Husch Blackwell Strategies Wisconsin announced today the addition of Matt Hauser and Rachel Vander Wiele to the firm’s government affairs team. Matt joins the office as a Principal, bringing over two decades of experience in public policy, lobbying and executive leadership. Rachel Vander Wiele will serve in the role of Client Services Associate. Rachel is a Capitol veteran, having served ten years on staff in both the Senate and Assembly.
HBS Chairman Andy Blunt said, “HBS is strongly invested in Wisconsin, which is why we are proud to have the addition of Matt and Rachel on the team and the valuable skills they bring. Matt and Rachel join a talented team that includes Mike Rogowski, Nathan Halbach and Annette Cruz.”
Matt will continue in his role as the President & CEO of the Wisconsin Petroleum Marketers & Convenience Store Association (WPMCA), a statewide association, where he has worked on state and federal public policy and regulatory issues for more than 500 independent petroleum marketers in the state.
Matt noted, “I am excited to have the opportunity to join the HBS team. I look forward to being a part of a firm that is doing innovative work in government affairs for its clients, while increasing the value-added services for the WPMCA and its members.”
Prior to joining WPMCA and becoming the President and CEO in 2008, Matt served on the policy teams for two Governors. Matt maintains active involvement in many professional and service organizations, including the Association of Wisconsin Lobbyists (President 2018), Conference of Retail Associations, Tourism Federation of Wisconsin and Wisconsin Civil Justice Council.
Rachel worked on a variety of issues while at the capitol, including staffing a senator and representative through four biennial budget cycles. She took the lead on developing and guiding complex policy initiatives through the legislative process by collaborating with other lawmakers and staff and various state agencies and stakeholders.
“Matt brings with him an in-depth knowledge of association management, as well as an expertise in taxation and regulation at local, state, and federal levels of government. He also excels in his ability to build and strengthen coalitions with other organizations that serve small businesses,” said HBS WI Managing Principal Mike Rogowski. “Matt and Rachel’s experience and relationships in the Capitol will greatly benefit our clients in achieving their goals.”
HBS CEO Gregg Hartley added, “We strive to exceed our clients’ expectations, beginning with our qualified team of public policy experts across the nation that successfully identify legislative opportunities while solving challenges.”
In addition to its Wisconsin office, the firm has state capital offices in Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Texas, Wisconsin and a federal practice group in Washington, D.C.
