MADISON, WI – AARP Wisconsin today announces the appointment of Jan Wilberg of Milwaukee to a two-year term on the organization’s Executive Council – a top volunteer position within the nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that has more than 800,000 members statewide and nearly 38 million members nationwide.
Wilberg, 77, was appointed to the position by AARP Wisconsin State Director Raj Shukla and will begin her role immediately. “Jan truly embodies everything AARP is striving to achieve,” Shukla said. “She understands the importance of empowering Wisconsinites of all ages, cultural backgrounds, and income levels to live their best possible lives.”
Shukla said Wilberg’s “experience and expertise in helping those who are less fortunate to gain access to the resources they need to succeed are unparalleled.” He called Jan “a recognized leader with a strong belief in the work AARP is engaged in to make life better for all of us as we age.”
Wilberg is a member and past chair of the Milwaukee County Commission on Aging. She is also the past-president of Street Angels, a mobile outreach organization in Milwaukee that supports those experiencing homelessness.
As an Executive Council member, Wilberg will work with AARP members, volunteers, staff, legislators, and state residents on key issues facing the 50-plus population, such as strengthening health care, lowering prescription drug costs, and helping Wisconsinites to age with dignity in purpose.
She will also help guide AARP’s efforts to work with Wisconsin communities that want to become more livable for all their residents by improving services such as transportation options, affordable housing, pedestrian walkways, and bike paths.
“AARP does so much good for older adults,” Wilberg said. “It’s a great honor and a wonderful challenge to serve on the Executive Committee. My goal is to bring my energy and experience to the work of engaging seniors in positive change.”
Earlier this year she was presented with the 2024 AARP Wisconsin Andrus Award for Community Service, which is AARP’s most prestigious and visible statewide volunteer award. Wilberg was selected for the award based on her remarkable lifelong career of service, which has greatly benefited the Milwaukee community.
“Jan goes above and beyond the definition of the word volunteer,” Shukla said. “She serves as an inspiring example of the phrase ‘service before self.’ She is committed to doing whatever she can every single day to make life better for those around her.”
Wilberg and her husband Howard Snyder have four children and five grandchildren. She holds a master’s degree and a PhD in Urban Affairs from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and has served on the Milwaukee County Commission on Aging for five years – three as its chair.
“Jan is committed to being a strong and capable voice for carrying out AARP’s mission here in Wisconsin, which is to make life better for all of us,” Shukla said. “We are thrilled and honored to have Jan helping to lead our statewide efforts.”
