Lawrence University graduate and Appleton mayor Jake Woodford shares what he loves about his community.
Jake Woodford grew up in Appleton, Wisconsin – the fourth generation of his family to live in the area – and though he was accepted to several universities in the Midwest, he ultimately decided that the local option, Lawrence University, would offer him the best opportunities.
After graduating with a degree in political science and U.S. history, Woodford went on to work for the president of Lawrence University and was elected as Appleton’s mayor at the age of 29, replacing the previous mayor, who had held the position for 24 years.
Read on to learn more about why Woodford decided the Fox Cities has everything he could ask for.
What experiences prepared you to run for and be elected mayor?
One of the things I did was serve as the president of the student government at Lawrence, and that was basically a leadership lab for me, working with a deliberative body and leading a campus community. After graduation, I had opportunities to move out of Appleton on different career paths in both the private and public sectors – finance, government and nonprofit – in the Midwest. Then, I was offered the opportunity to work for Mark Burstein, president of Lawrence University. The chance to work with a leader like Mark in a community I’m familiar with and an institution that had given me so much was an attractive prospect. My wife and I decided that we wanted to build our careers here and experience this community in a totally new phase of our lives.
What are some of the ways you were able to transition into life after college that other residents might experience post-graduation?
This is the kind of place where if people are passionate and committed, they can make a real difference no matter what phase of life or career they’re in, and that’s something really special about the Fox Cities that’s not universal in all places. One of the things I’ve seen over the last several years is a greater emphasis on making sure that opportunities are available to people of all different backgrounds. If people really care about an issue here, they can find ways to support the issue and get involved, whether that’s mentoring, providing financial support or something else, and that’s really special.
What would you do on your ideal Saturday?
An ideal Saturday might include doing some kind of public event, because I love my job and the community. We have four seasons, so there are different opportunities based on the season to get outdoors, whether that’s going to a farmers market, sailing on Lake Winnebago or visiting a nature preserve. I’d also love a little time to recharge at a coffee shop or the library, then go to a concert or a show.
By Rebecca Treon on August 20, 2024
Livability Magazine
