Kevin Shibilski

Kevin Shibilski (born June 28, 1961) is a businessman and former politician who served as a Democratic State Senator from Wisconsin's 24th District from 1995 to 2002. He previously served as the Register of Deeds, representing Portage County, Wisconsin. He also served on the Portage County Board of Supervisors and as Wisconsin's Secretary of Tourism.[1][2] In September 2020, Shibilski was indicted on federal charges of fraud, illegal disposal of electronic waste, and tax evasion. Shibilski's attorney said his client had been the victim of fraud committed by business partners.

Kevin Shibilski
Member of the Wisconsin Senate
from the 24th district
In office
May 1995 – 2002
Preceded byDavid Helbach
Succeeded byJulie Lassa
Personal details
Born (1961-06-28) June 28, 1961
Stevens Point, Wisconsin, U.S.
Political partyDemocratic
SpouseSue
Residence(s)Merrill, Wisconsin, U.S.
ProfessionBusinessman

Early life and education

Born in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, Shibilski graduated from Stevens Point Area Senior High School and went on to graduate with a B.A. in English from the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point. He is or has been a member of the Izaak Walton League, Wisconsin Bowhunters Association, Whitetails Unlimited, Tomorrow River Lions Club, Ducks Unlimited, Portage County Red Cross board of directors, and Portage County United Way.

Political career

Shibilski served in the Portage County Board of Supervisors 1982(?)-1987. He then served as Register of Deeds of Portage County 1987-1995.[3][4]

Wisconsin Legislature

Shibilski served as a member of the Wisconsin State Senate from 1995 to 2002.

Cabinet Secretary and later career

Shibilski was appointed as Wisconsin's Secretary of Tourism in 2003. One of his first acts as secretary was to declare a "no snow emergency" when the state experienced a particularly poor winter snow season, dramatically impacting the state's economy.[5]

He stepped down later that year to become Vice President of Wisconsin Public Finance for Stifel, Nicolaus and Company.[6][7]

Potential U.S. House candidacies

In 2010, Shibilski seriously considered a run against Republican nominee Sean Duffy for Wisconsin's 7th congressional district, but declined to do so.[8][9] Duffy went on to defeat Shibilski's successor in the state senate, Julie Lassa, with a strong showing in the November 2010 general election.[10]

Shibilski also was reported to have considered a running for the 7th congressional district in 2012 as well but did not.[11][12][13]

He then left that position and served as the CEO/CFO of a cathode tube recycling company called 5R Processors established in 1990.[14]

Federal indictment

In September 2020 as CEO/CFO and minority owner of the company, Mr. Shibulski was indicted by a grand jury on federal charges of wire fraud, illegal disposal of hazardous electronic waste, and tax fraud for not paying employment taxes for 2014 and 2015.[15][16] He was found guilty and sentenced to 33 months in prison and ordered to pay $200,000 in restitution.[17][18]

References
  1. "Kevin Shibilski". Wisconsin Historical Society. Retrieved 2011-05-06.
  2. "Wisconsin Legislative Spotlight". Wisconsin Legislative Reference Bureau. April 25, 2003.
  3. "Kevin Shibilski Biography" (PDF). Wisconsin State Blue Book. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2010-05-28. Retrieved 2011-05-06.
  4. "Kevin Shibilski". Wisconsin Historical Society. Retrieved 2011-05-06.
  5. "Tourism: 'No-Snow' emergency". Badger Herald. Archived from the original on 2012-04-06. Retrieved 2011-08-19.
  6. "Shibilski Joins Stifel, Nicolaus and Company" (PDF). Stifel, Nicolaus and Company. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2011-09-29. Retrieved 2011-06-22.
  7. "Resignation". Wisconsin Report. Retrieved 2011-06-22.
  8. "Former State Senator Won't Run for Obey's Seat". Waow News. Retrieved 2011-05-06.
  9. "Press release by Kevin Shibilski". Waow News. Retrieved 2011-05-06.
  10. "Local Election Results". Chippewa Herald. Retrieved 2011-05-06.
  11. "Pat Kreitlow to challenge Sean Duffy in 2012; will Shibilski as well?". Blogging Blue. 26 April 2011. Retrieved 2011-05-06.
  12. "Kevin Shibilski gearing up for challenge to Sean Duffy". Top Stories Milwaukee. Retrieved 2011-05-06.
  13. "Duffy may have challenger in 2012". Ashland Current. Archived from the original on 2012-04-23. Retrieved 2011-06-22.
  14. "Ex-legislator gets 33 months in employment tax charge case". wsaw.com. February 22, 2023.
  15. Treleven, Ed (September 10, 2020). "Former state senator Kevin Shibilski charged with fraud, environmental misconduct". Wisconsin State Journal. Retrieved 10 September 2020.
  16. "Former Wisconsin tourism secretary, state senator pleads guilty to failing to pay employment taxes".
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