Emmer for Governor Adds Professional Staff to Growing Campaign
Thursday, January 14, 2010 · Saint Paul · Filed under: Campaign
The Tom Emmer for Governor campaign announced their organization and staff today, another sign of the momentum the campaign is building toward the February 2, 2010 precinct caucuses.
“We have put together a strong group of professionals to manage this campaign and our expectation is this team will grow in the weeks and months ahead,” said Emmer.
The Emmer for Governor staff includes:
- David FitzSimmons, Campaign Manager
- David is the current Chair of the Sixth District Republican Party and is Chairman of the Republican Liberty Caucus. He was the point person for the RNC in Wright County during the 2008 campaign and for the Coleman recount effort. He is responsible for managing the campaign, delegate outreach, and is the campaign spokesman.
- Ben Harper, Finance Director
- Ben previously worked for Congresswoman Michele Bachmann on her congressional staff and as a fundraiser for her successful reelection campaign. Ben is overseeing all fundraising efforts including direct mail and major donors.
- Jennifer Niska, Office Director
- Jennifer brings to the campaign experience in non-profit management and fundraising for organizations like the North American Baptist Conference, the University of Chicago and an Evangelical Free Church. Jennifer is managing the office, scheduling and overseeing volunteer recruitment.
- Benjamin Kruse, Media Director
- Benjamin has been a graphic designer for print and electronic media for 13 years and has done political design work for many Republican candidates including Tim Pawlenty, Rod Grams, Norm Coleman, Michele Bachmann, John Kline, Mary Kiffmeyer and Kurt Zellers. Benjamin is in charge of all electronic and print media including the website, Facebook and Twitter accounts, videos and direct mail. He also serves as the media relations director for the campaign.
- Chris Van Guilder, Field Director
- Chris is a 2008 graduate of St. Johns and was involved in College Republicans as a student volunteering on the campaigns of Tim Pawlenty and Mark Kennedy. He recently worked as a Business Analyst at UnitedHealth Group. In addition to keeping the candidate on schedule, Chris is in charge of building the College Republican network for the Emmer for Governor campaign.
- Jane Stewart, EdD, Delegate Outreach
- Jane is a former teacher, principal and school board member. She was the Minnesota state volunteer coordinator for the McCain-Palin campaign. Jane is organizing delegate contact and outreach to help secure the nomination.
- Kathie Roberts, Receptionist
- Kathie is a long time Republican activist who has held virtually every job in the Republican Party at the local, congressional district and state level. She is currently serving on the Republican Party Redistricting Committee. Kathie is the first point of contact for callers and visitors to the Emmer campaign and helps with data entry and other office duties.
