Kyle Koenen hired as WILL policy director

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The Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty has hired Kyle Koenen as its policy director.

Koenen will manage WILL’s policy research and help develop a statewide agenda. He brings years of legislative experience, most recently as chief of staff for Sen. Chris Kapenga, R-Delafield.

In his seven years in the legislature, Koenen helped develop and guide policy proposals into law — many of which specialized on occupational licensing, property rights, welfare and government reform. He held policy roles in the state Senate and Assembly, including serving as the clerk of the Senate Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety.

Koenen also managed several state legislative campaigns and served as regional director for the Republican Party of Wisconsin.

In a statement, Koenen said he was excited to join WILL and expand the organization’s policy influence in Wisconsin and the U.S.

Rick Esenberg, president of WILL, praised Koenen’s experience and leadership, saying he’ll assist the firm in research and advocacy on behalf of free markets, limited government and educational freedom.

Koenen received his bachelor’s degree in political science from UW-Parkside. He’s a Racine native who now lives in Waukesha. Follow @WLJReporter