David Lubar joined the La Follette School Board of Visitors in 2018. He brings over 30 years of experience serving on the boards of for-profit and nonprofit organizations.
Lubar is president and CEO of Lubar & Co., a Milwaukee-based family office and private investment firm. He joined Lubar & Co. in 1983 after graduating from Bowdoin College and working for six years as a commercial banker at Wells Fargo Bank in Minneapolis. Lubar & Co. invests in mid-sized businesses and builds them over the long term. Lubar’s expertise is partnering and collaborating with the operating company CEOs and senior management teams to develop and carry out strategic plans that produce growing revenues and earnings, quality products and services, and safe and rewarding employment and work environments. He has served as lead investor to more than 20 companies in a wide range of industries. In addition, Lubar has served as a director of Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance, BMO Financial Corp., Baird Funds Inc., and the Milwaukee Brewers, among other organizations.
Lubar’s approach to building for-profit businesses carries over to his role on nonprofit boards and his work with the La Follette School. “La Follette is a gem on the UW–Madison campus,” says Lubar “Susan Yackee is an outstanding director and leader who is recruiting world-class professors and lecturers, increasing enrollment, and broadening the breadth and scope of academic classes and research. It’s inspiring to witness the accomplishments of the La Follette students and see how they use their knowledge, skills, and experience in public affairs to improve the lives of so many in our state, region, and country.”
Board members help the La Follette School identify resources that can enhance its stature and standing, provide assistance in fundraising, provide career advice and assistance to students, and act as goodwill ambassadors for the school.