Biography

Jennifer Shilling, her husband Chris, and sons Nathan and Zachary live in La Crosse where she is a member of the Wesley United Methodist Church. An active member of the La Crosse community since she was a student at UW-La Crosse, Jennifer has served as a La Crosse County Supervisor and was elected to the State Assembly in 2000. Prior to being elected, she worked as a legislative aide in Madison as well as a Congressional aide in the La Crosse office of Congressman Ron Kind.

Representative Shilling has served on the Legislature's Joint Committee on Finance, as well as committees dealing with colleges and universities, financial institutions, health services, insurance, and workforce development.  She continues to be heavily involved in these issues and is also a member of the Wisconsin Technology Council Board of Directors.

In addition to her work in the Assembly and as a mother of two, Jennifer is very involved in the La Crosse community. She serves on the UW-La Crosse Alumni Association Board of Directors the UW- La Crosse Chancellor’s Community Council, the Viterbo University Board of Advisors, the Family and Children’s Center Community Board, the La Crosse County League of Women Voters, and volunteers for the United Way. She is also a founding member and co-chair of the La Crosse Area Dental Care Advocacy Coalition, which is dedicated to increasing access to dental care for all Wisconsin residents.

Jennifer is also the recipient of numerous awards, including:

• the 2010 Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters Conservation Champion Award,
• the 2010 La Crosse Area Development Corporation Triangle of Achievement Award,
• the 2010 UW-La Crosse Student Association Advocate of the Year Award,
• the 2010 Wisconsin Counties Association Friend of County Government Award,
• the 2010 Ken Kolb Great Kids Start With You Award,
• the 2009 UW-La Crosse Alumni Association Rada Distinguished Alumni Award,
• the 2009 Cancer Control Champion Award from the Wisconsin Cancer Council,
• the 2007 Wisconsin Dental Association President's Award of Honor,
• the 2007 Independent Living Legislative Advocacy Award,
• the 2006 Gaylord Nelson Human Services Award from the Wisconsin Community Action Program Association,
• the 2006 Scales of Justice Award from the State Bar Association, and
• the 2003 Phi Delta Kappa Education Award for Lay Contributor of the Year