Deputy Secretary Maria Van Hoorn

Deputy Secretary Maria Van Hoorn is an experienced organizational management professional who joined the Wisconsin Department of Tourism as Deputy Secretary in October 2021. Van Hoorn leads the Department of Tourism’s operations, drawing upon her experience in government administration, where she oversaw more than $60 million in contracts in Milwaukee County and managed operations for 195 state government employees. Van Hoorn brings her versatile skill set in organizational management, contract and grant management, marketing and policy analysis, and customer experience to agencies to lead impact-driven change and advance strategic priorities.        

Early in her career, she worked in some of the most quintessential Wisconsin venues, including a supper club, Eau Claire hotel and even Lambeau Field. Those hospitality experiences taught her valuable lessons about being people-focused, which she has applied as an experienced manager in the government and nonprofit sectors.

Van Hoorn holds a master’s degree in political science with an emphasis on public service/nonprofit management from Marquette University and a bachelor’s degree in international relations from St. Norbert College. She serves as the Village of Shorewood’s Human Relations Commissioner and Chair of the Policy Subcommittee. She resides in Shorewood with her husband and two daughters. You can find them spending as much time as they can outdoors – hiking, biking and relaxing on the shores of Lake Michigan and the Northwoods lakes, enjoying Milwaukee’s vibrant neighborhoods and cultural amenities, and frequenting local farms and businesses for delicious food.