The La Follette School is excited to announce new Board of Visitors member JoAnne Anton, who officially joined the board in April after serving as Senator Herb Kohl’s designee since 2015. Anton is director of giving for Herb Kohl Philanthropies where she works to advance the former U.S. Senator and businessman’s philanthropic goals, investments, and community involvement.
Anton is passionate about supporting education initiatives including the work of the La Follette School. She has played a vital role in the stewardship of the Kohl Initiative gift, a $10 million donation aimed at expanding the La Follette School’s public outreach mission, advancing the training of future public leaders, and supporting influential research by faculty and students.
Prior to her role at Herb Kohl Philanthropies, Anton served as state director in Sen. Kohl’s office for nearly 20 years. She also served as special assistant in the City of Milwaukee Office of the Mayor. Through these roles and as a small business owner and community partner to many organizations and boards, Anton has more than 25 years of public, private, and non-profit sector experience.
“Senator Kohl has demonstrated a deep commitment to education and good government throughout his time in office and now, through his philanthropy,” said Anton. “Having spent my career in public service, it is a privilege to work on his behalf to translate that commitment into action by supporting the La Follette School and the next generation of well-prepared public servants.”
Since 2015, the La Follette School Board of Visitors has played an important part in providing guidance to the school. The board is comprised of business partners and other collaborators representing the public and private sectors who are interested in seeing the La Follette School succeed. Many thanks to Anton for sharing her expertise with the school.