Involved benefit manager achieves balance between work, community and family goals

Published Sept. 17, 2007

By JERRY GEISEL

WAUKESHA, Wis.--Linda M. Kuklinski's involvement in health care issues goes well beyond managing the employee benefits programs for Generac Power Systems Inc.

She currently is on the board of directors of the Waukesha County Mental Health Assn. and serves on the 2007 United Way Days of Caring Campaign Committee.

Since 2005, she has been co-chair of the Waukesha County Save on Health Care Alliance, while she also has been a member of the Oconomowoc Memorial Hospital emergency department design team and the Wisconsin Insurance Advisory Council.

Ms. Kuklinski, who is the employee benefits and risk manager of Waukesha, Wis.-based Generac Power Systems Inc., also has served the community where she and her family reside. From 2002 to 2005, she was the 6th district alderman for Delafield, Wis.

Ms. Kuklinski said she ran for alderman in the city because, "As an active member in our homeowners association, I felt I could make a difference in a growing community.''

During the same period, Ms. Kuklinski, was chair of Delafield's Finance Committee, while between 2002 and 2006, she was a member of the Delafield-Hartland Water Pollution Control board of directors.

Additionally, Ms. Kuklinski, who is a certified treasury professional, was treasurer of the St. Joan of Arc Athletic Department, a Catholic school in Delafield, between 1992 and 1998.

In life, Ms. Kuklinski notes, balance is key. "Everyone that works hard should definitely not lose focus on family and friends. They are the support behind every good person,'' she said.

Indeed, she says snowmobiling is a family affair, while her entire family is involved in the American Legion. Her family also has a retreat in the Wisconsin Northwoods to relax and unwind.

Ms. Kuklinski and husband Gregory have been married 26 years and have two married sons and a daughter, now attending the University of Wisconsin at Oshkosh.