MADISON, WI – Raj Shukla of Madison has been hired as the new State Director of AARP Wisconsin, according to AARP’s Central Region Vice President Sam Wilson. Shukla comes to AARP – a national organization with more than 800,000 members in Wisconsin – after serving as President and CEO of River Network.
“Raj brings to AARP a wealth of experience building strategic initiatives and delivering bottom-line results that make a real difference in peoples’ lives,” Wilson said. “Most importantly, he has done so by bringing people together – elected officials, business leaders, and community organizations – to roll up their sleeves and work on finding solutions to the challenges of the day.
“We’re excited to add his leadership to the incredible team of staff and volunteers here in Wisconsin who are committed to AARP’s mission of enhancing the quality of life for all as we age,” Wilson said.
Shukla brings more than 20 years of experience engaging and empowering local leaders to create healthier communities for people of all ages. He looks forward to contributing to AARP Wisconsin’s success in advancing the issues of importance to the 50-plus in the state.
“The challenges facing Wisconsinites 50-plus are real and pressing,” Shukla said. “Older workers are navigating a tough job market, and the rising cost of housing, food, and health care is putting serious strain on families. Combined with real questions about the future of Social Security and Medicare, older Wisconsinites are really feeling the pressure to make ends meet.
“AARP has the people, the passion, and the platform to make a difference,” Shukla continued. “Whether through state and federal legislation or bold local action, we can build a Wisconsin where everyone can age with dignity, security, and purpose. I am proud to join a dedicated team and an incredible network of volunteers to lead that work.”
Shukla has worked at the intersection of community, government, philanthropy, and business, always with a focus on equipping people to shape policy and drive change. He has trained thousands of leaders in communities to advocate effectively, built coalitions that shifted public opinion, and secured resources that helped grassroots organizations deliver lasting results.
Beyond his professional life, Raj and his wife are raising three teenage daughters, supporting two aging parents, and doting on their much-loved dog, Moose. He is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison and enjoys music, bicycles, and basketball.
