Senator Wilhelm serves on the Economic Growth, Education, Human Resources, Ways & Means, and Environment & Energy Independence committees.  She is also a member of the Agriculture & Natural Resources Budget Subcommittee.

Before her election to the Senate, Mary Jo served on the Board of Supervisors for Howard County.  She has been a Certified Residential Appraiser since 2000 and started her own business, Wilhelm Appraisers, in June 2006. 

Mary Jo is a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church.

Mary Jo and her husband, Michael, have been married for 26 years.  Their family includes: Ben, who lives in Iowa City; Alex, who lives in Cedar Rapids; and Christopher, who lives in Decorah.