Shirley Holman

            “You definitely have to prove yourself,” Shirley Holman commented in 1979 as one of the few female La Crosse County Board Supervisors. Almost thirty years later, Shirley has proven herself as a political activist, local volunteer, ambitious businesswoman, and dedicated committee member. Even in her retirement, Shirley pursues new opportunities to serve the greater La Crosse community.

            Shortly after graduating from Downer University, now a part of Lawrence University, Shirley found leadership roles while working in advertising for several newspaper agencies in Milwaukee, Shreveport, Purdue, and Lafayette and soon became involved in local county boards. Even though women were not equally represented in the late 1970’s, Shirley did not hold back her determination to represent her community on important political issues. She was elected as a La Crosse County Board member in 1978 and was installed as vice chairwoman in 1984. She served as County Board District 34 representative before stepping up to president of WCA, Wisconsin Counties Association, a lobby and information group for all 72 Wisconsin counties. As president, Shirley traveled with former Wisconsin Governor Tommy Thompson to Germany on a trade and tourist commission and countless trips to Washington, D.C. on various assignments. She moved progressively through the ranks of county boards and WCA positions.

            As a La Crosse County Board chairwoman, Shirley served on almost every committee. For many years, Shirley was the chairwoman of the Solid Waste committee and pokes fun of her “overwhelming knowledge of solid waste.” Because of Shirley’s understanding and concern for our environment’s future, La Crosse built a RDF plant, Refuge Derived Fuel, in the 1980’s to incinerate some of our solid waste. This waste-to-energy program was a good start, but Shirley knew the work wasn’t completed. In the 1990’s, Shirley worked hard to educate politicians about the benefits a Household Hazardous Materials Collections Facility would have in La Crosse County. The facility was built in 2003. The operation of the HHM program has been so successful that the North American Hazardous Materials Management Association (NAHMMA) awarded La Crosse County its 2004 "Best New Program" award. Shirley credits the success of the facility to “people working together for the same goal.”

            In addition to Shirley’s political role, she has interests in the aging community. In 1981, she started a senior craft store called Gifted Hands, a special place for senior citizens to sell their handicrafts and to preserve some of the forgotten arts. She also began the Minibus program, which provides affordably priced rides to the elderly for medical, employment, and other transportation needs. Shirley served on the Meals for Seniors committee and shows her commitment to our senior community by being an influential member of the La Crosse County Aging Unit advisory board.

Shirley held the Chairman of the Board position of ORC Industries, a company that employs 80% physically or mentally disabled workers with plants in La Crosse, Arcadia, Westby, and Brownsville, Texas. ORC’s philosophy is “to give employment opportunities to persons with disabilities and to provide quality products delivered on time at competitive prices.” Shirley was a member of the County Liaison and Finance and Personnel committees and the Human Services Board. Today, Shirley is on the Board of Advisors at Viterbo University and volunteers in various ways.

In summary, Shirley is recognized for her years of involvement, service, leadership, and charitable activities in our community. She received the 1989 YWCA Woman in Government Award, was honored with the Everett Yerly Memorial Award for her extraordinary devotion to the Republican Party and was named “Republican of the Year.” Her overwhelming knowledge, generous spirit, and commitment bless the La Crosse community.