Celebrating a Trusted Partner in Philanthropy: Maureen Kinney

February 19, 2026

By Sherry Beames, Donor Services Coordinator

La Crosse Area Community Foundation is grateful to partner with professional advisors who help clients turn charitable intentions into meaningful impact. These partnerships are essential in ensuring philanthropy is thoughtful, effective, and aligned with the needs of our community. One such partner is Maureen Kinney, whose long-standing relationship with LACF has strengthened charitable giving across the La Crosse area.

For many years, Maureen, an attorney at Johns, Flaherty & Collins, has connected clients and community members to LACF, helping them better understand how to plan for their charitable goals—whether they are focused on creating a legacy for the future or making a difference today. Her referrals have allowed LACF to guide individuals and families in giving strategically and with confidence, all while addressing the evolving needs of our community.

A Foundation of Service and Advocacy

Maureen was born and raised in the small rural town of Amery, Wisconsin. Her father was an attorney who later became a judge, and her parents were deeply engaged in community life. Her mother volunteered with several nonprofit organizations, modeling a lifelong commitment to service. Inspired by her father, Maureen pursued a career in law—an ambitious decision at a time when women were significantly underrepresented in law schools. Although she briefly considered social work, her passion for advocacy ultimately led her to the legal profession.

After completing her degree, Maureen settled in La Crosse, where she became one of only a few female attorneys in the area. Her legal expertise and dedication to service naturally extended into nonprofit leadership. Over the years, she has generously volunteered her time and talents on numerous boards, including the Mississippi Valley Conservancy, YWCA, Mississippi Valley Archaeological Center, Sierra Club, and New Horizons.

A Personal Experience with Philanthropy

While serving on the board of New Horizons, Maureen played a role in fundraising efforts for the organization’s new shelter. That experience left a lasting impression of both the challenge of asking for financial support and the fulfillment of advocating for a cause she deeply believed in. It reinforced her understanding of how communities come together to meet shared needs and build something lasting through collective generosity.

In 2016, Maureen formalized her own charitable vision by establishing a fund at LACF. Working closely with then-Executive Director Sheila Garrity, she designed a fund that reflected her values and ensured continued support for the community she loves, even beyond her lifetime. That firsthand experience further shaped her professional insight. She recognized that many of her clients shared charitable intent but were unsure how to structure their giving in a way that aligned with their goals. Since then, Maureen has referred numerous clients to LACF, creating a partnership that benefits her practice, her clients, and the broader community.

Commitment Beyond the Profession

Outside of her professional work, Maureen’s passions include travel, hiking, and supporting causes close to her heart. From environmental conservation through the Mississippi Valley Conservancy, to voting rights with the League of Women Voters, to youth development through the Boys & Girls Clubs, she has been a steadfast champion for philanthropy.

LACF is proud to celebrate Maureen Kinney—not only for her professional partnership, but for her unwavering commitment to community, service, and thoughtful charitable planning.