Jeff Neubauer
Co-Executive Director
What do you do at higher expectations?
I help leaders of major organizations understand their role and responsibility for transforming their institutions to improve education and economic outcomes for all members of our community from career to cradle.
WHAT IS YOUR BACKGROUND?
I am a fourth-generation Racine resident and graduate of J.I. Case High School. I went to Stanford University, where I received my Bachelor of Arts degree. I returned to Wisconsin and about a year and a half later was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly representing the 62nd District in Racine County. After eight years in office I went to work in the family business at Kranz, Inc. and on the weekends went to the UChicago Booth School of Business to earn my MBA. I also was elected chair of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin and a member of the Democratic National Committee. My wife Lisa and I were blessed with three children and I have been active in the community and with my church. When the opportunity was presented to help start and lead Higher Expectations for Racine County, I couldn’t refuse!
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING TO DO IN RACINE COUNTY?
I genuinely love the work I do at Higher Expectations, and our family loves the 4th of July parade which we enjoy with family and friends at our home. I also love a good Friday Fish Fry with my wife.
WHEN YOU WERE A KID, WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP?
For a while, I really wanted to be a psychiatrist, but a college internship in D.C. exposed me to the political world and I was hooked.
WHAT MAKES YOU EXCITED TO BE A PART OF THE HIGHER EXPECTATIONS TEAM?
With the leadership of Racine County and our partners, we have an opportunity to transform our community. Those opportunities don’t come along very often in life, and I feel blessed to be a part of Higher Expectations and have this great (and growing) team to work with.
WHAT'S ONE THING YOU LOVE THAT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH WORK?
This sort of responds to the question, I love to read works where I can apply new knowledge in my work and life. I would love to start a book club with members of the Higher Expectations team and others. The three most influential books I’ve read that are related to this work are: Good to Great by Jim Collins, Whatever It Takes by Paul Tough, and The Deepest Well by Nadine Burke Harris.