Kelsey had a sixth sense about her fifth-grade plan

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When it comes to mapping out life and setting goals, some people have a five-year plan.

Peggy Kelsey had a “fifth-grade plan.”

She recalls a day in class from her childhood when the teacher went around the room, asking students what they wanted to be when they grew up.

Kelsey noticed that only people who were saying “doctor” or “lawyer” were boys. So, when it came time for her to speak, she bucked the trend and responded: “lawyer.”

“We had no lawyers in my family, and I had no idea what a lawyer did,” Kelsey admitted. “As time went on I learned what lawyers did and it all sounded very interesting to me. It was a career that resonated with me.

“So I stuck with the fifth-grade plan — and it has indeed been very interesting!”

Today, Kelsey is executive vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary for WEC Energy Group in Milwaukee. She is responsible for all legal matters affecting the company and oversees its human resources, administrative services and environmental functions.

She holds numerous degrees, including a bachelor’s in history from Mount Mary University, a juris doctorate from Georgetown University and a master of business administration from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

“Peggy has set the Gold Standard as a fierce yet compassionate advocate for diversity throughout her tenure with WEC Energy Group,” said Emery Harlan, a partner at MWH Law Group. “She is a go-to leader, setting standards for others to follow, not only to diversify the legal profession but to diversify companies as a whole.”

Kelsey is respected and admired by her peers and colleagues for her dedication, Harlan added. “Her forward-thinking and open-minded approach continues to provide pathways for other companies to follow.”

Kelsey said that engaging in business discussions and decision-making are the parts of her job that she enjoys most.

“No day is like any other day, and I am continuously challenged,” she said.

Outside work, Kelsey said family is her first priority. She and her husband are Door County natives and have three grown children and one son-in-law.

“We love cooking, gardening, kayaking, hiking and going on our annual family vacations,” she said. “I enjoy running, but usually keep it to a 5K distance.”