Kristen Wilhelm holds an Associate of Applied Arts and Sciences from West Shore College in Michigan and a certificate in non-profit management from the UW Milwaukee - Helen Bader Institute. Prior to the start of her family, she served in the U.S. Air Force and worked for the Federal Aviation Administration as a Navigation Communications Electronic Technician at Tri-City Airport in Michigan and locally at General Mitchell International. While raising her children, she remained active in her community by volunteering at Pleasant View Elementary and served the City’s Environmental Commission for 8 years.
Stepping back into the workforce, Kristen worked for a local landscaping company, assisted the Village of Greendale on land management, and worked with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources as a Program Assistant for the Root-Pike Water Partner Team. She also worked at the River Revitalization Foundation for nearly five years.
In 2006, Kristen was formally commended by the Wisconsin State Assembly for her skillful negotiation achievements and received a Proclamation from the City of Franklin for her community efforts. Kristen was instrumental in helping form several of the City's policies balancing development with resource stewardship.
Kristen is dedicated to Franklin and seeks creative solutions that recognize our immediate needs while considering the future goals of our community. She is a founding member and the Executive Director of the Milwaukee Area Land Conservancy. She has resided in Franklin for 22 years and has served the residents of Franklin’s 3rd District since 2008.
Eight years working with the City's Unified Development Ordinance and Municipal Code
Securing more than $500,000 in grant funds at no cost to the taxpayers
Negotiating land purchases; title and appraisal experience resulting in free parkland for the City
Budget experience; monitoring income and expenses, preparing, submitting financial reports
Management skills; lead service technician and department head for five employees
Proficiency in data processing and computer data communications
Technical background reading blue prints, survey data and plat maps
Served in the United States Air Force, Aerospace Ground Equipment Mechanic
Negotiations Skills, MRA Institute of Management
More than seven years with the Federal Government; Over 600 hrs CE credits
UWM-Communications/Public Speaking
UWM-Non-Profit Management
Certificate for Basic and Advanced Wetland Delineation, UW LaCrosse
Administration and Enforcement of Wetlands, Lorman Seminar
Workshops/Seminars: Grant Writing, Fund Development and Fundraising, MMSD Low Impact Development, Clean Rivers Clean Lakes, Community Based Development
April 2011 thru April 2014
Board of Health, Complete Streets & Connectivity Committee, Parks Commission, Quarry Monitoring Committee