He worked for the
Ansul Chemical Company of
Marinette, Wisconsin, which specialized in making
fire retardant chemicals. Higley eventually became the company's president (1938–48) and chairman of the board. Higley was also active in politics and veteran's affairs. He joined the
American Legion and served as Wisconsin State Commander from 1941 to 1942. From 1947 to 1953, he was chairman of the
Republican Party of
Wisconsin. In July 1953, President
Dwight D. Eisenhower appointed Higley to be the
Administrator of Veterans Affairs, where he helped to establish
Veterans Day as a federal holiday. ==Later life and demise==