Jo Ellen McKenzie is a philanthropist who cares deeply about providing all children with equal opportunities to thrive. She is also an advocate for survivors of sexual violence through her service on the board of RCC (Rape Crisis Center) of Dane County, WI and her work with SPARCC (Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center) in Sarasota, FL. She and her husband have been longtime supporters of the Boys and Girls Club of Dane County, WI. They paid the full tuition for a first- generation college student to attend the University of Wisconsin for four years.

They were instrumental in helping BGCDC open an additional club in Sun Prairie, WI and a Regional Workforce Center in Fitchburg, WI. They have also contributed to many other charitable organizations in Dane County such as the YWCA, American Family Children’s Hospital, Agrace Hospice, Aldo Leopold Nature Center, The Madison Community Foundation and Planned Parenthood. 

Jo Ellen’s professional background is in sales and marketing in several industries: commercial office furniture; radio advertising; real estate. She also started and ran a successful home building business in Madison, WI for more than 10 years. She is also involved in the family business, McKenzie Apartment Company.

Jo graduated cum laude from Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. Her greatest joy is spending time with her two wonderful children and their spouses and her two amazing grandchildren.