HAMILTON CONSULTING - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Communications & Government Relations Manager
- the Communications & Government Relations Manager
ADAM JORDAHL joined Hamilton Consulting Group in January 2021 as the Communications & Government Relations Manager. In this role, he monitors legislation, rules, and news items, researches policy issues, develops client communications and firm publications, and maintains websites and social media accounts for the firm and its clients. He also lobbies on behalf of the Wisconsin Civil Justice Council, Wisconsin Defense Counsel, Wisconsin Funeral Directors Association, and Opportunity Solutions Project.
Prior to joining Hamilton, Adam was the Associate Director of Government Relations for Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce (WMC), the state's chamber of commerce and largest business trade association. Working alongside the lobbying team, he researched policy issues, drafted memos, comments, and communications, and supported WMC's legal advocacy.
Adam has also worked as a staff writer for Ballotpedia, the Encyclopedia of American Politics. There, he covered administrative law and regulatory affairs and profiled political influencers and nonprofit organizations.
Adam earned a B.A. in religious studies and sociology from Rice University in Houston, Texas. He graduated cum laude with distinction in research and creative works for his senior thesis on internet memes and political messaging. His first job in politics was as a communications intern for the Republican Party of Wisconsin.
Originally from Madison, Adam enjoys cooking, golfing, playing cards, practicing bass, and performing with his band.
Alexander Hamilton best exemplifies our philosophy that we are in the business of making government work for you. Beyond being the leading advocate of the Constitution, Hamilton, as the first secretary of the Treasury, laid the groundwork for today's economy. He believed that government can best benefit society by supporting, not burdening, commerce and industry. Few have made a comparable contribution to the substance of American government and business. Our team also understands the intricacies of how government works - and how it can work better. We have solid personal and professional relationships with state and federal officials in Wisconsin. We produce results for our clients by drawing upon these relations and using extensive policy expertise, proven political strategies, and strong advocacy.
ANDY ENGEL has been with Hamilton Consulting for 14 years, representing a variety of nationally recognized clients including 3M, American Red Cross, Alliance for Automotive Innovation, Anheuser-Busch, Delta Dental, Harley-Davidson, McCain Foods, Walmart, and Xcel Energy. Prior to joining Hamilton, Andy worked in Wisconsin politics for twelve years, both inside the Wisconsin Capitol as well as directing political organizations and campaigns throughout the state. Andy has been a part-owner of Hamilton Consulting since 2015.
Andy's last job in the Capitol was as the Chief of Staff to then-Senate Majority Leader Judy Robson, where he oversaw Senate strategy in matters that included the state budget, major policy initiatives, internal and external messaging with the press and lobby corps, as well as caucus politics. Andy also worked as a Policy Analyst at the Senate Office of Budget and Policy, and as a Legislative Aide to State Senator Kim Plache.
Andy has extensive campaign experience ranging from state legislative races to statewide presidential campaigns. He was the Executive Director of the State Senate Democratic Committee in 2002 and 2006, Political Director at the State Democratic Party in 2003, and Deputy Director of John Kerry's field campaign in Wisconsin in 2004.
During his time at Hamilton Consulting Andy has worked to advance policy at every level of state government on behalf of his clients, combining a variety of proven strategies and his insider's knowledge of the process. Additionally, Andy works on local government projects and has been part of a number of successful procurement projects.
CATHERINE MCDERMOTT has been working in governmental affairs and policy development for seventeen years, across two different states and in a variety of roles. During her time at Hamilton, Caty has represented a variety of clients, ranging from statewide trade associations, corporations, and nonprofits, in front of the state legislature, governor's office, and state agencies. Drawing upon her diverse policy background, Caty analyzes and effectively communicates policy positions on a variety of issue areas, including Medicaid, water quality, early education, public safety, tourism, and local development.
Prior to joining Hamilton Consulting, Caty worked in the Executive Office at the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA), providing high-level analysis and opportunity research of federal housing and economic development programs and policies. During her time at WHEDA, Caty successfully helped write and secure a $2.5 million federal grant to improve housing assistance. She also helped develop a federal New Market Tax Credit proposal and expanded the scope and function of the WHEDA Foundation.
Before joining WHEDA, Caty worked for three years as a state budget analyst in the Connecticut Office of Policy and Management (OPM). While at OPM, Caty was responsible for the budget and policy development for several large state programs including health and social service programs, housing, heating assistance and rehabilitation services. In this role, she managed and forecasted costs for contracts associated with Medicaid and negotiated on behalf of the administration the department's enrollment projections and cost share related to the state Health Insurance Exchange. Caty was actively involved in the development of several state agency consolidations, working as a liaison between agency commissioners and budget officials to implement administrative service mergers and program consolidations.
Adding to her diverse experiences in government, Caty held a position in city government. She provided research and analysis on education legislation and school financing alternatives for the New Haven Board of Education. Also while in Connecticut, Caty also interned with a prominent lobbying firm, preparing research and bill summaries for clients focused on health care, education and human services.
Before moving out east, Caty started her government affairs career working at a Madison lobbying firm. While there, she managed and successfully grew a statewide trade association, the Wisconsin Association of Mortgage Brokers. In this role, she informed members of pertinent state and federal legislation, developed and managed the association's loan officer education program, and coordinated a statewide public relations campaign to educate the public about how to find an accredited mortgage professional.
Gov. Evers's speech announced two big-ticket items the Governor hopes to accomplish in 2020. First, Evers announced he will call the Legislature into special session next week on legislation relating to farmers, agricultural industries, and our rural communities. Second, Evers announced the creation of a nonpartisan redistricting commission to develop maps to present to the Legislature next year. Evers released Executive Order #66, establishing the "People's Maps Commission" on Jan. 27.
Addressing many of the same issues laid out in his "Legislative Homework" letter earlier this month, Evers noted he hopes the Legislature can address PFAS, "dark stores," insulin costs, and youth vaping this session.
Job Titles:
- Chief of Staff to Then - Senate Majority
ANDY ENGEL has been with Hamilton Consulting for 14 years, representing a variety of nationally recognized clients including 3M, American Red Cross, Alliance for Automotive Innovation, Anheuser-Busch, Delta Dental, Harley-Davidson, McCain Foods, Walmart, and Xcel Energy. Prior to joining Hamilton, Andy worked in Wisconsin politics for twelve years, both inside the Wisconsin Capitol as well as directing political organizations and campaigns throughout the state. Andy has been a part-owner of Hamilton Consulting since 2015.
Andy's last job in the Capitol was as the Chief of Staff to then-Senate Majority Leader Judy Robson, where he oversaw Senate strategy in matters that included the state budget, major policy initiatives, internal and external messaging with the press and lobby corps, as well as caucus politics. Andy also worked as a Policy Analyst at the Senate Office of Budget and Policy, and as a Legislative Aide to State Senator Kim Plache.
Andy has extensive campaign experience ranging from state legislative races to statewide presidential campaigns. He was the Executive Director of the State Senate Democratic Committee in 2002 and 2006, Political Director at the State Democratic Party in 2003, and Deputy Director of John Kerry's field campaign in Wisconsin in 2004.
During his time at Hamilton Consulting Andy has worked to advance policy at every level of state government on behalf of his clients, combining a variety of proven strategies and his insider's knowledge of the process. Additionally, Andy works on local government projects and has been part of a number of successful procurement projects.
In 2002, Andy co-founded "Forward Strategies," a public opinion polling firm. Currently, he sits on the board of the Wisconsin Coalition to End Homelessness. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.
MICHELLE WAGNER joined Hamilton Consulting Group in January of 2015. She currently serves as the Office Manager. Michelle has over 20 years of experience in accounting and office administration which includes accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, general ledger and benefits administration.
In her free time she enjoys baking and cheering on her two children at their various sporting events.
REBECCA HOGAN has been developing and advancing policies and related political strategies for Wisconsin lawmakers, administrators and businesses for over 20 years. She joined Hamilton Consulting in 2013, where she advocates for clients in policy areas such as health care, general business climate, employment law, and government reform.
Before joining Hamilton, Rebecca served as the Director of Health and Human Resources Policy at Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce (WMC), the state's largest trade association representing business. While at WMC, Rebecca lobbied the legislature on health care policy and human resources issues such as unemployment insurance, worker's compensation, education and the Family Medical Leave Act.
Rebecca spent eight years in the Wisconsin State Senate working in a variety of positions for a number of senators, including Senator Alberta Darling. In her various roles as a Chief of Staff, Senate Education Committee Clerk and Legislative Director, she was responsible for preparing analysis and policy recommendations for committee fiscal deliberations, media relations and guidance to constituents.
In addition to her legislative experience, Rebecca was the Deputy Director for the Committee to Elect a Republican Senate where she conducted all administrative, financial management and fundraising activities. Rebecca also was a Regional Coordinator for former Governor Thompson's campaign committee.
Rounding out her background, Rebecca served in Governor Thompson's administration as a research and policy advisor at the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions. In this position she drafted bill summaries on legislation that impacted the agency, conducted research projects and wrote informational papers on the financial industry.
Rebecca holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and International Relations from University of Wisconsin-Madison. She has received appointments from the Secretary of the Department of Workforce Development to the Wisconsin Apprenticeship Advisory Council and from Gov. Scott McCallum as the liaison to the United States Mint for the Wisconsin Commemorative Quarter Project.
Rebecca serves on the Home & School Board of her children's school and participates in many other volunteer activities there. She lives in Cottage Grove, Wisconsin, with her husband, three children, and the family-dog.
Senate President Roger Roth (R-Appleton) gave the Republican response to Gov. Tony Evers's second State of the State address on Jan. 22. Roth highlighted the Legislature's success in the 2019-21 state budget, which he praised as funding priorities like transportation, health care, and education without increasing taxes.