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John Gard, 44, grew up with his seven siblings on a dairy farm in Lena, Wisconsin – just north of a Green Bay.  He graduated from Lena High School and went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in 1986 from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, where he ran track and cross country.

Gard was elected to the State Assembly in 1987 and quickly became a legislative leader – rising to the top position of Speaker in 2003.

Gard is best known for authoring nationally-recognized welfare reform legislation and shepherding the largest tax cut in Wisconsin history into law.  He’s also been acknowledged for his work to expand the ground-breaking school choice education program, which gives disadvantaged young people the opportunity to attend private schools.

Gard currently runs the Gard Business Group, a consulting firm that works with businesses to grow their company and create jobs.

Gard and his wife, Cate, make their home in Suamico, Wisconsin.  Their son, John Vincent, is a sophomore at Notre Dame Academy in Green Bay.  Their daughter, Libby, is a sophomore at Marquette University in Milwaukee.  

John Gard’s Awards and Recognitions

  • Outstanding Leadership Award, Wisconsin Department of Veteran's Affairs
  • Legislator of the Year, Wisconsin State Council of Vietnam Veterans of America
  • Commander's Award for Public Service, Department of Army
  • Legislator of the Year, American Legion
  • Award of Distinction, Wisconsin State Troopers' Association
  • Friend of Agriculture, Farm Bureau
  • Friend of Forestry, Wisconsin County Foresters Association
  • Law Enforcement Support Award, Milwaukee Police Association
  • Bipartisan Legislators Organized Outreach (BLOOD) Award, American Red Cross
  • Legislator Appreciation Award, YMCA
  • Legislative Merit Award, Wisconsin Innkeepers Association
  • Friend of Housing Award, Wisconsin Builders Association
  • Legislator of the Year, Pharmacy Association of Wisconsin
  • Empowering Parents to Make Quality Educational Choices Award, Milwaukee Parental Choice Program
  • Legislator of the Year, Wisconsin Bowhunters Association
  • Friend of Grocers, Wisconsin Grocers Association
  • Legislator of the Year, Municipal Electric Utilities of Wisconsin
  • Outstanding Legislator Award, Wisconsin Counties Association
  • Guardian of Small Business, Nat. Federation of Independent Businesses
  • Legislative Leadership Award, American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, American Lung Association
  • Legislator of the Year, Conservation Congress
  • Key to the Village of Pulaski