ESS Executive and Leadership Team

July, 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 learning environments through dedicated staffing solutions.

Leadership Roles at ESS

  • Chief Executive Officer - Nicholas Phillips
  • Chairman & Chief Executive Officer - Buddy Helton
  • Chief Financial Officer - John Devall
  • 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 the organization's expansion within the education staffing sector, focusing on innovation and service excellence. This leadership role involves aligning departmental objectives with the company's mission to provide qualified personnel to K-12 school districts nationwide. By fostering a culture of accountability and performance, Nicholas Phillips ensures ESS maintains its position as a leader in placing substitute teachers, paraprofessionals, and other essential school support staff. The strategic direction set by Phillips directly impacts the company's ability to meet the evolving needs of educational institutions across various regions. Phillips's focus remains on sustainable growth and enhancing the quality of services ESS delivers to its clients.

    Buddy Helton - Chairman & Chief Executive Officer

    Buddy Helton, the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer at ESS, provides executive leadership and strategic oversight for the organization. Helton drives the company's long-term vision, ensuring alignment with its core mission of supporting K-12 education through specialized staffing. This executive position involves guiding the company's growth initiatives and maintaining its reputation for reliability and quality in placing substitute teachers, paraprofessionals, and other school support personnel. Buddy Helton's leadership ensures that ESS continues to adapt to the dynamic needs of school districts across the United States. The strategic decisions made under Helton's guidance are critical for expanding market reach and strengthening client relationships. Helton's commitment to excellence underpins the company's operational success and its enduring impact on educational environments.
    Buddy Helton

    John Devall - Chief Financial Officer

    John Devall, the Chief Financial Officer at ESS, manages the company's financial health and strategic fiscal planning. Devall oversees all financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting, ensuring robust fiscal management for ESS. This critical role involves optimizing financial performance and supporting the company's expansion in the education staffing sector. John Devall's expertise is vital in guiding investment decisions and maintaining the financial stability necessary to serve K-12 school districts effectively. By implementing sound financial strategies, Devall ensures the company's resources are allocated efficiently to support the placement of substitute teachers, paraprofessionals, and other essential school staff. The financial oversight provided by Devall directly contributes to ESS's sustained growth and operational capacity across its service areas.
    John Devall

    Steve Gritzuk - President & Chief Operating Officer

    Steve Gritzuk, the President & Chief Operating Officer at ESS, directs the company's day-to-day operations and overall service delivery. Gritzuk oversees the execution of strategic initiatives, ensuring operational efficiency and excellence in placing qualified staff within K-12 school districts. This leadership position involves managing various departments responsible for the recruitment, onboarding, and deployment of substitute teachers, paraprofessionals, and other school support personnel. Steve Gritzuk's focus is on streamlining processes and enhancing the quality of service provided to educational institutions nationwide. The operational strategies implemented by Gritzuk are fundamental to ESS's ability to meet client demands and maintain high standards of performance. Gritzuk's leadership ensures seamless operations and contributes significantly to the company's market presence and client satisfaction.
    Steve Gritzuk

    Kimberly Berg - Owner and President

    Kimberly Berg, the Owner and President at ESS, holds ultimate responsibility for the company's strategic direction and ownership oversight. Berg guides the overall vision and long-term objectives of ESS, ensuring its continued success in the education staffing market. This executive role involves making key decisions that shape the company's future and its commitment to serving K-12 school districts. Kimberly Berg's leadership ensures that ESS remains dedicated to its mission of providing qualified substitute teachers, paraprofessionals, and other vital school support staff. The strategic insights provided by Berg are crucial for maintaining the company's competitive edge and fostering strong relationships with educational partners. Berg's ownership perspective drives the company's commitment to excellence and sustained growth.

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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 John Devall (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), John Devall (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.