Meet MaryAnn
MaryAnn knows rural communities and public policy from numerous perspectives because she’s lived it! Combine that with enthusiasm and a positive can-do attitude …….
After growing up in the city of Pittsville, Wisconsin (current population 874), like many rural kids, MaryAnn wanted to leave. After college & marriage, the Lippert family relocated 5 times in 11 years for job advancement opportunities. In 1991 they said “Enough!” and made a conscious decision to move back to rural Central Wisconsin to raise their family. MaryAnn first learned about the power of public policy and advocacy while working on tobacco prevention in rural Minnesota in the 1980’s. In her professional career, she has worked in both public & private sector settings.
Community health improvement and rural health research were focus areas for many years, as well as contributing expertise in a volunteer capacity with state & local non-profit organizations. She was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly, as Town of Wood Supervisor, and to the Board of Education for the Pittsville School District. For 6 years MaryAnn served as Northern Director for Governor Walker’s Administration, the self-proclaimed “best job in state government!” In that role, she traveled to hundreds of towns, cities and villages in the northern half of the state – listening, and connecting communities with the resources of state government.
Personal & Education
MaryAnn is a product of 30 years of Life Experience, but also graduated from the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse with B.S. and M.S. degrees, and is a thesis-short of a Master of Public Health in Community Health Education.
MaryAnn has been married to Jerry for over 38 years and lives in rural Pittsville. They are parents of 3 fascinating, fully-launched adult children. Their family also includes a great son-in-law and 2 adorable grand dogs.