Officers
Secretary
Originally from Pulaski, WI, Jeanne graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point with a BS degree in Elementary Education. Jeanne retired from the Beaver Dam Unified School District in 2014 after teaching first grade for thirty six years. During her career she was on various district committees, ran the Hoops Mentoring Program which connected elementary students with high school athletes, and spent 14 years helping coordinate the Beaver Dam Youth Sports Camp.
As a member of the Beaver Dam Education Association she served as building representative, elementary liaison to the superintendent, was a member of the representative assembly, and served on the negotiation team for several years. Jeanne is currently an active member of the Dodge County Area Retired Education Association and WREA.
She and her husband Chuck live in Beaver Dam, WI. They are the proud parents of two daughters, a son-in-law, and a granddaughter. In their free time Jeanne and Chuck enjoy traveling, watching sports, attending concerts, and spending time with family.
President
Diane is originally from Gilman, Wisconsin, a small farming community in Taylor County. After graduation she attended UW-Eau Claire where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree as a teacher of German and Sociology.
She received her Master Degree from Marian University and Doctorate from Cardinal Stritch University. She spent her whole career with the Sheboygan Area School District – 20 years as a teacher and almost 20 years as an administrator. She retired in 2011 as the Assistant Superintendent of Student and Instructional Services.
Retirement was great and she enjoyed volunteering at her church, the local Historical Museum and various other non-profit agencies. However, she found another calling. In April, 2016, she accepted the position as Executive Director for the Wisconsin Retired Educators’ Association.
Diane has a son who is married and living in Oshkosh. She has two adorable grandchildren, ages 3 and 10 months. In her “spare” time she likes to read, travel, and do needlework.
Vice-President
Bob is a retired Civil and Environmental Engineer from the Department of Natural Resources. He retired at the end of 2008 after 33 years working in the field of wastewater treatment with an emphasis on organic solids reuse and in water supply with an emphasis on water treatment. Bob primarily worked in the Central office of the DNR but also worked for 5 years at the South Central Regional office.
After starting with the DNR he became active in the engineering bargaining unit and the State Engineering Association. While an officer in SEA, he recommended that SEA hire a consultant to keep watch on retirement and insurance issues being considered at the capitol. Since he retired, Bob has served in that position for SEA. As such, Bob attends meetings of the WiCOA, the Group Insurance Board, Employee Trust Fund Board and SWIB on behalf of SEA and reports on activities of interest to SEA for current members and annuitants.
Bob was born in West Bend, WI, and attended the UW-Madison College of Engineering, as did his father and brother. He also completed a degree from the College of Agriculture in Natural Resources. Basically, he never left Madison once he arrived.
Treasurer
Willie retired in 2016 after 40 years in Respiratory Therapy at University Hospital and Clinics (UWHC) in Madison. He worked in the Trauma Center for 5 years, then managed the equipment and supply side of RT. He was also involved in new construction and remodeling projects at UWHC.
He joined AFSCME Local 171 in 1978 and soon became Treasurer. He helped AFSCME Local 1942 get up and running when UWHC became a Public Authority July 1, 1996. He was its first Treasurer and authored its bylaws and constitution. He was on the Bargaining team for 8 years and Treasurer for the last 16 years before he retired. He served on the Council 24 State Employees Board 5 years, 3 as Treasurer. He is a longtime delegate to South Central Federation of Labor.
Willie was born in New London, WI then came to Madison to attend the UW and never left. He has lived on Madison’s west side since 1985 with his wife Diane. They have 3 children and 2 grandchildren. He enjoys traveling, gardening, volunteering, walking and cards, especially Sheepshead. He is committed to the environment and is treasurer of 350 Madison, Inc.