Divisions
DSPS includes five divisions and the Office of the Secretary. The divisions are Industry Services, Legal Services and Compliance, Management Services, Policy Development, and Professional Credential Processing. Find information about each division below.
Overview
The Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) issues and regulates more than 200 different occupational credentials. The agency is responsible for ensuring the safe and competent practice of licensed professionals in Wisconsin.
In addition, the department administers and enforces laws assuring safe and sanitary conditions in public and private buildings. It also offers policy assistance in evaluating and establishing new professional licensing programs, creating routine procedures for legal proceedings, and adjusting regulatory policies in response to public needs.
DSPS provides centralized administrative services to nearly 100 boards, councils, and advisory committees responsible for regulation of licensed occupations. Those board, councils, and advisory committees have varying levels of responsibility and oversight of professions based on statutory provisions.
DSPS Divisions
The Division of Industry Services (DIS) has various safety responsibilities.
The Bureau of Field Services performs inspections of commercial buildings, amusement rides, boilers, elevators, pressurized gas systems, and electrical systems. This bureau also performs plan reviews of elevators, boilers, and private onsite wastewater treatment systems, and it is responsible for auditing third party and municipal inspection agencies.
The Bureau of Technical Services performs commercial building, plumbing, and fire suppression plan review. This bureau is also responsible for administering the Uniform Dwelling Code program and the federal HUD Manufactured Housing program. In addition, it provides consultation and training to local building officials, as well as commercial and residential contractors.
The Administrative Services Section provides administrative support to internal and external stakeholders.
The Fire Prevention Program administers the state's 2% Fire Dues program and provides consultation, support, and training to more than 800 Wisconsin fire departments.
Branden Piper / Division of Industry Services Administrator
Branden Piper became DIS Administrator in March 2020 after nearly three years as a Bureau Director in the division.
He has extensive management experience in private sector telecommunications, including Charter/Spectrum, TDS Telecom and Frontier Communications.
The Janesville native also served eight years as an infantryman in the U.S. Army.
Branden is Six Sigma Black Belt certified and holds an MBA and MEng from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
The Division of Legal Services & Compliance (DLSC) provides legal services to DSPS and the regulatory boards it administers. The division investigates and advises on discipline of license holders for violations of professional regulations.
DLSC is also responsible for the complaint intake process, compliance monitoring, and a confidential program for credentialed professionals with substance abuse issues. In addition, the Division conducts business compliance inspections and financial audits.
Christine Blumauer / Division of Legal Services & Compliance Administrator
Christine Blumauer accepted an appointment as DLSC Administrator in January 2026. She previously served as Executive Director of Policy at the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) and has built her entire career towards improving public service delivery at the state level.
Christine holds a Public Affairs Master’s degree from Princeton University’s School of Public and International Affairs and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and European Studies from Sciences Po, Lille (France), and the University of Münster (Germany).
The Division of Performance Management (DPM) provides administrative services to the Office of the Secretary and all other DSPS divisions. These services include human resources, employment relations, affirmative action, payroll, planning, budget, accounting, information technology, safety, fleet management, and facilities management.
Melinda Boyle-Prior / Division of Performance Management Administrator
Melinda Boyle-Pryor started her tenure at DSPS in the Customer Service Center and worked her way up through the Division of Professional Credential Processing, where she served as a supervisor for five years before her promotion to DPM Administrator in 2025.
Melinda was instrumental in the implementation and launch of LicensE, the online licensing platform that has helped DSPS dramatically improve licensing efficiency.
The Division of Policy Development (DPD) provides administrative support and policy guidance to Wisconsin's professional regulatory boards and councils. DPD facilitates board meetings, serving as a liaison between the boards and the Department. The division also manages the administrative rule promulgation process for self-regulated professions.
DPD is responsible for administration of the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP).
Audra Cohen-Plata / Division of Policy Development Administrator
Audra Cohen-Plata joined DSPS in July 2024, first serving as Administrator for the Division of Performance Management before her appointment to Administrator for the Division of Policy Development in January 2025.
Audra had the privilege of working in the U.S. House of Representatives in various roles for more than a decade, most recently as a Constituent Services Manager. Her portfolio included the Departments of Defense, Veterans Affairs, and Education, as well as assisting those seeking federal grants. She previously served as a Unit Steward in the Congressional Workers Union and as President of the nonprofit Wisconsin Women in Government.
Audra earned a Master of Science from Edgewood College's School of Business in Organizational Leadership and Change. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with certificates in Global Cultures and European Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She completed a study abroad seminar in Rovinj, Croatia.
The Division of Professional Credential Processing (DPCP) is responsible for all credential application processing, including determination of credential eligibility and renewal.
The division is responsible for licensure, renewal, and verification of health, business, trades, and manufactured home owners/communities credentials. DPCP operates the Department's Customer Service Center and regulates of the state's Unarmed Combat Sports program.
Terri Treinen / Division of Professional Credential Processing Administrator
Terri Treinen was appointed DPCP Administrator in January 2025. She joined DSPS in May 2023 as Supervisor of the Credentialing Renewals and Customer Service Center teams, where she played a key role in improving operational efficiency and service delivery.
Before entering public service, Terri built a diverse career in the private sector, working in sales across multiple industries including pharmaceuticals and publishing.
Terri holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Policy and Administration from the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater and a Master of Business Administration from Edgewood College. A lifelong Wisconsin resident, she is the proud parent of two college-aged children.