that reviews workers’ compensation, equal rights and jobless-benefits decisions is returning to the private sector.

Maria Gonzalez Knavel, is leaving the Labor and Industry Review Commission to be assistant general counsel for SSM Health, which operates several hospitals in southeast Wisconsin.

Walker appointed Knavel, a retired partner and health care attorney at Foley & Lardner, to the position last year. Her last day is Friday, and she begins her position at SSM in July.

Knavel, who graduated from Marquette University Law School in 1993, said Wednesday that she’s enjoyed her time in public service and has enjoyed working with the commission.

Knavel’s departure comes after a budget-writing panel of lawmakers rejected Walker’s proposal to eliminate the Labor and Industry Review Commission.

Her departure also leaves a second position vacant within the independent agency. Commissioner Bill Jordahl stepped down in January to work as executive assistant to the chairman of the Public Service Commission.