For the past 10 years Eric has worked with the YMCA Youth In Government program as a volunteer advisor to the high school aged participants. In recent years he has served as the director of the Youth In Government lobbyist program and currently serves on the board of directors of the University Branch YMCA.

Bill has a bachelor's degree in journalism from St. Thomas University. He also completed an intensive "mini MBA" course on business management at St. Thomas in 1996.

Andy joined the Ewald Consulting team in February of 2008, working in the Chicago office. He received his college degree in Public and Corporate Communication from Butler University in 2005. He has three years previous experience with an international organization in program development, strategic consulting, volunteer training, and project management. Andy is an avid skier and is certified by the Professional Ski Instructor of America. He also enjoys pursuing outdoor activities, soccer, and volunteering with his alma mater in his free time.

Mary is a graduate of the University of Illinois, Champaign/Urbana, with a master's degree in social work.

Brian is a graduate of St. Mary's University, Minneapolis, with a master's degree in counseling and psychological services.

Becca joined Ewald Consulting in 2005 and is the Vice President of Public Affairs, overseeing the company’s lobbying and public affairs functions. She has 14 years of legislative experience as a staff person in the Minnesota House of Representatives and the Wisconsin State Assembly. In the Minnesota House, Becca worked as a communication specialist and committee administrator, and most recently served as the Director of Legislative Services overseeing a department that provides House members with policy and political analysis and research.

Becca graduated with a B.A in Political Science from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Becca is an alumni member of the American Council of Young Political Leaders, a voting member of the Minnesota Government Relations Council, and new member of the Public Relations Society of America, Minnesota Chapter. Becca loves a good adventure – she has run six marathons, traveled around four continents and jumped out of one perfectly good airplane.

Valerie is a graduate of the University of Minnesota with a bachelor of arts degree in history.

Bill Amberg joined Ewald Consulting in January 2007 as a Government Affairs Consultant. Before joining Ewald Consulting, he served as an assistant to the Attorney General in the Health and Antitrust Division of the Minnesota Attorney General's Office, where he drafted health-related legislation, undertook numerous investigations, and represented the Minnesota Department of Health. Prior to that, Bill worked as the Director of Communications & Research for the Minnesota DFL Party for seven years.

Bill started his political career as a legislative aide to Congressman David Minge and went on to work for numerous political and legislative campaigns throughout the country, including Common Cause and the American Cancer Society. Bill has a Bachelor's degree from Minnesota State University-Mankato, a Master's Degree from the University of Notre Dame and a law degree from American University.

Nick joined Ewald Consulting in November of 2007 as a Government and Public Relations assistant. He graduated from the University of Minnesota-Duluth with a Masters Degree in Advocacy and Political Leadership, and a BA in Political Science. Before joining Ewald Consulting, Nick worked at the Minnesota House of Representatives as a legislative assistant and has worked on various campaigns In his free time he enjoys downhill skiing, autocrossing and playing with his dog Otto.

Kathie Pugaczewski is the vice president of operations and oversees the communications, events and member services departments. Kathie has more than 18 years of association management experience and joined Ewald Consulting in February 2005.

Kathie worked for the Builders Association of Minnesota (BAM) for 12 years and became the executive vice president in 1996. From 2001 to 2005, Kathie worked for the Midwest Society of Association Executives (MSAE).

She has a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Minnesota - Minneapolis and completed the Institute for Organization Management at the University of Notre Dame. In December 2003, she earned her Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation.

Scott Franzmeier
Meeting Planner and Dorsey-Ewald Conference Center Director
651-290-6278
scottf@ewald.com

Ashley Crunstedt
Meeting Planner
651-203-7248
ashleyc@ewald.com

Ashley joined up with the Ewald Consulting team in the fall of 2006. She joined the events team in June 2007. Ashley graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a B.S. in broadcast journalism with a minor in international studies. While attending UW-RF she was the captain of the women's swim team and spent a semester studying throughout 12 countries in Europe.

Cara Ilioff joined the Ewald team in February of 2008 as a member of the event planning team. She graduated from St. Olaf College where she studied American Studies and Media Studies. During her college years she also studied at UCLA and New York University, where she interned in the Artist and Repertoire Department at Sony/Columbia Records. Professionally, she has over five years experience coaching and judging public speaking tournaments, and has worked as a business analyst for Target Corporation.  

Jane has 29 years of experience ranging in the areas of administrative support, technical support, lab technician, customer service, marketing support and editing. She is part of the Ewald Consulting member service team.

Jane has college coursework in marketing, business, education and journalism from the University of Central Oklahoma, Inver Hills Community College and Metro State University. Jane is continuing work on a B.S. in marketing.

Janey was brought on as a communications intern in the summer of 2007. She assists the department with layouts, writing and other communicational tactics. She currently attends the University of Minnesota and is pursuing a degree in journalism with a minor in design. In her free time, Janey enjoys the sun and seeing as many parts of the country as she can.