WEMSA Announces Government Relations Transition and Contractor Search

August 24, 2026

in Advocacy, WEMSA Updates,

WEMSA Announces Government Relations Transition and Contractor Search

For more than 29 years, Government Policy Solutions, Forbes McIntosh, has represented the Wisconsin EMS Association and Wisconsin’s EMS community before the state government. After more than 29 years of dedicated service, Forbes McIntosh’s engagement as WEMSA’s contract lobbyist will conclude this year.

WEMSA is deeply grateful for Forbes’ decades of service, institutional knowledge, and dedication to our organization. During his tenure, he helped WEMSA navigate significant legislative and regulatory changes while building relationships that strengthened the voice of EMS professionals and agencies across Wisconsin.

Although this marks the end of a longstanding professional relationship, it will not interrupt WEMSA’s advocacy efforts. WEMSA remains fully engaged in the legislative and regulatory issues affecting emergency medical services.

The Next Chapter of WEMSA Advocacy

This transition provides WEMSA with an opportunity to build upon that strong foundation and move toward a coordinated advocacy model that pairs a new government relations contractor with WEMSA's Executive Director.

Together, they will provide complementary leadership:

The government relations contractor will maintain a consistent presence in Madison, monitor legislative and regulatory developments, cultivate relationships, and help advance WEMSA’s priorities.
The Executive Director will provide organizational leadership, policy expertise, direct member engagement, and the authentic perspective of Wisconsin’s EMS community.

This model will more closely connect WEMSA’s government relations work with its members, Board of Directors, committees, and broader organizational strategy. It will also allow WEMSA to respond quickly when legislative or regulatory developments require action.

Advocacy remains a core responsibility of WEMSA. Our members can expect uninterrupted representation, active communication, and a continued commitment to ensuring that Wisconsin EMS has a strong and credible voice in public policy.

Request for Proposals/ Applications: Government Relations Contractor

WEMSA is seeking a government relations professional, EMS professional with government relations experience, or government relations firm to serve as its contracted lobbyist/ government relations advisor. The selected contractor will work closely with the Executive Director to monitor legislative and regulatory activity, cultivate relationships, provide strategic counsel, and advance WEMSA’s policy priorities. This collaborative model will combine a consistent presence in Madison with WEMSA’s organizational leadership, policy expertise, and direct connection to Wisconsin’s EMS community.

If you have experience in EMS but may not have as much advocacy or government relations experience, you are still encouraged to apply.