Rep. Joe Sheehan
Bringing Sheboygan’s Voice to Madison
Delivering for Sheboygan
Over the past two years, I have proudly served on the Assembly Committee on Education, where I have fought for fully funding our public schools, strengthening special education, protecting students’ rights, and recruiting, supporting, and retaining strong teachers. I have also served on the Assembly Committee on Workforce Development, Labor, and Integrated Employment, where I have stood up for workers’ rights, protected unemployment and disability benefits, and worked to develop practical solutions to Wisconsin’s workforce challenges. Throughout my time in the Legislature, I have remained committed to bringing people together to find common-sense solutions that strengthen our communities and create opportunities for every Wisconsinite.
Background
After 38 years in education and community involvement, Joe believes Democrats and Republicans must talk about Wisconsin’s issues. “How are you going to have compromise when you don’t know what others are thinking?” One of seven children, he quickly learned to work with others, a trait he carried into professional life with his core “We is the way to go, not us against them” philosophy. Joe holds a Ph.D. from Marquette in Educational Administration, a master’s in the same field from University of Houston, and two bachelor degrees from Michigan State.
“It’s time that state legislators work together again to solve Wisconsin’s problems.”
Joe Sheehan
Leadership
For more than 30 years, I’ve worked to bring people together, solve problems, and strengthen our community. As Superintendent of the Sheboygan Area School District, I partnered with educators, Lakeshore Technical College, local businesses, and community leaders to expand career and technical education, helping hundreds of students prepare for rewarding careers while building a stronger workforce for local employers. Programs like Red Raider Manufacturing – which engages more than 100 students each year and attracted more than $10 million in local investment – demonstrate what’s possible when education and industry work together. I’ve brought that same collaborative, results-driven approach to the State Assembly, where I continue working across communities to deliver practical solutions that strengthen Sheboygan and Wisconsin.
Jobs and the Economy
After retiring as Superintendent, I was asked to lead the Sheboygan County Economic Development Corporation, where I worked alongside employers, local governments, educators, and community partners to strengthen our economy and create new opportunities for workers and businesses. That experience taught me that a strong economy depends on collaboration, workforce development, and investing in our communities. As your State Representative, I have continued that work by supporting policies that strengthen Wisconsin’s workforce, help local businesses grow, expand career and technical education, and create good-paying jobs that allow families to build their future right here in Sheboygan.
Family and Community
Joe and his wife, Barb, have been married 24 years and are proud parents of four children and grandparents to two grandsons. When he’s not in Madison or out in the community, Joe enjoys helping coach his grandson’s youth baseball team, spending time with family, and walking their cocker spaniel, Macy.
Community involvement has always been an important part of Joe’s life. He is a longtime member of Kiwanis, volunteers with local organizations and causes, and serves on the board of the Elwood H. May Environmental Park. Whether serving in the State Assembly or volunteering close to home, Joe remains committed to the community he is proud to represent.
