About Joan

Joan Fitzgerald is a mom, a retired public school teacher who was elected twice to the Jefferson County Board, and a proven leader whose focus is on making positive change happen for the people she serves.

Born and raised in Wisconsin, Joan taught high school math (algebra, geometry, and advanced placement calculus) for 33 years in Jefferson public schools. In addition to teaching, she mentored new teachers, chaired the Math Department, coached the Academic Decathalon team, and was named to a number of  District-wide committees.

Joan was a proud member of the Jefferson Education Association serving as President, Vice-President and Treasurer and as a member of the Negotiations Team.

After teaching, Joan found a new way to serve her community as a Supervisor on the Jefferson County Board. Appointed in 2019 and elected in 2020 and 2022, she represented portions of the City of Fort Atkinson. 

She was an effective legislator who brought people together to tackle difficult challenges. As chair of the Broadband working group, she helped develop partnerships with businesses to bring in nearly $5 million of grant money to Jefferson County. She worked with her colleagues to upgrade communications systems int the Sheriff’s Department. And, as a member of the Executive Committee, she oversaw the Board’s Strategic Planning process.

An active member of the Jefferson County and Fort Atkinson communities, Joan was a Member of the Fort Atkinson Athletic Booster Club (President 2011-2012), served on the Library Board as part of her service on the County Board, and is currently a supporter of the Moms Demand Action Whitewater Chapter.

Joan and her husband of 35-years Jerry, have two grown children Sam (32) and Marie (29), both graduates of Fort Atkinson public schools.