May 9, 2025
Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce Interns (1997-Present)
The Chamber began the Governmental Affairs internship with UW-Eau Claire in the 1997-98 school year and has now had a total of 30 interns fill this position. While the internship is structured the same for each of us, every year is different because politics never stay the same. And although we all may have participated in similar Eggs & Issues programs or the Chippewa Valley Rally, each of us have taken the experiences we have gained from this position and used them in various careers after graduation.
The Chamber currently has two University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire, Governmental Affairs Interns for the 2024-2025 year; Johnny Meagher and Gigi Galdamez.
Johnny Meagher is a 4th year senior Gigi Galdamez is a 3rd year junior
Johnny Meagher (2024-2025)
Information current as of spring 2025
Current Position: Legal Intern/Assistant at Western National Insurance
Location: Edina, MN
Work History/Other Comments: As a Governmental Affairs Intern during my senior year of college, this privilege allowed me to familiarize myself with an organization that speaks on behalf of the community. Advocation is an immense quality to obtain and the EC Chamber vocalizes this talent across the Chippewa Valley. I learned how to problem solve especially in stressful, time-restricted situations which increased my ability to multitask when necessary. Overall, this internship allows college students to create transferable skills in any occupation post-grad they desire.
Gigi Galdamez (2024-2026)
Information current as of spring 2025
Current Position: Governmental Affairs Intern
Location: Eau Claire, WI
Work History/Other Comments: During my time as a Governmental Affairs Intern during my junior year, I have learned a lot about the relationship between the business community and a non-profit organization like the Chamber of Commerce. It is interesting to see the various resources and opportunities the Chamber provides in order to help the community stay updated on issues they are passionate about. I am certain the skills I have obtained this year will follow me throughout my professional career, and as a second year intern in the fall, I hope to continue to learn more about Chamber tasks and contribute to this skills.
Emily Johnston (2022-2023)
Information current as of spring 2025
Current Position: Alumni Relations Specialist - Annual Giving at UW - Stevens Point
Location: Stevens Point, WI
Work History/Other Comments: My time at the Chamber opened my eyes to the partnership between the local community and UWEC. This has served me well as part of my current role is focused on how individuals and local businesses support UW-Stevens Point and students.
Brianna Franke (2021-2022)
Information current as of spring 2025
Current Position: Talent Acquisition Specialist II @ Boston Scientific
Location: Arden Hills, MN
Work History/Other Comments: My internships helped me with making connections and building my confidence in a professional setting. I improved my organizational and communication skills by interacting with various stakeholders and planning large events like the rally in this role. I truly appreciate the learning experience that working at the chamber brought me.
Danya Morman (2021-2022)
Information current as of spring 2025
Current Position: Ph.D. Student at the University of Michigan
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Work History/Other Comments: Being an intern gave me the experience and network to work in local government which has turned into my primary interest in my research. Having first-hand experience with both has been invaluable in giving perspective to the work I do.
Grace Mowlem (2020-2021)
Information current as of spring 2025
Current Position: Marketing Communications Specialist at WIN Technology
Location: Eau Claire, WI
Work History/Other Comments: My internship with the Chamber is what first introduced me to WIN. I started working at WIN after graduation and have held a few different roles within the company since then. Interning with the Chamber gave me the opportunity to build connections with members of the community and further develop my communication skills which I now use every day. It also helped me learn more about the Eau Claire area and gave me a greater appreciation for the Chippewa Valley, which is the primary reason I decided to stay here after graduation.
Clayton Cavanaugh (2019-2020)
Information current as of spring 2025
Current Position: Assistant State Public Defender, Wisconsin State Public Defender’s Office, Eau Claire Trial Division
Location: Eau Claire, WI
Work History/Other Comments: The organizational skills have been very helpful. I learned a lot by spearheading a big project like the Rally, and that experience has helped immensely already. Being able to work in a professional environment like the Chamber really gave me perspective and prepared me for interacting with the legal professionals in my career path. Organizing the Chippewa Valley Rally legislature meetings really prepared me for my job, organizing and planning are such important skills. I even met an SPD attorney when I was taking notes for the young professionals meeting.
Nate Kane (2018-2019)
Information current as of spring 2025
Current Position: Deputy Director of the WMC Litigation Center
Location: Madison, WI
Work History/Other Comments: My internship at the Chamber taught me how to communicate with confidence. Even as an intern, I got to work in large groups and write to even bigger ones. My job there made me comfortable in places and around people I never thought I could be. I'll always be grateful to Scott for throwing me straight into the fire. I could not have learned any other way.
Kaylee Tracy (2017-2018)
Information current as of spring 2025
Current Position: Community Relations Manager for the City of Minneapolis, Dept of Regulatory Services
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Work History/Other Comments: Scott Rogers was my very first writing coach, and the time and intentionality he took to teach and coach me about how to best navigate complex topics, political climates and public policy, communications, and effective public-private partnerships has continued to be valuable in every role I've held as an adult. I credit my internship at the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce as the best professional development and experience one could have received; it set me up for roles in areas where communications, community-focused work, and public policy intersect.
Savannah Regali (2017-2018)
Information current as of spring 2025
Current Position: Government Relations Executive, Paladin Consulting Group
Location: Madison, WI
Work History/Other Comments: The Chamber really taught me how to interact with public officials and legislators with ease. The internship pushed me past my comfort zone and got me familiar with public speaking and really showing leadership. The Chippewa Valley Rally and other events I helped put together put me ahead of other candidates who applied for my position because there are a lot of events we put on for clients and I already had that experience from the Chamber.
Peter Hienz (2016-2017)
Information current as of spring 2025
Current Position: Chief of Staff, Office of State Senator Howard Marklein
Location: Madison, WI
Work History/Other Comments: This internship helped me learn about some of the key issues in Wisconsin politics and gave me the chance to interact with elected officials and legislative staff. It also helped me get connected to the Capitol in Madison and solidify a job in the building when I graduated.
Sam Gullerud (2015-2016)
Information current as of spring 2025
Current Position: Special Assistant to the Regional Director, FDIC
Location: Madison, WI
Work History/Other Comments: In my current role I am responsible for monitoring and reporting on material changes in state and federal banking regulations, among many things. My time with the Chamber increased my ability to navigate the regulatory process and make reasonable predictions on the likelihood of success for certain rule and regulation proposals. Additionally, I am responsible for coordinating outreach between the Regional Director and trade associations in our states, which is reminiscent of the scheduling, coordination, and planning I was tasked with while interning with the Chamber.
Nicholas Verhaalen (2014-2015)
Information current as of spring 2025
Current Position: Attorney, DeMark, Kolbe & Brodek, S.C.
Location: Racine, WI
Work History/Other Comments: Like the Chamber, the clients I serve are primarily small businesses and small business owners. My time as an intern with the Chamber helped me identify my enthusiasm for advocating for and assisting the small business community. My time at the Chamber also helped me greatly in the area of professional communication.
Tyrel Zich (2012-2013)
Information current as of spring 2025
Current Position: Regional Vice President, Regulatory Affairs at Xcel Energy
Location: Eau Claire, WI
Work History/Other Comments: Understanding of local and state government.
Bobby Hamill (2009-2010)
Information current as of spring 2025
Current Position: Senior Director for Environmental Policy, National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA)
Location: Arlington, VA
Work History/Other Comments: “Works as a federal lobbyist and environmental policy director for rural electric cooperatives. During my time in Capitol Hill, I got an opportunity to work closely with electric cooperatives in Wisconsin-and other energy industries as well-which sparked my interest in working in this field. Previously worked as a Legislative Director for Representative H. Morgan Griffith (VA-09), and for Rep. Sean Duffy (WI-07) from 2011-2015, and Dan Kapanke for Congress (WI-03) in 2010.” The internship with the Chamber and the engagement with the membership really helped me develop the interpersonal skills that are critical to my job as a lobbyist.
Eric Platt (2008-2009)
Information current as of spring 2025
Current Position: Associate General Counsel at Michels Corporation
Location: Milwaukee, WI
Work History/Other Comments: Very beneficial! It was a solid foundation for a career in law and good exposure to government and policy.
Eric Ristau (2004-2005)
Information current as of spring 2025
Current Position: Attorney at Shareholder at Laffey, Sebranek, Auby & Ristau, S.C
Location: Madison, WI
Work History/Other Comments: Our firm is a general practice law firm with offices in Madison and Sun Prairie, Wisconsin. I practice in a number of practice areas, including creditor’s rights, business, estate planning, and real estate. My internship had an immensely positive effect on my career path. Through the internship and Chamber I was able to meet attorneys at Weld Riley, S.C. who provided me with additional work experience during college, showed me what the day-to-day life of an attorney was like, and encouraged me to pursue law school. Once at the UW Law School, those same individuals put me in contact with my current firm. In addition, the internship allowed me experiences at organizing and presenting material, writing, marketing, and developing several other skills, all of which I utilize on a daily basis.
Kristi Ryman (2002-2004)
Information current as of spring 2025
Current Position: Director of the Northwest Metro Alliance
Location: Twin Cities & Andover, MN
Work History/Other Comments: “Worked in the Health Policy and Government Affairs Department at Allina Health for about 7 years before going back to school for a Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration. While in school, worked in the operations area at a local hospital. When first hired at Allina, “Allina Health was still doing Day at the Capitol events and helping coordinate one was the first responsibility I was given after being hired. The next year we decided to lead an industry-wide, multi-organizational, single-issue day at the capitol to help set the stage for that legislative session about a priority issue. I managed the entire process for the Smoke Free Minnesota Day at the Capital in 2007, which set the stage for legislation to pass later that session. I know my experience at the EC Chamber helped provide me the background and experience to pull off an event with more than 500 participants. I would say this role [director of the Northwest Alliance] plays heavily into my past experience in government affairs since one of the things I am responsible for is managing our contract with the MN Department of Human Services around our Medicaid population. We have a value contract with the state and there is risk on the line. I thoroughly enjoyed my time and experience as a legislative intern with the Eau Claire Area Chamber. I was able to do it for two consecutive years and the experience helped me greatly with jobs post college"
James Hanke (2000-2001)
Information current as of spring 2025
Current Position: COO - Community & Economic Development Associates - CEDA
Location: Eau Claire, WI
Work History/Other Comments: I blame the Chamber internship for my current career path, and I mean that in the most positive way.
Previously: Manager, Economic Development and Community Services for Xcel Energy. My Chamber internship was directly responsible for my first job out of college. The opportunity to meet and work with business and government leaders throughout the Chippewa Valley is the primary reason I decided to stay in the area and accept a position with the City of Chippewa Falls.
Marlin Hardinger (1999-2000)
Information current as of spring 2025
Current Position: Diplomat, U.S. Department of State
Location: Tel Aviv, Israel
Work History/Other Comments: Good writing and presentation skills.
Sam Surface (1997-1998)
Information current as of spring 2025
Current Position: Attorney for The Law Office of Samuel E. Surface, Ltd.
Location: Stillwater, MN
Work History/Other Comments: As an attorney, I have a lot of contact with government officials. Judges, obviously, but also judicial support staff, court administration, probation officers, jail staff and law enforcement officials. The skills developed as the GAI pay dividends to this day.
Posted by Johnny Meagher & Gigi Galdamez
Governmental Affairs Interns
meagher@eauclairechamber.org
galdamez@eauclairechamber.org