ESS Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

ESS has 6 executives leading key functions including strategy, technology, finance, operations, and ownership.

Driven by a commitment to educational support, ESS specializes in placing qualified staff in K-12 school districts, ensuring continuity and quality in educational environments across the nation.

Leadership Roles at ESS

  • Chief Executive Officer - Nicholas Phillips
  • Chief Executive Officer & Chief Technology Officer - William Brockmeyer
  • Chairman & Chief Executive Officer - Buddy Helton
  • Chief Financial Officer - Phillip French
  • President & Chief Operating Officer - Steve Gritzuk
  • Owner and President - Kimberly Berg
  • Nicholas Phillips - Chief Executive Officer

    Nicholas Phillips, the Chief Executive Officer at ESS, directs the company's overarching strategic vision and operational execution. Phillips guides ESS's mission to provide essential staffing solutions for K-12 school districts nationwide. This leadership role involves fostering key relationships with educational institutions and ensuring the company's continued growth within the education staffing sector. Phillips's focus remains on enhancing the quality and reach of ESS's services, aligning all departments toward achieving client satisfaction and operational excellence. The Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities include setting long-term objectives and driving initiatives that solidify ESS's position as a leader in the industry. By championing innovation and efficiency, Phillips ensures ESS consistently meets the evolving needs of school districts seeking reliable educational support staff. Nicholas Phillips's strategic direction is paramount to the organization's success.

    William Brockmeyer - Chief Executive Officer & Chief Technology Officer

    William Brockmeyer, the Chief Executive Officer & Chief Technology Officer at ESS, spearheads both the strategic direction and the technological advancement of the organization. Brockmeyer integrates cutting-edge technology solutions to optimize ESS's staffing operations, ensuring efficient placement of qualified personnel in K-12 school districts. This dual role demands a comprehensive understanding of business strategy and technological infrastructure, enabling the company to scale effectively and maintain a competitive edge. Brockmeyer oversees the development and implementation of digital platforms that streamline recruitment, onboarding, and management processes for substitute teachers, paraprofessionals, and other school support staff. The Chief Executive Officer & Chief Technology Officer's leadership ensures that ESS remains at the forefront of innovation in the education staffing industry. William Brockmeyer's vision drives the technological evolution necessary for sustained operational excellence and market leadership.

    Buddy Helton - Chairman & Chief Executive Officer

    Buddy Helton, the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer at ESS, provides foundational leadership and strategic oversight for the company's extensive operations. Helton guides ESS's commitment to serving K-12 school districts with qualified educational staff, reinforcing the company's mission since its inception. This executive position involves setting the long-term vision and ensuring adherence to the core values that define ESS's service to education. Helton's influence extends across all facets of the business, from client relations to internal operational strategies, fostering a culture of reliability and excellence. The Chairman & Chief Executive Officer's role is critical in maintaining strong governance and strategic alignment across the organization. Buddy Helton's enduring leadership shapes ESS's impact on educational communities nationwide.
    Buddy Helton

    Phillip French - Chief Financial Officer

    Phillip French, the Chief Financial Officer at ESS, manages the company's financial health and strategic fiscal planning. French oversees all financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting, ensuring robust fiscal management for ESS's nationwide staffing services. This role is crucial for supporting the company's growth initiatives and maintaining profitability within the competitive education staffing market. French's responsibilities encompass risk management, capital allocation, and ensuring compliance with all financial regulations. The Chief Financial Officer's expertise is vital in guiding investment decisions and optimizing financial performance to support ESS's mission of providing qualified staff to K-12 school districts. Phillip French's diligent financial stewardship underpins the organization's stability and capacity for expansion.

    Steve Gritzuk - President & Chief Operating Officer

    Steve Gritzuk, the President & Chief Operating Officer at ESS, directs the day-to-day operational execution and strategic implementation across the organization. Gritzuk ensures the seamless delivery of staffing solutions to K-12 school districts, overseeing the efficiency and effectiveness of ESS's service model. This leadership position involves managing departmental functions, optimizing workflows, and driving operational excellence to meet the demands of daily, long-term, and permanent placements. Gritzuk's focus is on enhancing service delivery, improving client satisfaction, and fostering a high-performance culture among ESS staff. The President & Chief Operating Officer's role is integral to maintaining ESS's reputation for reliability and quality in the education staffing sector. Steve Gritzuk's operational leadership is key to the company's sustained success and expansion.
    Steve Gritzuk

    Kimberly Berg - Owner and President

    Kimberly Berg, the Owner and President at ESS, provides executive leadership and strategic direction, holding ultimate responsibility for the company's vision and performance. Berg guides ESS's mission to effectively staff K-12 school districts with qualified professionals, ensuring high standards of service and operational integrity. This ownership role involves making critical decisions that shape the company's future, foster growth, and maintain its competitive position in the education staffing industry. Berg's leadership emphasizes client relationships and the continuous improvement of staffing processes to meet the evolving needs of educational institutions. The Owner and President's influence is central to ESS's strategic planning and overall business development. Kimberly Berg's commitment drives the company's ongoing success and its dedication to supporting educational communities.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding ESS Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads ESS?
    ESS is led by Nicholas Phillips (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as William Brockmeyer (Chief Executive Officer & Chief Technology Officer) and Buddy Helton (Chairman & Chief Executive Officer).
    Who is part of ESS’s executive team?
    The executive team of ESS includes leaders such as Nicholas Phillips (Chief Executive Officer), William Brockmeyer (Chief Executive Officer & Chief Technology Officer), Buddy Helton (Chairman & Chief Executive Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does ESS have?
    ESS has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in ESS’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of ESS includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Executive Officer & Chief Technology Officer, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, President & Chief Operating Officer.