Michelle Kussow spent 25 years as an executive in a statewide retail trade association, while also founding and managing an association management and legislative consulting firm. As the Executive Vice President for the Wisconsin Grocers Association, Michelle served as the association’s chief lobbyist and also managed many of the association operations. In this capacity, Michelle was responsible for numerous legislative victories, creating a strong grassroots network and raising a significant amount of political action funds.

In addition to her role at the Wisconsin Grocers Association, Michelle was a founding partner in The Capitol Group, a “hands-on” consulting, lobbying and public relations firm. Since 2002, The Capitol Group has provided numerous services to hundreds of clients including: monitoring statutory or regulatory changes or problems on behalf of their clients; drafting and reviewing legislation; legislative intelligence gathering; strategic and political guidance; assisting clients develop and manage grassroots campaigns; securing public funding and maintaining day-to-day contact with legislators, government leaders and staff.

In 2017, Michelle received the National Water Quality Association’s Honorary Member award for her work to allow a third party exam provider for the Journeyman Plumbers License. She was named as one of InBusiness magazines’ “40 under Forty” honorees in 2009. Michelle is a past president of Wisconsin Women in Government and was instrumental in raising more than $200,000 on their behalf. In addition, she was appointed by the Legislature to serve on a Legislative Council committee to address the School Calendar Issue.