Robert S. Zigman, a fifth-generation Wisconsinite, came from a family of farmers and small businessmen. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a journalism degree, but later changed his career to public relations, serving a chairman of the board of a major firm, Zigman-Joseph-Skeen. Zigman took an active role in the Milwaukee community and in Wisconsin philanthropy overall, particularly with organizations such as the Police Athletic League, UW-Milwaukee Foundation, Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, and the United Performing Arts Fund. He is a director emeritus of the Wisconsin Historical Foundation board.
