Former Wisconsin State Rep. Katrina Shankland announced as Rust Belt Rising Executive Director

Rust Belt Rising announced today the hiring of former Wisconsin State Representative Katrina Shankland as its next Executive Director. Shankland represented a rural Central Wisconsin district in the Wisconsin State Assembly for the past twelve years.

Rust Belt Rising is a Midwest political organization that trains Democrats and provides research and programs to more than 1,400 rising leaders in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.

Former Executive Director Paul Kendrick has transitioned to Board Co-chair and said, “Katrina knows what it takes to win in places we need. As someone who has outperformed the top of the ticket in every election for Assembly as a widely popular representative, she is the leader who can teach Democrats across our region how to win and deliver change.”

In the Legislature, Shankland passed 225 bipartisan bills into law under both Democratic and Republican governors while serving in the minority. Throughout her career, 20 nonpartisan organizations recognized her legislative leadership, representing veterans, farmers, manufacturers, healthcare professionals, educators, conservationists, and more. Shankland is known for delivering for her constituents, from increasing access to affordable healthcare in rural areas to supporting farmers with conservation and water quality.

“I’m eager to bring my perspective as a former lawmaker with experience building coalitions in a rural district in a swing state to Rust Belt Rising,” said Shankland. “I can’t wait to get to work supporting Democratic candidates across the Midwest on communicating and organizing to win.”

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.