Patrick Essie, President
Founder of Essie Kammer Group, Patrick
Essie is a former elected officer of the Wisconsin Legislature. Elected
by members of the Assembly, Essie served two terms as the Director of
the Legislative Services (Assembly Sergeant at Arms). Essie also served
as a legislative assistant for several Wisconsin legislators. Before starting
his own lobbying and association management firm in 1993, Essie was a
regional director of government affairs for ITT Corporation. Essie went
on to become the youngest vice president in this Fortune 25 company's
history. Essie has received commendations and trade association management
awards from several clients and trade groups, both at state and national
levels.
Peter Kammer, Vice President
Peter Kammer joined the firm in 2003 and serves as Lobbyist/Legal Counsel at Essie Kammer Group. Kammer has lobbied in Wisconsin since 1997 and worked prior to that time in the State Legislature. He has extensive experience lobbying in Wisconsin on behalf of a diverse group of industries and trade associations, in addition to state and federal campaign experience. Prior to becoming a lobbyist, Kammer earned a law degree from John Marshall Law School in Chicago and worked for the Cook County State Attorney's Office.
Susie
Schooff
Susie Schooff joined Essie Kammer Group in 2007 and serves as the Director of Government Affairs. Schooff is a graduate of UW-LaCrosse with extensive experience in the political arena. Prior to that, she was public affairs director for the Eau Claire Chamber of Commerce. After moving to Madison, she worked for then-Assembly Rep. Jeff Plale—now a state Senator—and has been employed with Plale’s office for the past seven years as chief of staff. She also has experience running campaigns and doing fund-raising.
Erin Krueger
Erin Krueger joined Essie Kammer Group in 2000 and serves as a Director of Public Policy. Krueger is Wisconsin's premier trade association turn-around expert. She has a solid track record of taking unhealthy, poorly managed, directionless trade groups to profitability and respectability. Previously, she worked for the Wisconsin State Senate for two years. Krueger serves as a lobbyist for the firm and currently provides legislative consultation for several trade groups, as well as three Fortune 500 companies.
Ann Gryphan
Ann Gryphan joined Essie Kammer Group in 2001 and serves as an Association Manager. Gryphan brings a management style to her clients which blends her media savvy experience with a finely tuned promotional ability, which has brought dramatic results for those she works with. She also directs the firm's internal compliance activity. Gryphan has nine years of experience covering municipal issues for several Wisconsin newspapers.
Ann
Marie French
One gets the impression after visiting with Ann Marie French that she would be successful at whatever career path she chose. Eight years ago Ann Marie began a career in Trade Association Management as a manager for one of the most powerful health care providers association in Wisconsin. With an engaging personality and an uncommon blend of intelligence and street smarts, Ann Marie has quickly become adept at all aspects of coalition building and advocacy management. The move to Essie Kammer Group has given Ann Marie the opportunity to use her many skills as part of the states largest trade association management firm. As evidence of her ability, Ann Marie was recently named as Executive Director of one of the fastest growing trade association’s in the nation. Ann Marie is also one of Essie Kammer Group’s licensed lobbyist’s.
Cherish
Schwenn
Cherish Schwenn joined Essie Kammer Group in 2006 and serves as an Administrator for a statewide trade association. She brings 7 years of national trade association experience where she served as the administrator for the national association trainer awards. Her expertise is in event planning, expo coordination and procedural development.
Kim
Novak
Kim Novak joined Essie Kammer Group in 2008 and Serves as the Association Manager for a statewide trade association. Kim brings over 5 years of experience in the financial field focusing on budgeting, accounting, and advising. She brings with her exceptional office management, event planning, and fundraising skills that will better serve the association.
Home | Services | In The News | Staff Members | Client List | Practice Areas | Links | Testimonials | Contact Us | Web Mail
Essie
Kammer Group © 2003
16 N.
Carroll St., Suite 900 | Madison, WI 53703
Ph: 608-256-7701 | Fx: 608-251-8192