Candidate for Treasurer
John E. Danner
Harrold, Scrobell & Danner S.C., Minoqua
Email: jdanner@hsdlaw.net
Platform Statement
I was appointed in June 2016 to fill the unexpired term as treasurer for Paul Swanson. In that capacity, I have served on both the Finance and the Executive committees of the Board of Governors. Previously, I served four years as Governor from District 16. This year, the State Bar of Wisconsin faces a projected decline in membership of 244 created by the fact that more lawyers are retiring from the practice than there are new lawyers entering the practice.
If elected, I will strive to implement a long-term financial plan that incorporates membership projections and the recommendations of the State Bar’s Strategic Planning Committee, which is currently undertaking a sweeping analysis of all State Bar programs, benefits and services, seeking to uncover duplications of effort, inefficiencies in operation, and financial strengths and shortfalls. Ultimately, the goal is long-term financial viability of the State Bar without total reliance on dues as its principle source of revenue. The current business plan and initiatives of the State Bar in this area is a strong beginning, but those must continue to evolve along with the changing makeup of the State Bar.
With the employment of a new executive director, the State Bar faces the challenge of transitioning from the past to the future as well as the opportunity to examine the overall vitality and strength of our organization with a new set of eyes. We cannot take these challenges lightly. I believe that my experience in State Bar governance over the past five years will assist in this endeavor.
Biography
John Danner is a shareholder in the Minocqua law firm of Harrold, Scrobell & Danner, S.C. He received his undergraduate degree in Speech from Loras College in 1972. During college he was a newscaster at the KDTH radio stations in Dubuque. Following graduation, he undertook one year of graduate studies at West Virginia University in Speech Communication and Behavior and then returned to his then career at the KDTH stations in Dubuque. In 1974, he joined the WOC stations in Davenport, Iowa, doing radio and television news and sports. In 1976, he chose to return to school, and enrolled at the University of Iowa College of Law, graduating with a Juris Doctorate in 1979. He took both the Iowa and Wisconsin bar exams, and is licensed to practice in both states.
He moved to Minocqua following law school, joining the firm of Lund, Harrold & Akey, S.C.. In 1984, he was a founding member of Harrold, Scrobell & Danner, S.C. John and his wife, Randi, raised their daughters Stacey, Tricia and Melissa, who are now married. He and Randi have six grandchildren. John feels fortunate enough to live in an area where many lawyers seek to vacation and retire, and his advantage is that he doesn’t drive several hours to arrive at that special place “north of the tension zone.”
Professional Activities
Member:
Member - State Bar of Wisconsin and the Iowa State Bar Association
State Bar of Wisconsin Treasurer (2016-present)
Board of Governors, representing District 16 (2012-2016)
Board of Governors Executive Committee (2014-present)
Board of Governors Strategic Plan Joint Review Committee (2015-present)
Board of Governors Strategic Planning Committee (2012-present)
Board of Governors Reapportionment Committee (2014-2015)
Judicial Selection Steering Committee (2013-present)
Wisconsin Law Foundation Fellows (2009-present)
Wisconsin Lawyers Mutual Insurance Company Director (1998-present)
Circuit Court Commissioner - Oneida County
State Bar Membership Committee (2008-09)
Bench Bar Relations Committee (1989-1995; 2001-2008; 2010-2011)
State Bar CLE Committee (2001-2004; 2008-2012)
Oneida-Vilas-Forest County Bar Association
Community Service
Northwoods Wildlife Center, Inc., Director (1979-1992)
Lakeland Union High School Board of Education (1988-1994)
Coach - PeeWee Football (1982-1984)
Coordinator and Head Chef - Holy Family Parish annual Communitywide Thanksgiving Dinner (1988-present)
WIAA Registered official(retired) (1984-2016)
NCAA Registered official (retired) (1993-2016)
Education
University of Iowa College of Law, J.D. (1979)
West Virginia University graduate study (1972-73)
Loras College, B.A. (1972)
