Lynda Kohler

Lynda Kohler earned a B.S. degree from UWL in 1983. She joined SHARP Literacy in 2012 as its President & CEO. SHARP Literacy enhances future life success by energizing urban children, motivating them to identify themselves as confident, capable scholars and lifelong learners by inspiring engagement in reading, writing and research through hands-on interaction and visual arts. Their programs build a foundation for young students to become strong readers through their evidence-backed literacy model. Through interactive and visual arts projects, they encourage them to develop strong reading, writing and researching skills. By collaborating and partnering with teachers, educators, parents and the community, SHARP’s goal is to provide the experience and opportunities urban students need to discover a lifelong love of reading and learning.

Lynda has previous experience as President of Ronald McDonald House Charities and as an executive at Midwest Airlines. In partnership with the Board of Directors, Lynda is responsible for providing leadership, strategic direction and vision to develop and achieve SHARP’s mission. She is the chief advocate for fundraising and community presence and is responsible for the management and development of the staff. Lynda partners with other community and non-profit organizations to improve the education and lives of local youth.

Lynda established the David J. Kohler Scholarship in 2017 in memory of her Father who passed away in 2015. David Kohler was born in Rochester, NY, but after high school he enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard. He then moved to the Kenosha area where he and his wife, Barbara, raised their family of three children.

For 32 years, he was employed with the U.S. Postal Service as a letter carrier until his retirement in 1994. Dave went on to work as a bailiff for 18 years at the Kenosha County Courthouse. He was a member of St. Elizabeth Catholic Church and the National Association of Letter Carriers. Dave was an avid fisherman and loved spending the last 21 years at his summer home in Mauston on Castle Rock Lake. He especially looked forward to spending time with his family and grandchildren, fishing and boating. Dave was a dedicated Green Bay Packers and New York Yankees fan, but nothing compared to supporting his favorite athletes; his grandchildren, at their numerous sporting events.

David J. Kohler was a man of strong faith. This scholarship will support a student who is actively involved in the Roncalli Newman Center.