MEET TARA
In her 15 years at the United Way, she worked in communities across Wisconsin to fund organizations that allow everyone the chance to succeed. She was an AFSCME member as a United Way employee and was part of the contract negotiating team.
Getting things done for people has been the hallmark of Tara Johnson’s life as a La Crosse County Board Member and Chair, Executive Director of the United Way of La Crosse, a former union member, mom, and proud Democrat.
Tara was first elected to the La Crosse County Board of Supervisors in 2000. She was elected the first female Chair of the La Crosse County Board in 2011 and was re-elected four more times. During her tenure on the board, she delivered a impressive record including:
+ Keeping taxes among the lowest in Wisconsin while maintaining an Aa1 bond rating.
+ Improved emergency services with new radio towers and upgraded radio consoles.
+ Allocated over $400,000 in funds for mental health and substance abuse services.
+ Secured a grant from the WDNR of $600,000 to complete conservation projects.
Tara and her husband, Tim Padesky, live in the Town of Shelby in southern La Crosse County. Tim owned his union electrical contracting business for 41 years and received his 50-year IBEW union pin. They are the proud parents of adult children Nicholas and Layna.
