The Institute for Reforming Government announced several new hires, highlighting its growth in the areas of community engagement, policy development, and donor relations.
Madison Hartmann, Director of External Affairs. Prior to joining IRG, Madison was executive communications manager for the American Medical Association, where she led strategic planning and outreach for AMA’s board of trustees and executive leadership at the height of the historic COVID-19 global pandemic. She also has worked for Congressman Mike Gallagher as his communications director in Washington D.C. and served on the campaigns of Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Rebecca Bradley and Governor Scott Walker. She is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Madison will lead IRG’s efforts to build winning coalitions and engage communities in all corners of the state to advance conservative policy solutions. She can be reached at: [email protected].
John Gray, Policy Fellow. John Gray mostly recently served as Deputy Assistant to President Donald J. Trump and Director of Policy for Vice President Mike Pence. During that time, John worked on all domestic policy matters, including managing the Coronavirus Task Force for Vice President Pence. Prior to joining the Vice President’s Office, John was Acting Chief of Staff and Associate Director for the Office of Management and Budget at the White House. He has also held positions in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives.
Chandler Swansen, Development Consultant. Chandler is the owner of Swansen Strategies, a consulting firm based in Wisconsin. As director of grassroots advocacy and the Issues Mobilization Council for Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce, Chandler led myriad successful fundraising efforts. He has also worked with Gov. Walker and Rep. Duffy as a finance director.
Benjamin Garbedian, Fall Student Fellow. From Waukesha, Wisconsin, Benjamin Garbedian is a junior at Carroll University. He previously interned at the Badger Institute, a free market think tank in Milwaukee. He also serves as Communications Director of the Wisconsin Federation of College Republicans.