Preceded by David Helbach Party Democratic Party Spouse Sue Shibilski | Name Kevin Shibilski Political party Democratic Succeeded by Julie Lassa | |
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Born June 28, 1961 (age 62)
Stevens Point, Wisconsin, U.S. ( 1961-06-28 ) Residence Merrill, Wisconsin, U.S. Profession Public servant, Businessman Education Stevens Point Area Senior High School | ||
Kevin Shibilski (born June 28, 1961) is a businessman, investment banker, and former Democratic State Senator from Wisconsin's 24th District. He previously served as the Register of Deeds, representing Portage County, Wisconsin. He also served on the Portage County Board of Supervisors and as Wisconsin’s Secretary of Tourism.
Contents
- Early life education and career
- Wisconsin Legislature
- Cabinet Secretary and later career
- US Congressional election
- References
Early life, education, and career
Born in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, Shibilski graduated from Stevens Point Area Senior High School and went on to graduate with a B.A. in English from the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point. He is or has been a member of the Izaak Walton League, Wisconsin Bowhunters Association, Whitetails Unlimited, Tomorrow River Lions Club, Ducks Unlimited, Portage County Red Cross board of directors, and Portage County United Way. Shibilski served in the Portage County Board of Supervisors 1928-1987. He then served as Register of Deeds of Portage County 1987-1995.
Wisconsin Legislature
Shibilski served as a member of the Wisconsin State Senate from 1995 to 2002. While in the state senate, the Wisconsin Education Association Council recognized Kevin numerous times for his work improving education in Wisconsin. A longtime steward of the environment, Kevin authored Wisconsin’s Mining Moratorium Law (1997, Senate Bill 3). He has received numerous awards for outstanding commitment to conservation, including acknowledgment as an outstanding conservation and environmental leader by the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation, and recognition from the Nature Conservancy for dedication to conservation issues. He led the fight to reauthorize the Stewardship Fund in 2000 to protect valuable natural areas, wildlife habitat, water quality, and fisheries. As a state senator, he authored the Labor Education Bill and the repeal of the Quality Economic Offer (signed in 2009). And, in recognition of his commitment and service in combating poverty, he earned the Gaylord Nelson Human Services Award in 2000.
Cabinet Secretary and later career
Shibilski was appointed as Wisconsin's Secretary of Tourism in 2003. One of his first acts as secretary was to declare a "no snow emergency" when the state experienced a particularly poor winter snow season, dramatically impacting the state's economy.}. He stepped down later that year to become Vice President of Wisconsin Public Finance for Stifel, Nicolaus and Company. Shibilski left banking in 2009 to focus on various businesses throughout the country that he owns with his wife Sue. In addition to their business ventures, they have created some of the largest conservation easements in North Central Wisconsin worth millions of dollars. Kevin and Sue spend much of their free time hunting and fishing, and both are longtime Northwoods hunting guides.
U.S. Congressional election
In 2010 Shibilski seriously considered a run against Republican nominee Sean Duffy for Wisconsin's 7th congressional district, then held by retiring Dave Obey. Duffy went on to defeat Shibilski's successor in the state senate Julie Lassa with a strong showing in the November 2010 general election.
Shibilski was reported to have considered a run for the 7th congressional district in 2012 as well.