Administrative Team

Matt Giese

Matt Giese, Village Administrator


Matt serves as the Village Administrator. Matt was appointed as Village Administrator in 2011 and is responsible for managing the Village's day-to-day operations. The Village Administrator reports to the Village Board. The Administrator also serves as the Personnel Director. 

  • Education: Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from UW-Madison and a Master's in Public Administration from UW-Milwaukee.
  • Experience: Village Administrator (2011 - present); City Administrator, City of Viroqua, WI (2009 - 2011); Assistant City Administrator, City of Viroqua, WI (2007 - 2009)
JJ Larson

JJ Larson, Deputy Administrator / Director of Public Works & Communications


JJ serves as the Deputy Administrator / Director of Public Works & Utilities. JJ joined the Village of Cottage Grove in 2015. As the Deputy Administrator, JJ is responsible for providing professional support to the Administration, Planning & Development, Finance, and Clerks Department. The Deputy Administrator is responsible for managing the Village's day-to-day operations in the Administrator's absence. As Director of Public Works & Utilities, JJ is responsible for directing and administering the activities of the Public Works Department, especially for the long-term strategic planning of the department.

  • Education: Bachelor of Arts in Political Science & History from UW-Madison and a Master's in Public Administration from Upper Iowa University. 
  • Experience: Deputy Administrator / Director of Public Works (2021 - Present); Director of Public Works (2015 - 2021); Maintenance Supervisor, City of Madison Water Utility (2013 - 2015); Operations Lead worker, City of Madison Water Utility (2012 - 2013); Equipment Operator 1, City of Madison Water Utility (2002 - 2012); Public Works Maintenance Worker 2 (2000 - 2002).