From humble beginnings Robert Keller has made a significant impact on the community as one of the Fox Valley’s most philanthropic leaders.
A 1965 Neenah High School graduate, he began by sweeping floors and running errands as an 11-year-old at his family-owned business, J.J. Keller and Associates, Inc. By 1983, he was the company President and, in 1988, took over as Chief Executive Officer. He currently serves as the Chairman of the J.J. Keller Board of Directors and the Executive Committee.
As President and Chairman of the J.J. Keller Foundation, Inc., Keller oversees an organization that has given over $50 million back to the community throughout its 26-year history. The foundation was founded by his parents, Jack and Ethel, and has focused on supporting organizations that address the causes and consequences of poverty and other specialty areas of interest, such as mental health. The focus is primarily on basic human needs – food, shelter, clothing and medical care – for homeless and disadvantaged individuals.
J.J. Keller and Associates began in 1953 and has grown to one of the largest employers in Northeastern Wisconsin with more than 1,400 associates. Keller wrote the company’s first advertisement while majoring in economics at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. He was named the Advertising and Marketing Manager after graduation and was appointed Senior Vice President in 1973. In 1974, he was named the Executive Vice President and then became Chief Operating Officer in 1977.
Keller has also been giving of his time by serving on the Board of Directors for numerous local charitable
organizations, including the Community Foundation of the Fox Valley, Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce, Fox Valley Technical College Foundation, Future Neenah Development Corporation and UW-Oshkosh Foundation. He is also a member of the Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce Board of Directors and an Executive in Residence for the UW-Oshkosh College of Business. Keller recently gave $10,000 of seed capital to help create the UW-Oshkosh Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation.
As a high school student, Keller was a member of Conservation Club and Pep Club. He has given back to his former school as the J.J. Keller Foundation assisted with funding for the fieldhouse floor renovation and football stadium scoreboard.
Keller and his wife, Lynne, have four children: Marne, Rustin, Rachael and Adam. They also have nine grandchildren and reside in Kaukauna.
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