After a four year tour with Epic Systems, former Madison Mayor Paul Soglin has left the medical-software behemoth to become a consultant on government relations, strategic planning and related matters.
"Because of my unique balance of public and private experience, I anticipate working with both public and private sector clients, helping them make the best strategic and tactical decisions," Soglin said in a letter to potential clients.
Soglin, 62, served two tours as Madison mayor and narrowly lost a third turn as chief executive in 2003. He subsequently began working for fast-growing Epic as an administrator and project manager.
In an interview Tuesday night, Soglin said he decided to leave Epic because he wanted to go into business by himself. He noted he'll work part-time for the Verona software firm for the next three months and may continue as a consultant after that.
"Epic was the first big company I've worked for, and that gave me a lot of new insights into management," said Soglin, whose private sector work over the years has included lawyering, real estate and financial services.
While the former mayor said he intends to consult on government relations, he's unsure if he'll register as a lobbyist. "I don't want to, but I may have to," he said, noting that he's been carefully reviewing city, county, state and school regulations on lobbying.
"I have absolutely no interest in making public appearance or to do that kind of representation," he said. "But there may be situations where I will want to talk to someone [in government] to get their insight on certain programs."
He added: "Just to be safe I may register."
Though Soglin lost both his last mayoral try and an earlier congressional bid, he remains an influential voice in civic affairs. He's been a strong advocate for comprehensive programs to deal with the problems of "disconnected youth," and his blog, Waxing America, which deals mostly with politics and public policy, remains a must-read for local politicos.
