History
James Wimmer was a well-known lobbyist and champion of a variety of causes. He was chief of staff to former Gov. Gaylord Nelson (while still in college), a candidate for state Senate, and chairman of the state Democratic Party in the 1970's before he became one of the state's top lobbyists. He represented some of Wisconsin's premier companies and trade associations. He was a humble man who was known at the time as Wisconsin's most influential lobbyist. He was born in Wisconsin Dells and was a former star athlete who was often coined "a wonder boy." Many believe he was the most skillful and influential powerbroker Wisconsin had ever seen. For people in Wisconsin during the 90's, he had a great effect on how people drove on public highways, paid a health or life insurance premium, sipped a glass of wine or soft drink at dinner, or entered into a huge new public building. He maintained close friendships on both sides of the political aisle. He was an ethical and brilliant man, and for many who knew him was one of the most interesting people they ever met.
Eric Petersen would take over as President of Wimmer & Company, following the tragic loss of James Wimmer. In his more than two decades of leading Wimmer & Company, Eric has carried on the Wimmer values of tireless client representation, integrity, subject matter expertise, and grassroots coalition building. Eric has carried this influence forward under a government controlled by Republicans as well as Democrats, and proven to be one of the more effective negotiators amid divided government. As such, Wimmer & Company has been at the front lines of nearly every major Wisconsin policy debate of the past half century including, transportation funding, alcohol regulation, state tax policy, healthcare policy, energy policy, local government finance, professional sports negotiations, and major state procurement and construction initiatives.
Kyle Christianson joined Wimmer & Company as a partner in 2022, adding to the firm’s capacity, expertise, and outreach. With a long tenure at the Wisconsin Counties Association and deep experience with issues involving local government and a range of Wisconsin industries, Kyle’s background furthers Wimmer’s capabilities. Eric and Kyle work collaboratively to maneuver Wisconsin’s evolving political landscape and to deliver results for the firm’s more than two dozen long-term clients. As one of the state’s oldest and most respected lobbying firms, Wimmer & Company continues to prepare and adapt for the challenges of tomorrow while always maintaining the values and work ethic the firm was originally built upon.
Wimmer Team
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Born in Madison, Eric attended the Mercersburg Academy in Mercersburg Pennsylvania where he was a high school All-American and later attended the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, earning a degree in history and foreign policy. Following graduation, he worked for five years in New York with the investment bank Bear Stearns & Company, returning to Madison to attend law school. During law school, he worked as an intern at Wimmer & Company and during his third year in law school, took over the firm after the tragic death of the firm’s founder, Jim Wimmer. Eric made the decision to continue Jim’s work in 2000. In addition to his professional pursuits, Eric is an avid outdoorsman and is involved in a myriad of community causes and affiliations.
Kyle Christianson is a Partner at Wimmer & Company. Kyle joined Wimmer in November 2022, following a decade leading the Wisconsin Counties Association’s (WCA) lobbying and outreach efforts as WCA Vice President of Government Affairs. In addition to Kyle’s work at Wimmer, he continues as WCA chief lobbyist and is responsible for overseeing all legislative and regulatory activities impacting county government in both Madison and Washington, D.C. Prior to his work at Wimmer and WCA, Kyle worked at the state’s longest-serving nonpartisan think-tank, the Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance, where he focused on fiscal policy and intergovernmental cooperation. In addition to his professional pursuits, Kyle enjoys spending time with his wife Nicole, his son Cole, and his daughter Lenna. They enjoy being outdoors, golfing, skiing, and attending sporting events.
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Angie has been a fixture of Wimmer & Company for almost 30 years. Her tenure began in 1989 with Jim Wimmer, working with him for 10 years, and then continued on with Eric Petersen when he took over the presidency of Wimmer and Company. Angie is the backbone of Wimmer and Company and is responsible for maintaining Eric’s busy calendar, travel arrangements, and all administrative duties including payroll, accounts payable/receivable, and much more. Angie loves dogs more than people and is the friendly voice you hear when you call Wimmer and Company.
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In America, change requires engaging the political process. Contact Wimmer & Company for the tireless advocacy you need.
