Board, Staff and Advisors

Board

• Daniel Conley

  Partner Quarles & Brady

  Dan grew up in Rice Lake, Wisconsin, and received his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Wisconsin. He then clerked for a federal judge in Milwaukee, and has practiced law at Quarles & Brady ever since, advising clients on significant matters and disputes, including crisis response. He was fortunate to have worked with Senator Kohl on a variety business and philanthropic efforts over the years, and very much appreciates the opportunity to help Herb Kohl Philanthropies continue to build on Senator Kohl’s remarkable record – in business, government and philanthropy – of improving the quality of life for the people in Wisconsin.

• Chuck Pruitt

  Partner & Co-Managing Director A.B. Data, Ltd.

  Chuck is the Co-Managing Director of ABD Direct, a cutting-edge company that seeks out fundraising partnerships with organizations and campaigns that share the ethics and values of the company’s 40+ year history—client partners who are working every day to change the world by protecting civil and human rights, reducing gun violence, preserving the U.S.-Israel relationship, combating climate change and helping the most vulnerable amongst us. His friendship with Herb Kohl, which covered everything from politics to professional sports, and philanthropy, spanned many decades, countless lunches at the Pfister Cafe and all the ups and downs of so many Bucks games. Chuck received his undergraduate degree from Macalester College and his M.A. and Ph.D. in Political Science from Harvard University. Prior to joining ABD Direct, he taught at St. Olaf College. Returning to his higher education roots, he served 13 years on the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents including 4 years as Vice President and President of the Board. He currently is on the Board of Visitors of the La Follette School of Public Policy at the University of Wisconsin-Madison as well as serving on the board of a number of local non-profit organizations.

• George Dionisopoulos

  Partner Foley & Lardner

  A partner with Foley & Lardner law firm, George Dionisopoulos advises high-net-worth families, and their businesses, charitable foundations, and trusts regarding planning arrangements tailored to their specific needs. He is a partner in the firm’s Estate Planning Practice, counseling corporate and individual trustees regarding all facets of trust and estate administration. George received his undergraduate degree from University of Illinois, summa cum laude, and his law degree from Harvard University, cum laude. A longtime advisor to Herb Kohl, George brings his professional expertise and trusted philanthropic voice to the foundation.

Staff

• JoAnne Anton

  President & CEO

  With three decades alongside Herb Kohl in the U.S. Senate, his political campaigns, the Milwaukee Bucks, and his foundation, JoAnne Anton is dedicated to carrying forward his legacy. As Foundation Director, she works with the Board to guide strategy, drawing on her passion for collaboration and belief in the power of community. A proud Milwaukee native, JoAnne began her career at City Hall before joining Senator Kohl’s staff, where his mentorship and her statewide outreach shaped her commitment to service. She holds degrees from Marquette University and UW-Milwaukee and serves on the boards of the Greater Milwaukee Committee, First Federal Bank of Wisconsin, Milwaukee World Festivals Inc., United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County, and UW-Madison’s La Follette School of Public Affairs. A past President of Rotary Club of Milwaukee, she also served as Transition Director for Governor Tony Evers.

• Kevin Kalnins

  Chief Financial Officer

  Kevin Kalnins has been a valued member of the Herb Kohl family office since 1998, where he had the privilege of collaborating closely with Senator Herb Kohl on a wide range of initiatives. Over the years, Kevin has contributed to projects spanning multiple areas, including political campaigns, the Milwaukee Bucks, investment portfolios, philanthropy, and various other ventures. A certified public accountant, Kevin holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a master’s degree in taxation from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. He is deeply honored to continue Senator Kohl’s legacy of community involvement and service.

• Sally Vliet

  Program & Community Outreach Director

  A proud Wisconsinite, Sally is honored to carry on the spirit of Herb Kohl by developing programs and fostering relationships that support the goals of Herb Kohl Philanthropies. Prior to joining HKP, Sally held a number of positions dedicated to improving the quality of education and well-being of our community including serving as a fourth-grade teacher at Milwaukee College Prep. She continued on in a community-focused role at United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County. Most recently, Sally worked at the Center for Disease Prevention Research at the Medical College of Wisconsin, where she helped lead the charge in promoting lifestyle medicine education for medical schools, patients, community members, and faculty. Sally received her bachelor’s degree from Lawrence University, teaching certification from University of Wisconsin-Madison and a master’s degree in corporate communication from Marquette-College of Business Administration.

• Marion Dow-Vass

  Operations Manager

  Marion is masterful at making the invisible visible through operational efficiency and problem solving. Her commitment and support for the HKP team include database and grant management, financial oversight, and organizational effectiveness including her super-power: guiding first impressions.  While she joined Herb Kohl Philanthropies in the middle of a global pandemic which presented opportunities to rethink and revise office systems and help navigate foundation growth, the same mindset of continuous learning and excellence guides her daily work today. With experience in banking, education, non-profits, and foundation operations, Marion holds a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University and Master of Business Administration from Alverno College.