Commending Dan Brattset For 20 Years Of Service To The People Of Sauk County

Background: It is the custom of the Sauk County Board of Supervisors to recognize staff members who have served the people of Sauk County with distinction.  Dan faithfully served the people of Sauk County for the Sauk County Human Service Department.  Dan started on August 28, 2001 as the Outpatient Manager overseeing mental health, substance abuse, and crisis services. On February 10, 2003 he began as the Deputy Director, and lastly as the agency’s Director for the past five years starting on April 2, 2016.  Dan served in his leadership roles with character.  He didn’t just talk the talk, but led through example, guided by his values and principles.  Dan encouraged innovation, creative solutions to difficult problems, and flexibility in meeting the needs of the consumers and the community.  He wholeheartedly believed in doing the right thing even in the face of limited resources.  Dan worked hard to break down agency silos and improve collaboration and communication amongst staff.  He used his gift of storytelling to support and guide his leadership team.  Dan believed in creating a trauma-informed agency and was instrumental in the development of inclusive, strengths based, trauma sensitive policies and practices.  Dan demonstrated exemplary leadership during the course of the COVID-19 pandemic.  He was a calm and steady presence in a time of great uncertainty and will always be remembered for the way he steered the agency through such a tumultuous time.  Dan’s dedication, knowledge, advocacy and sense of humor will be greatly missed by those who had the honor to work with him.   

Dan has provided 20 years of dedicated care and professional services for the Sauk County Human Services Department.