Herb Kohl, former U.S. Senator.
Former president and owner of the Milwaukee Bucks.
Public servant, philanthropist, businessman and professional sports team owner. All four accurately describe Herb Kohl, who begins his 29th season as president and owner of the Milwaukee Bucks organization. Kohl purchased the team on March 1, 1985 from Jim Fitzgerald, ensuring it would remain in Milwaukee.
“From the very beginning, my association with the Bucks has been a wonderful experience,” Kohl remarked. “Wherever I go, people come up to me and talk about the team. The opportunity I was given to purchase and to keep the team here in Milwaukee is one of the most unique and fortunate experiences I’ve ever enjoyed.”
In 1988, Kohl was elected to a six-‐year term as Wisconsin’s 25th United States Senator, and he would go on to serve four terms in office. Having announced he would not seek re-‐election, Senator Kohl completed 24 years of public service at the end of 2012.
A Milwaukee native who grew up in the Sherman Park neighborhood, Kohl has maintained a lifetime commitment to his home city and state. He attended Sherman Elementary School and Milwaukee Washington High School. Kohl graduated from the University of Wisconsin-‐Madison in 1956,
and went on to earn a Master’s degree from the Harvard University Graduate School of Business Administration in 1958. Kohl served in the Army Reserve from 1958-‐64.
From 1959-‐69, Kohl served in many capacities with the then family-‐owned Kohl Corporation, operators of grocery and department stores. His parents had built their first Kohl’s Food Market in the late ’20s, and from that inauspicious beginning, grew the business into one of the Midwest’s leading grocery and department store chains. Kohl was president from 1970 through the sale of the corporation by the family in 1979, and the Kohl’s Department Stores have now expanded throughout the United States.
After years of involvement in public affairs in Wisconsin, having served as general chairman of Milwaukee’s United Way campaign and state chairman of the Wisconsin Democratic Party, Kohl decided to run for the United States Senate seat vacated by William Proxmire. He was first elected to a six-‐year term in 1988, re-‐elected in November of 1994, in November of 2000, and again in November of 2006. His fourth and final term expired at the end of the 112th Congress on January 3, 2013.
Involved in a vast array of community-‐minded projects, Kohl has consistently championed the cause of education. He established the Herb Kohl Educational Foundation Excellence Scholarship and Fellowship Award Program in 1990. As of August 2013, the Herb Kohl Educational Foundation has awarded a total of $8.6 million to Wisconsin educators, students and schools.
With a life-‐long interest in sports, Kohl was one of 10 original investors in the Milwaukee Brewers, and he also initiated negotiations with then NBA commissioner Walter Kennedy, which ultimately led to the granting of a franchise in January of 1968 to a group of Milwaukee investors.
Kohl’s interest in sports does not stop at the professional level. In April of 1995, Kohl donated $25 million to his alma mater to help provide a state-‐of-‐the-‐art new home for the University of Wisconsin-‐Madison men’s and women’s basketball teams, as well as the men’s hockey team.
“I was very happy to be in a position to help build a first-‐rate, state-‐of-‐the-‐art sports arena,”said Kohl. “I think it enhances the university’s reputation as one of the premier athletic programs in the Big Ten and the country.”
Recognized for his many efforts, Kohl has received numerous awards from throughout the state of Wisconsin, including: the 2013 Fellowship Open Legends Award from the Fellowship Open, one of the country’s largest diversity charity golf outings, for his contributions in government service, business and in philanthropy; induction into the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame in 2007; an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from Ripon College in 1999; Best Corporate Citizen of 1997 by Madison Magazine; the “Kiwanis Milwaukee Award” in 1987; an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Cardinal Stritch College of Milwaukee in 1986; the Greater Milwaukee Convention and Visitors Bureau “Lamplighter Award” in 1986; named “Humanitarian of the Year” in 1986 by the Wisconsin Parkinson Association; “Wisconsin Sports Personality of the Year” in 1985 by the Milwaukee Pen and Mike Club; and the “Joe Killeen Memorial Sportsman of the Year” in 1985 by the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association.
Photos
Content referencing Herb Kohl
Nominations Open for Herb Kohl Service Award
Annual honor recognizes outstanding leadership and service
Feb 3rd, 2026 by Milwaukee Jewish Federation
2026 Wisconsin School Counselor of the Year Is Ana Báez of South Division HS
Surprise announcement was made October 21 during school assembly
Oct 21st, 2025 by Milwaukee Public Schools
Forum announces Salute to Local Government award winners
Oct 16th, 2025 by Wisconsin Policy Forum
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Jun 24th, 2025 by Joy Engine
Generous donation aims to spur homeownership in Harambee for Early Childhood Educators
Statement of Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs April 24, 2025
Apr 24th, 2025 by Ald. Milele Coggs
Teach for America Milwaukee Receives $200K Gift from Herb Kohl Philanthropies
Funding to Boost Teacher Recruitment and Professional Development in Local Schools
Nov 22nd, 2024 by Teach For America Milwaukee
Sid McCain Hosts “Happy Hour for Harris” at Café Lulu in Bay View
Featuring Special Guests Jason Rae, Democratic National Committee Secretary and State Senator Chris Larson
Oct 1st, 2024 by Sid McCain
Gargantuan Fluorescent Tentacles to Take Over Milwaukee’s Lakefront
Joy Engine announces beach party series: ArtBlaze on the Beach, four free events featuring live entertainment and hands-on art activities at Bradford and South Shore
Jun 12th, 2024 by Joy Engine
New Chagall Exhibition Coming to Jewish Museum Milwaukee
May 28th, 2024 by Jewish Museum Milwaukee
Baldwin, Johnson Lead Senate in Passing Resolution Honoring the Life and Legacy of Senator Herb Kohl
Jan 11th, 2024 by U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin
Statement On The Passing of Senator Herb Kohl
The Generosity and Advocacy of Kohl, a Washington High School Grad, Are Remembered
Dec 28th, 2023 by Milwaukee Public Schools
Rep. Robyn Vining’s Statement on the Passing of Former U.S. Senator Herb Kohl
Dec 28th, 2023 by State Rep. Robyn Vining
Statement On The Passing of Senator Herb Kohl
Dec 28th, 2023 by Ald. Lamont Westmoreland
Statement from President Joe Biden on the Passing of Former U.S. Senator Herb Kohl
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Dec 28th, 2023 by U.S. President Joe Biden
Sen. LaTonya Johnson’s Statement on the Passing of Herb Kohl
Dec 28th, 2023 by State Sen. LaTonya Johnson
Gov. Evers Orders Flags to Half-Staff in Honor of Former U.S. Sen. Herb Kohl
Dec 28th, 2023 by Gov. Tony Evers
WisGOP Statement on the Passing of Senator Herb Kohl
Dec 27th, 2023 by Republican Party of Wisconsin
Milwaukee Bucks Statement on the Passing of Herb Kohl
The Milwaukee Bucks have issued the following statement on the passing of Senator Herb Kohl
Dec 27th, 2023 by Milwaukee Bucks
Senator Baldwin Statement on Passing of Senator Herb Kohl
Dec 27th, 2023 by U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin
Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley’s Statement on the Passing of U.S. Senator Herb Kohl
Dec 27th, 2023 by David Crowley
Gov. Evers Releases Statement Regarding Passing of U.S. Sen. Herb Kohl
Dec 27th, 2023 by Gov. Tony Evers
Wisconsin Democrats on the Passing of Senator Herb Kohl
Dec 27th, 2023 by Democratic Party of Wisconsin
Announcement of The Passing of Herb Kohl
Statement from the Herb Kohl Foundation.
Dec 27th, 2023 by Press Release
Tiffany Tardy Named New Executive Director of MPS Foundation
Feb 28th, 2023 by Milwaukee Public Schools Foundation, Inc.
“Lightfield” by HYBYCOZO coming to Cathedral Square Park in January
World-renowned art duo bringing 24 light-emitting sculptures to Milwaukee for an immersive experience
Dec 13th, 2022 by Milwaukee Downtown, BID 21
MPS Foundation Executive Director Departs
Foundation Seeks New Leader; Wendell Willis Takes New Role with Local Initiative
Sep 1st, 2022 by Milwaukee Public Schools Foundation, Inc.
Senator Herb Kohl Honored as Champion for Children
Boys & Girls Clubs Recognize Philanthropist for Longtime Investment in Youth
Aug 8th, 2022 by Boys & Girls Clubs of Wisconsin
Destination Kohler Announces Headlining Talent and Ticket Sales for Kohler Food & Wine, October 20-23
The celebrity chef lineup includes Tom Colicchio, Esther Choi, David Rose, Ronnie Woo, Sherry Yard, Derrell Smith, Grace Ramirez, and cast members from “America’s Test Kitchen”
Aug 8th, 2022 by Destination Kohler
Senator Bradley Second Amendment Protection Bill Passes Senate
Nov 8th, 2021 by State Sen. Julian Bradley
Creative Director Gary Mueller to be Inducted into Wisconsin Advertising Hall of Fame
Oct 27th, 2021 by Serve Marketing
Data You Can Use Wants to Help Your Data Dream Come True!
Competition helps groups acquire data to improve impact
Aug 18th, 2021 by Data You Can Use
Mayor Tom Barrett’s 2020 State of the City Speech
Potawatomi Hotel Casino, February 10, 2020 As Prepared for Delivery
Feb 10th, 2020 by Tom Barrett
Milwaukee County Parks Announces Initial Funding for Milwaukee Parks Foundation
More than $350,000 in initial gifts will support programming, infrastructure projects and long-term multi-park improvement campaigns that focus on racial equity across Milwaukee County
Nov 25th, 2019 by Milwaukee County Parks
Greater Milwaukee Foundation grants exceed $80 million in 2018
As of Dec. 31, 2018, the Foundation’s assets totaled $833 million, based on preliminary figures.
Feb 5th, 2019 by Greater Milwaukee Foundation
More than Half of the State’s Charitable Giving Organizations Plan to Increase Grantmaking in 2018
Wisconsin Philanthropy Network provides a pulse on the state’s philanthropic sector in new report
Nov 16th, 2018 by Wisconsin Philanthropy Network
Governor-Elect Tony Evers Announces Chief of Staff and Transition Team Director, Co-Chairs
Maggie Gau, Governor-Elect Evers’ campaign manager, will become Governor-Elect Evers’ Chief of Staff.
Nov 12th, 2018 by Gov. Tony Evers
Over $800,000 in New and Increased Sponsorship Raised for 10th Annual Milwaukee Film Festival
The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation and The Yabuki Family Foundation join 31 new sponsors. This is the largest increase in cash and in-kind support in the organization’s history.
Sep 25th, 2018 by Milwaukee Film
Backline Selects First Four Musicians for 12-Week Accelerator Mentorship Program Including $20,000 Grants
Music-Industry Pros Select Backline Artists After 340 Applications Received
Sep 7th, 2018 by gener8tor
Governor Walker Celebrates Grand Opening of the Fiserv Forum
3-to-1 return on investment for the State of Wisconsin
Aug 26th, 2018 by Gov. Scott Walker
Harbor View Plaza Selected as Name for the Harbor District’s First Waterfront Park
A groundbreaking event is scheduled for Friday, August 24th at 1:30 pm at Harbor View Plaza (600 E. Greenfield Ave.)
Aug 15th, 2018 by Harbor District
Milwaukee County Clerk George Christenson Endorses Evers for Governor
George Christenson is the second County Clerk to endorse Tony Evers.
Jul 2nd, 2018 by Gov. Tony Evers
Safe & Sound Kicks off Annual Event, A Night to Unite: Celebrating Neighborhood Champions
A Night to Unite features a cocktail hour, raffle and live auction, dinner, and an awards program.
Jun 7th, 2018 by Safe & Sound
Milwaukee-Area Musicians Encouraged to Apply Now Through June 25 for First Backline Accelerator Session and $20,000 Grants
Four Bands or Artists to Be Selected for Backline’s Intensive 12-Week Mentorship Program
Jun 5th, 2018 by 88Nine Radio Milwaukee
Former Senator Herb Kohl Endorses Rebecca Dallet for Wisconsin Supreme Court
"'m grateful to Senator Herb Kohl for endorsing my candidacy for Wisconsin's Supreme Court."
Mar 7th, 2018 by Rebecca Dallet
More than $95 million in Greater Milwaukee Foundation grants invested in community
The substantial investment in community development includes $52 million in charitable funds supporting the development of the downtown arena project, as directed by Sen. Herb Kohl.
Jan 30th, 2018 by Greater Milwaukee Foundation
Former Madison Mayors Endorse Tony Evers for Governor
Evers has also already received the endorsement of former US Senator Herb Kohl, former Lt. Governor Barbara Lawton, former Rep. Steve Kagen MD, and nearly a dozen current and former legislators.
Jan 10th, 2018 by Gov. Tony Evers
MKE Plays Receives $100K from Herb Kohl Philanthropies
Gift supports the revitalization of neighborhood parks across Milwaukee
Nov 16th, 2017 by Ald. Michael Murphy
Glendale Labor Attorney Announces Candidacy for Milwaukee County Board – District 1
"Moving Milwaukee County forward is going to take new leaders willing to work together, even if they don't always agree."
Oct 25th, 2017 by Casey Shorts
Alderman Johnson thanks Senator Kohl for generous library gift of $2 Million
Statement of Alderman Cavalier Johnson - October 23, 2017
Oct 23rd, 2017 by Mayor Cavalier Johnson
Milwaukee Film Receives Continued and Increased Support From Sponsors
Presenting Sponsor, Associated Bank, expands partnership through Milwaukee Film Checking 30 new sponsors provide increase of $301,000 in cash & in-kind support
Aug 31st, 2017 by Milwaukee Film
Sixteenth Street Community Health Centers Announces Peter Feigin as Honoree of 2017 Roast
Milwaukee Bucks and Sixteenth Street share commitment to improving outcomes for Milwaukee’s most vulnerable
Jun 20th, 2017 by Sixteenth Street Community Health Centers
Professional and Non-Professional Arts Groups Both to Be Awarded at Footlights Performing Arts Awards
The results will be announced at the live awards ceremony June 22, 2017 at Milwaukee Repertory Theater’s Quadracci Powerhouse.
Apr 17th, 2017 by Footlights
Herb Kohl Foundation Announces 2017 Academic Awards and Scholarships
MPS principal, students, teachers are honored
Mar 16th, 2017 by Milwaukee Public Schools
Milwaukee Bucks Purchase NBA D-League Team to Begin Play in Oshkosh for the 2017-18 Season
Team will play at new 3,500-seat arena to be developed in downtown Oshkosh
Feb 8th, 2017 by Milwaukee Bucks
Record $60 million in grants issued from Greater Milwaukee Foundation in 2016
Foundation donors expanded their philanthropy by contributing more than $43 million to Foundation funds in 2016.
Jan 30th, 2017 by Greater Milwaukee Foundation
Women’s Fund fall luncheon to be a “Rad Women Celebration”
Features keynote on “Being Rad for Social Change” by New York Times bestselling author Kate Schatz. Thursday, October 20, 2016 at the Italian Conference Center
Sep 26th, 2016 by Women’s Fund of Greater Milwaukee
District Attorney John Chisholm earns support of community leaders, elected officials, labor unions, citizen organizations, and law enforcement groups
Chisholm, a veteran of the United States Army, was first elected in 2006 after serving 12 years as an assistant prosecutor, including leading the gun unit.
Aug 5th, 2016 by John Chisholm
Public/Private Consortium to Invest in the YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee
These investments build on increased demand for Y programs, expanded community partnerships and continuous improvements to the Y’s operating model.
Jun 29th, 2016 by YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee
Bucks Break Ground on New Multi-Purpose Arena
Scheduled to open in time for the 2018-19 NBA season, the 714,000-square-foot arena is the centerpiece of a new sports and entertainment district in Milwaukee.
Jun 18th, 2016 by Milwaukee Bucks
Bucks Groundbreaking and Second Annual Block Party Set for June 18
Oscar Robertson, Jabari Parker, Bucks owners and elected officials all scheduled to attend
Jun 8th, 2016 by Milwaukee Bucks
Herb Kohl endorses Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm for re-election
“John Chisholm has proven to be an innovative and effective leader as District Attorney,” said Senator Kohl.
Jun 1st, 2016 by John Chisholm
Milwaukee Bucks and WCD Finalize Arena Lease
The new arena will be publicly owned by the Wisconsin Center District and operated by the Milwaukee Bucks.
Apr 13th, 2016 by Milwaukee Bucks
County Executive Chris Abele Announces Major Democratic Endorsements
Democratic Party Leaders Herb Kohl, Jim Doyle and Mary Burke stand with Abele
Mar 30th, 2016 by County Executive Chris Abele
Milwaukee Bucks Name Mortenson as Construction Manager for New Arena
Midwest-headquartered firm an industry-leader in sports construction and visible part of the Milwaukee community for over 30 years
Mar 21st, 2016 by Milwaukee Bucks
2016 State of the City
Hmong American Peace Academy - February 8, 2016
Feb 8th, 2016 by Tom Barrett
Herb Kohl endorses Judge Joe Donald for Supreme Court
“I am honored to have the support of a tremendous leader like Senator Kohl in my race for the high court,” said Judge Donald.
Sep 28th, 2015 by Joe Donald
Bucks Statement on Milwaukee Common Council Vote
“Today is a truly historic day for Milwaukee and Wisconsin, and the culmination of months of hard work from an incredible coalition passionate about our community’s future.”
Sep 22nd, 2015 by Milwaukee Bucks
$5 Million Committed to Milwaukee Succeeds
Funding collaborative committed to continuing positive improvements outlined in 2015 Milestone Report
Aug 18th, 2015 by Milwaukee Succeeds
Van Gogh Live
Written and Performed by Terrence James Coffman at the Charles Allis Saturday, September 19th, 2015
Jul 28th, 2015 by Charles Allis and Villa Terrace Art Museums Inc
Supervisor Jursik Says County Arena Funding Plan is “Unconscionable”
"Bad Debt Not a Revenue Stream"
Jun 15th, 2015 by Patricia Jursik
Cheaper to Keep Them: State and Local Arena Plan
For every dollar the state invests, state taxpayers will get a $3 return through income tax revenue
Jun 4th, 2015 by Gov. Scott Walker
Senator Herb Kohl Endorses Tia Torhorst for Assembly District 10
The longtime Democratic Senator endorsed Tia because of her commitment to voters.
Aug 7th, 2014 by Tia Torhorst
Supervisor Bown Issues Statement on Sen. Kohl’s Generosity to the Community
Supervisor David Bowen released the following statement regarding Herb Kohl's generosity to the community
Apr 17th, 2014 by State Rep. David Bowen
County Executive Abele’s Statement on Milwaukee Bucks Sale
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele released the following statement about the sale of the Milwaukee Bucks.
Apr 16th, 2014 by County Executive Chris Abele
Milwaukee Bucks President and Owner Herb Kohl Introduces New Team Ownership and Announces $100 Million Gift for Arena
Herb Kohl, Milwaukee Bucks President and Owner, today announced that he has entered into a signed purchase agreement to transfer ownership of the Bucks to Wesley Edens and Marc Lasry.
Apr 16th, 2014 by Press Release
Arts/Industry: Collaboration and Revelation on view March 23–August 31, 2014 at John Michael Kohler Arts Center
The Arts/Industry residency program, often touted as the most unusual and successful ongoing collaboration nationwide between art and industry, celebrates 40 years with a sweeping exhibition
Mar 17th, 2014 by John Michael Kohler Arts Center
Milwaukee Bucks President/Owner Herb Kohl Announces Plan to Broaden Team Ownership, Strengthen the Franchise and Keep the Team in Milwaukee
Senator Herb Kohl issued the following statement today
Dec 16th, 2013 by Herb Kohl
5 MPS students, 5 MPS educators win Herb Kohl Foundation scholarships, fellowships
Awards net students, staff and schools $15,000
Mar 15th, 2013 by Milwaukee Public Schools
Candidates should make position known on Disclose Act
American politics today is bursting at the seams with money, and most of it is donated anonymously. That lack of transparency is troubling to Alderman Michael J. Murphy and to members of the Common Council.
Aug 17th, 2012 by Ald. Michael Murphy
