In May 2026, Director of Strategic Initiatives Lisa Ellinger (MPA ’03) retired from La Follette after an illustrious career as a public servant that spanned a variety of public policy sectors. Since returning to her alma mater in 2019, Ellinger has been instrumental in helping La Follette expand its outreach mission, bring its forthcoming undergraduate major in public policy to life, and pave the way for the school to transform Music Hall into its new home in 2029. Ellinger previously served as vice president of public policy for the Wisconsin Hospital Association and led the Office of Strategic Health Policy at the Wisconsin Department of Employee Trust Funds.
You already had an accomplished career before returning to work for your alma mater in 2019. What drew you to finish out your career with La Follette?
I was inspired by La Follette Director Susan Yackee’s vision for La Follette’s future and the significant $10 million investment US Senator Herb Kohl made in the school in 2019. Susan and Senator Kohl both saw the vast potential in this “small but mighty” program and I was thrilled to join them in this adventure. As someone who spent most of my career in the public sector, I was excited by the prospect of creating an undergraduate major and expanding our scope to educate more students about careers in public policy. I was also excited to help raise our profile to increase the public’s awareness of the importance public policy plays in our everyday lives.
What are some of the most rewarding projects you worked on or accomplishments you’re most proud of?
Shepherding the effort to get the undergraduate major approved was very rewarding. Being part of the team designing the future home of the La Follette School at Music Hall on Bascom Hill was very meaningful and is a true highlight of my career. It means a lot to me that I will be able to visit Kohl Hall on campus and know that I played a role in it becoming a reality. I also really enjoyed working with our talented faculty and phenomenal Board of Visitors, and helping to advance our development efforts to support our future growth.
What will you remember most about your time working at the La Follette School?
The announcement earlier this year of the $30 million gift from Herb Kohl Philanthropies and the Music Hall Building project was a magical evening. I have been incredibly lucky to have had so many wonderful experiences and memories in my career, but this was truly the perfect way to cap it off.
What drew you to La Follette as a student and how do you think your graduate education helped prepare you for a wide-ranging career across many sectors?
I started at La Follette when working as a legislative staffer at the State Capitol. I married a La Follette alum and interacted with many of our alumni professionally, giving me a deep appreciation for the value and relevance of a La Follette education for my career interests. The broad skills developed at La Follette prepare students to evaluate and analyze issues strategically, and positioned me to take on a wide variety of professional roles.
What are you looking forward to in retirement?
I am fortunate to have an amazing community of family and friends, and spending time with the people who mean the most to me is my top priority. I know that travel will also be a big part of this next chapter.
How does it feel to know that you helped steward your alma mater through an unprecedented and transformational era?
It has been deeply meaningful to be part of the remarkable transformation the School has undergone during my time here, and a true privilege to serve my alma mater at such a pivotal moment in its history. The La Follette School has given me so much and has been such a large part of my professional life. Giving back to the school in this way and at this time was the perfect end to my career. On, Wisconsin!