Leadership

Julie Granger – President – Leadership

Julie Granger joined the JA Wisconsin team as president in November of 2023. She is thrilled to be leading an organization that changes lives and empowers young people. Prior to JA, Julie served for more than 25 years with the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce, most recently as Executive Vice President. During her tenure, she led the organization’s membership, talent strategy, marketing, communications and equity and inclusion efforts. This experience has given her unique insight into the current and anticipated talent needs of employers. She believes Junior Achievement’s career-based learning experiences have never been more relevant or necessary. And she is driven to create equitable opportunities for the next generation of Wisconsin citizens.

Earlier in her career, Julie worked in advertising and corporate communications for Anthem Blue Cross & Blue Shield and (going way back) she was an overnight assignment editor for the ABC affiliate in Cleveland, OH. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in communications from John Carroll University and a certificate in non-profit leadership from the Institute for Organizational Management.

Julie serves on the boards of TEMPO Milwaukee, Imagine MKE and Pius XI High School. She was named a “Woman of Influence” by the Milwaukee Business Journal in 2021. She has two adult children and resides with her husband in Wauwatosa, WI. When she’s not working, chances are she’s outside hiking or inside trying to recreate her grandmother’s Italian recipes.

Lori Astell – Regional Director (South Central) – Leadership

Email
608-288-8201

Lori joined Junior Achievement of Wisconsin in March of 2024 as Director of the South Central Region. With more than 15 years’ experience in non-profit leadership, marketing, fundraising, and entrepreneurship, she most recently served as Chief Experience Officer of Girl Scouts of Wisconsin Badgerland. She was responsible for the delivery and oversight of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience to more than 5,500 girls throughout South Central Wisconsin with the support of 3,300 adult volunteers.

Prior to her career in Girl Scouts, Lori was an accomplished fundraiser for a non-profit serving person with developmental disabilities. Having spent time as an entrepreneur early in her career, Lori also led a consulting firm which specialized in supporting non-profits. She earned her Master’s in Business Administration from Cardinal Stritch University and Bachelor’s in Marketing and Graphic Design, from Bowling Green State University.

Beyond JA, Lori is sparked by all things outdoor adventure; camping, hiking, biking, or fly fishing the Driftless are among her favorite past times with her husband and playful pups by her side. Always on the go, you may also find her out on the fairway, weeding her flower gardens, advocating for animals as a Board member of a local shelter, or enthralled in a competitive card or game night with her family.