ESS Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

ESS has 5 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, operations, and ownership.

Driven by a commitment to educational support, ESS specializes in placing qualified staff in K-12 school districts, enhancing the learning environment through dedicated staffing solutions.

Leadership Roles at ESS

  • Chief Executive Officer - Nicholas Phillips
  • 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 market positioning. Phillips guides the executive team in navigating the complexities of the education staffing sector, ensuring alignment with the company's mission to provide qualified personnel to K-12 districts. This leadership involves fostering innovation in recruitment and retention strategies, critical for maintaining ESS's competitive edge. Phillips's focus remains on expanding the company's reach and impact across the educational landscape. The Chief Executive Officer's role is central to driving sustainable growth and operational excellence. By setting ambitious goals and championing a culture of continuous improvement, Phillips ensures ESS consistently meets the evolving needs of school districts nationwide. This executive leadership is fundamental to the company's success in placing substitute teachers, paraprofessionals, and other essential support staff.

    Buddy Helton - Chairman & Chief Executive Officer

    Buddy Helton, the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer at ESS, provides foundational leadership and strategic direction for the organization. Helton's extensive experience shapes the company's long-term trajectory, particularly in the specialized field of K-12 education staffing. Overseeing both board governance and executive operations, Helton ensures that ESS remains a trusted partner for school districts seeking reliable staffing solutions. This dual role involves championing the company's core values and driving initiatives that enhance service delivery for substitute teachers, paraprofessionals, and support staff. The Chairman & Chief Executive Officer's influence extends to fostering key relationships within the education sector. Buddy Helton's leadership is instrumental in maintaining the company's reputation for quality and commitment, solidifying ESS's position as a leader in the industry.
    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 aspects of financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and resource allocation, ensuring robust financial stability for ESS. This critical role involves developing financial strategies that support the company's growth objectives and operational efficiency in placing qualified staff for K-12 districts. The Chief Financial Officer's responsibilities extend to managing investor relations and ensuring compliance with all financial regulations. Phillip French's expertise is vital in optimizing profitability and driving financial performance across the organization. By meticulously analyzing financial data and identifying key opportunities, French ensures that ESS can continue to invest in its services and expand its market presence, supporting the placement of substitute teachers and other essential school personnel.

    Steve Gritzuk - President & Chief Operating Officer

    Steve Gritzuk, the President & Chief Operating Officer at ESS, directs the company's day-to-day operations and service delivery. Gritzuk is responsible for executing the strategic plans set forth by the executive leadership, ensuring seamless placement of qualified personnel in K-12 school districts. This involves optimizing operational workflows, managing regional teams, and enhancing the efficiency of staffing processes for substitute teachers, paraprofessionals, and support staff. The President & Chief Operating Officer's oversight is crucial for maintaining high standards of service quality and client satisfaction across ESS's service areas. Steve Gritzuk's leadership focuses on driving operational excellence and fostering a culture of accountability. By streamlining operations and implementing best practices, Gritzuk ensures ESS effectively meets the dynamic needs of educational institutions nationwide.
    Steve Gritzuk

    Kimberly Berg - Owner and President

    Kimberly Berg, the Owner and President at ESS, provides executive leadership and strategic oversight for the company's overall direction and ownership structure. Berg's role encompasses guiding the company's vision, ensuring its long-term sustainability, and championing its mission within the education staffing sector. This involves making key decisions that impact the company's growth, market penetration, and service offerings for K-12 school districts. The Owner and President's responsibilities include fostering strong relationships with stakeholders and ensuring the company operates in alignment with its core values. Kimberly Berg's leadership is fundamental to maintaining ESS's commitment to providing qualified substitute teachers, paraprofessionals, and other essential school support staff. Berg's strategic insights drive the company's continued success and expansion.

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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 Buddy Helton (Chairman & Chief Executive Officer) and Phillip French (Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of ESS’s executive team?
    The executive team of ESS includes leaders such as Nicholas Phillips (Chief Executive Officer), Buddy Helton (Chairman & Chief Executive Officer), Phillip French (Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does ESS have?
    ESS has 5 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, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, President & Chief Operating Officer, Owner and President.