Joan M. Shafer

Joan Shafer retired from one of the nation’s largest electric and natural gas delivery holding companies, WEC Energy Group, in May 2018 after serving as executive vice president – human resources and organizational effectiveness, and compliance officer.

In those roles, Shafer had responsibility for human resources and organizational effectiveness, administrative services, ethics and compliance, and business continuity for the company, which through its subsidiaries provides electric and natural gas energy services to nearly 4.4 million people in Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan and Minnesota. From 2012 to 2015, she served as senior vice president – customer services for We Energies. She joined the company in 1978 and held a series of positions with progressing responsibility in the areas of human relations, operations and customer service.

Throughout her 40-year career, Shafer was instrumental in building the company’s customer service culture, establishing business resource groups to further engage employees and build upon the company’s diversity and inclusion values, and leading the integration of two Human Resources departments following a major company acquisition in 2015. Her greatest source of pride is helping others develop and see their own progress and success.

Last year, Shafer was honored by Girl Scouts of Wisconsin Southeast for her philanthropic and corporate leadership. In 2012, she was co-awarded the United Way of Waukesha County Outstanding Volunteer of the Year, and in 2009 was among the recipients of the Women of Distinction Award from the Waukesha County Community Foundation. She received the Athena Award in 2004 in recognition of her leadership and contributions to her field and the community.

Shafer is secretary and member of the board of directors of Seton Catholic Schools, and vice chair and member of the board of directors of PAVE (Partners Advancing Values in Education). She is the past president and current ex-officio member of the board of trustees for the Milwaukee Montessori School, past-chair of the board of directors for the Girl Scouts of Wisconsin Southeast, and past member and secretary of the United Way of Waukesha board of directors. Shafer is a trustee for Mount Mary University and a member of the Alverno College School of Business advisory board.

Shafer earned a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology from the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point and a Master of Arts degree in industrial relations from the University of Cincinnati. She lives in Pewaukee and enjoys time with her two college-age daughters. She is a member of Queen of Apostles Parish, Pewaukee.