ESS Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

ESS has 6 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial oversight, operational management, and organizational leadership.

Focused on enhancing K-12 educational environments, ESS delivers comprehensive staffing solutions that ensure classrooms remain fully supported by qualified professionals across diverse school districts nationwide.

Leadership Roles at ESS

  • Chief Executive Officer - Nicholas Phillips
  • Chairman & Chief Executive Officer - Buddy Helton
  • Chief Financial Officer - Philip French
  • President & Chief Operating Officer - Steve Gritzuk
  • Owner and President - Kimberly Berg
  • President - Anne Vocino
  • Nicholas Phillips - Chief Executive Officer

    Nicholas Phillips, the Chief Executive Officer at ESS, directs the overarching strategic vision for the organization. Phillips architects long-term growth initiatives by expanding the footprint of educational staffing services across North American school districts. By aligning corporate resources with the evolving needs of K-12 institutions, the Chief Executive Officer ensures consistent delivery of high-quality substitute teachers and support staff. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to refine service models and improve operational efficiency. Nicholas Phillips monitors market trends to maintain a competitive edge in the human resources sector. Through rigorous oversight of organizational performance, the Chief Executive Officer drives sustainable value for school partners. Ultimately, Phillips secures the stability of educational operations by fostering strong relationships with district administrators and prioritizing the recruitment of top-tier talent to fill critical classroom vacancies.

    Buddy Helton - Chairman & Chief Executive Officer

    Buddy Helton, the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer at ESS, governs the high-level strategic direction and corporate governance of the firm. Helton chairs board meetings to ensure alignment between executive actions and the mission of providing reliable K-12 staffing solutions. By overseeing the expansion of service offerings, the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer strengthens the market position of the company within the education sector. This role requires balancing fiscal responsibility with the pursuit of innovative staffing technologies that simplify district management. Buddy Helton evaluates large-scale partnerships to broaden the reach of the organization across various regional markets. Through decisive leadership, the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer maintains the integrity of the brand while navigating complex regulatory landscapes. Helton drives the company toward excellence by championing initiatives that prioritize student success and classroom continuity in every district served.
    Buddy Helton

    Philip French - Chief Financial Officer

    Philip French, the Chief Financial Officer at ESS, manages the fiscal health and capital allocation strategies of the organization. French directs all financial planning, budgeting, and reporting processes to ensure the company maintains a robust balance sheet while supporting rapid growth in the education staffing market. By analyzing revenue streams from daily and long-term placement services, the Chief Financial Officer optimizes resource distribution across regional operations. This leadership role involves close coordination with the executive team to assess the financial viability of new district contracts and service expansions. Philip French monitors cash flow and investment opportunities to sustain the long-term viability of the business model. Through precise financial modeling, the Chief Financial Officer mitigates operational risks and enhances profitability. French provides the necessary data-driven insights to support strategic decision-making, ensuring the company remains a leader in the K-12 staffing industry.

    Steve Gritzuk - President & Chief Operating Officer

    Steve Gritzuk, the President & Chief Operating Officer at ESS, executes the daily operational workflows that define the company's service delivery. Gritzuk oversees the logistics of placing paraprofessionals and substitute teachers into school districts, ensuring seamless integration with existing school staff. By refining internal processes, the President & Chief Operating Officer improves the efficiency of recruitment and placement cycles across the national network. This role involves managing cross-functional teams to maintain high standards of service quality and district satisfaction. Steve Gritzuk drives operational excellence by implementing scalable systems that handle the high volume of daily staffing requests. Through constant evaluation of performance metrics, the President & Chief Operating Officer identifies bottlenecks and implements solutions to streamline operations. Gritzuk ensures that the company meets the immediate needs of K-12 partners by maintaining a responsive and agile operational infrastructure.
    Steve Gritzuk

    Kimberly Berg - Owner and President

    Kimberly Berg, the Owner and President at ESS, defines the core values and long-term cultural trajectory of the organization. Berg directs the foundational mission of the company, ensuring that every staffing placement reflects a commitment to educational quality and student support. By fostering a culture of excellence, the Owner and President aligns the workforce with the specific needs of K-12 school districts. This leadership role involves guiding the executive team toward sustainable growth while preserving the original vision of the firm. Kimberly Berg evaluates the impact of service delivery on school communities to ensure the company remains a trusted partner in education. Through strategic oversight, the Owner and President maintains the reputation of the brand as a premier provider of school support staff. Berg drives the organization forward by championing initiatives that prioritize the needs of educators and students in every region.

    Anne Vocino - President

    Anne Vocino, the President at ESS, leads the execution of business development strategies and client acquisition efforts. Vocino directs the expansion of the company's presence in new school districts by building strong relationships with educational leaders and stakeholders. By focusing on the growth of permanent and long-term placement services, the President ensures the company captures significant market share in the competitive education staffing landscape. This role involves collaborating with regional managers to tailor service offerings to the unique requirements of diverse school systems. Anne Vocino monitors client feedback to refine the service delivery model and enhance district retention rates. Through proactive market engagement, the President drives the company's revenue growth and strengthens its competitive position. Vocino ensures that the organization remains responsive to the evolving demands of the K-12 sector by continuously improving the quality and reliability of the staffing solutions provided.
    Anne Vocino

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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 Philip 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), Philip French (Chief Financial 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, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, President & Chief Operating Officer, Owner and President.