MADISON – Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC) – the combined state chamber and manufacturers’ association – announced on Thursday that Rachel Ver Velde was promoted to Associate Vice President of Government Relations. She will also take on additional duties as a senior political advisor for the organization.

“Rachel has proven time and again that her experience and expertise are invaluable to our members,” said WMC Executive Vice President of Government Relations Scott Manley. “We are excited to see Rachel take an even bigger role in shaping both the political and public policy landscape in Wisconsin.”

Prior to joining WMC in 2021, Ver Velde spent years working in the State Legislature and Congress. She served as Chief of Staff for Congressman Glenn Grothman, managing both his official office and political operations in both Washington, D.C. and Wisconsin. She previously served as Chief of Staff in Grothman’s Wisconsin State Senate office.

“It has been an incredible privilege to serve the business community for the past three years, but there is more to do,” added Ver Velde. “We have a critical election coming up this fall and there are a number a key reforms we need to get across the finish line in Madison. I am thrilled to keep pushing these efforts forward along with the talented team here at WMC.”

Ver Velde graduated with Honors from the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater with a B.A. in Political Science and Economics. She currently resides in Sun Prairie with her husband and two children.

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