Wisconsin Appointed New Facilities Development Leader
The state has tapped an internal veteran to lead the division managing its multibillion-dollar building project portfolio.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in People
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The Wisconsin Department of Administration has appointed RJ Binau as the new administrator of the Division of Facilities Development and secretary of the State Building Commission. Binau succeeds Naomi De Mers, who led the division for nearly eight years.
Why it matters
This transition shifts leadership over the state's significant capital construction pipeline at a time when Wisconsin is actively approving hundreds of millions in new infrastructure projects.
The outgoing administrator oversaw a project portfolio valued at $7.6 billion, while the state commission recently approved $374 million in new building projects. The incoming leader brings 24 years of state experience, including 19 years within the State Building Program.
The players
RJ Binau
The new administrator of the Wisconsin Division of Facilities Development with 24 years of state government experience.
Naomi De Mers
The former administrator who managed a $7.6 billion portfolio over a tenure spanning nearly eight years.
Tony Evers
The Governor of Wisconsin who oversees the state's capital building project approvals.
The details
RJ Binau steps into the role after serving as the division's deputy administrator, providing continuity for the state's ongoing construction and facility management operations. He will manage the interface between the Department of Administration and the State Building Commission, which approves project funding and design standards. Naomi De Mers, who spent over three decades in the state program, will remain on the division team.
Timeline
2017: Binau served as acting secretary of the State Building Commission.
August 2026: The state approved $374 million in new building projects.
October 8, 2026: The Department of Administration announced the appointment.
Market Landscape
This appointment marks a change in leadership for the Wisconsin State Building Program, which dictates construction standards and project funding for the state. The move follows a period of high-volume capital investment, including the recent approval of $374 million in projects.
Operators working on state-funded infrastructure projects should track potential shifts in administrative workflows or communication channels under the new leadership. Review current project status and pending filings to ensure compliance with existing mandates during the transition period.
The takeaway
Leadership transitions in state construction offices often signal shifts in oversight intensity or administrative priority. Businesses should monitor upcoming State Building Commission agendas to identify changes in project approval criteria or procurement standards.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest leadership changes across the state in our People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Daily Reporter - WI Construction News & Bids.
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Do you trust that new leadership in your state building commission will improve construction project oversight?
