Wisconsin Professional Police Association

Serving Wisconsin's Finest Since 1932

Wisconsin Professional Police Association (WPPA)

Staff

James L. Palmer, II   |   Executive Director

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Phone: 608-273-3840 • Fax 608-273-3904

Jim Palmer is responsible for the development, promotion, and operations of the WPPA. In addition to serving as the WPPA’s chief executive, Jim also acts as its spokesperson, chief legal counsel, and chief lobbyist. He additionally directs the WPPA’s Extended Legal Protection Plan (ELPP), ensuring members receive comprehensive representation and support.

Jim’s leadership extends beyond the WPPA. He has served on the governing boards of several respected organizations, including the National Association of Police Organizations, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Accreditation Group, the Wisconsin Injured Law Enforcement Officers Resource Council, and the Wisconsin Coalition of Annuitants. Following the election of Governor Tony Evers in 2018, Jim was appointed to the Public Safety and Criminal Justice Reform Policy Advisory Council. In 2020, Assembly Speaker Robin Vos appointed him to the Speaker’s Task Force on Racial Disparities, where he helped craft legislative initiatives—many of which became law—designed to address racial inequities, strengthen policing standards, and enhance public safety.

A frequent public speaker, Jim presents on topics ranging from policing policy to labor and employment law. He has provided executive training for the Wisconsin Department of Justice and has been invited to speak before organizations such as the National Institute of Justice, the Major Cities Chiefs Association’s Police Executive Leadership Institute, the National Sheriffs’ Association, the Wisconsin Employment Relations Commission, the Wisconsin City/County Management Association, John Jay College of Criminal Justice, and the University of Wisconsin Law School.

Jim has also appeared on national television programs including Dateline NBC, Good Morning America (ABC), The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer and Anderson Cooper 360 (CNN), America’s Newsroom and Your World with Neil Cavuto (FOX News), America Tonight (Al-Jazeera America), and BBC World News. His written commentary has been published in Wisconsin’s major newspapers as well as national outlets such as the San Francisco Chronicle, POLITICO Magazine, and The Crime Report. In 2015, his invited testimony was cited in the Final Report of the President’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing.

Jim earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and his Juris Doctor from the Valparaiso University School of Law, where he served as a law review editor. He is admitted to practice in all state and federal courts in Wisconsin and is an active member of the American Bar Association, State Bar of Wisconsin, Dane County Bar Association, and the Association of Wisconsin Lobbyists.

Jean Steinhauer   |   Director of Administration & Finance

Phone: 608-273-3840 • Fax: 608-273-3904

Jean’s responsibilities include all aspects of financial management, including internal control, budgets, payroll, investments, financial statements, and reporting to governmental agencies and the WPPA’s governing board. Jean also manages human resources and IT and supervises administrative staff.

 

 

Jean’s more than 35 years of accounting experience is varied, including public, investment, and non-profit accounting. She joined the WPPA as a staff accountant in 2005, became the Director of Finance in 2008, and has served as the organization’s Director of Administration & Finance since 2014. Jean earned her accounting degree and CPA certificate from the University of Illinois.

Roger W. Palek   |   Director of Legal & Field Services

Phone: 608-273-3840 • Fax: 608-273-3904

Roger has counseled countless law enforcement groups and officers from across the state in a variety of matters, including critical incident investigations, use-of-force cases, discipline, and departmental policy and development. In addition to conducting numerous legal presentations to officers at the WPPA’s annual conference and for the National Association of Police Organizations, Roger has conducted law enforcement executive training for the Wisconsin Department of Justice.

After growing up on a farm near Lansing, Michigan, Roger received a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Central Michigan University. He later graduated cum laude from the Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley School of Law, where he was a member of the Law Review. Roger first came to Wisconsin in 1993 to work for the regional affiliate of the state’s largest teachers’ union in Appleton. As the WEAC-Fox Valley Executive Director, Roger was responsible for advising and counseling local union leaders and members, negotiating numerous local contracts, processing grievances and arbitrations, and coordinating political action efforts. Roger left WEAC-Fox Valley in 2006 and joined the Madison law firm of Lawton & Cates S.C. He joined the WPPA staff in 2008.

He has been an active volunteer and supporter to a variety of charities including the Humane Society, the United Way, Harbor House, and the American Red Cross where he served as Board Chairperson from 2001-03.

Kate Harrell   |   Staff Attorney

Phone: 608-273-3840 • Fax: 608-273-3904

As a member of WPPA’s legal team, Kate provides legal representation to members in critical incidents, collective bargaining, and a wide variety of employment matters.

Prior to joining the WPPA, Kate spent over 15 years in private practice as a trial attorney in state and federal courts, with a focus on the representation of law enforcement officers and municipalities in civil rights matters, spanning from use of force cases to employment discrimination cases. She also served as a municipal prosecutor and has presented to various law enforcement officers regarding OWI best practices. She recently obtained a certification from Force Sciences in Investigative Fundamentals, Decision-Making and Human Performance. Kate resides in Cottage Grove with her husband and two daughters.

Tamera DeGroot   |   Staff Attorney

Phone: 608-273-3840 • Fax: 608-273-3904

Tamera began her legal career as an Assistant District Attorney in Marathon County, where she developed a strong foundation in criminal law and courtroom advocacy. She went on to serve for 13 years as Field Counsel for a Fortune 100 company, where she managed a wide range of liability claims with a particular focus on workers’ compensation. With a wealth of legal experience, a deep understanding of complex claims, and a passion for advocacy on behalf of those who serve, Tamera primarily represents members in work-related injury claims covered by the WPPA’s Extended Legal Protection Plan.

Beyond her professional work, Tamera is actively engaged in her community. She served as President of the Marathon County Bar Association, volunteered as a Mock Trial judge, and dedicated time as a Girl Scout leader.

Randy Ingram   |   Field Services Coordinator

Phone: 715-482-3352 • Fax: 608-273-3904

Randy has worked for the WPPA since June 2002. His law enforcement background includes employment as an E911 Telecommunicator, Corrections Officer, and Deputy Sheriff with the Oneida County Sheriff’s Department from March 1993 to June 2002. In addition, he served on the Oneida County Deputy Sheriff’s Association Board of Directors as both the Chairman of the Bargaining Committee and member of the Grievance Committee. Randy predominantly represents WPPA members in North Central and Northern Wisconsin.

Randy served in the United States Air Force from October 1983 to June 1992 and in support of Operation Desert Shield/Storm. He has a B.S. in Criminal Justice from Mount Senario College and an A.A.S. in Police Science from Nicolet Area Technical College. He lives in Sugar Camp and serves on the Board of Education for the School District of Three Lakes and as the Assistant Chief on the Sugar Camp Volunteer Fire Department. Randy is a member of the Disabled American Veterans, the American Legion, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Luann Alme   |   Business Agent

Phone: 414-659-0383 • Fax: 608-273-3904

Prior to joining the WPPA in 2010, Luann was with the City of Stoughton for 19 years, most recently as the City Clerk/Personnel Director, where she was involved in all aspects of personnel management, including benefit administration and collective bargaining. Luann represents WPPA members in South Central and Southwestern Wisconsin.

Dennis LeCaptain   |   Business Agent

Phone: 608-215-2119 • Fax: 608-273-3904

Dennis served 30 years with the Janesville Police Department prior to joining the field staff of the WPPA in March 2022. During his tenure at Janesville, he served in patrol and as an investigator of crimes against children. Dennis was also a member of Janesville’s local association’s board and the WPPA Board of Directors for 21 years.

Robert Powell   |   Business Agent

Phone: 715-210-7678 • Fax: 608-273-3904

Bob Powell joined WPPA’s field staff as a business agent in June of 2023 following a 33-year law enforcement career. He began his career in 1987 with the Clark County Sheriff’s Department where he worked as dispatcher, jailer, patrol deputy, and 10 years as Detective/Sgt. before being promoted to Chief Deputy. Prior to his retirement, Bob was the Special Agent in Charge for the Wisconsin DOJ, Division of Criminal Investigation. Bob represents our members in Northwest Wisconsin.

Bob served as President of the Clark County Law Enforcement Association and was a founding member and Team Leader for the Clark County Emergency Response Team. Bob was also named Director of Emergency Management coordinating the response and recovery efforts related to all natural and man-made disasters and managing the county’s Incident Command System.

During his tenure at DCI, Bob was a Special Agent and Deputy Fire Marshal assigned to the Arson Bureau before transferring to the White-Collar Crime/Public Integrity Unit. After being promoted to Special Agent in Charge in 2010, Bob supervised the Madison and Eau Claire Field Offices.

Kyle Roder   |   Business Agent

Phone: 715-492-9778 • Fax: 608-273-3904

Kyle Roder brings a broad and dynamic background in law enforcement, labor leadership, and education to his role at the WPPA. He served with the Eau Claire Police Department for 15 years, where he worked in a variety of assignments including patrol, investigations, crisis negotiation, and as the department’s public information officer. He also previously served as a reserve deputy with the Chippewa County Sheriff’s Office and as a part-time patrol officer for the UW–Eau Claire Police Department.

In addition to his law enforcement service, Kyle was President of the Eau Claire Professional Police Association, Local 9, and a member of the WPPA Board of Directors. In these roles, he gained significant experience in collective bargaining, officer representation, and critical incident response.

Before joining the WPPA in June 2025, Kyle spent seven years as an instructor in a Criminal Justice Program and the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Academy, where he taught courses in Professional Communications, Report Writing, Interviewing and Interrogation, Ethics, and Community Policing.

Kyle holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a master’s degree in business administration. He is an active member of his community and enjoys coaching youth sports, spending time on the water, and making lasting memories with his family and friends.

Thomas Schrank   |   Business Agent

Phone: 920-246-6191 • Fax: 920-632-4929

Tom enjoyed a 39-year career in law enforcement, beginning with the Montello Police Department in 1979, followed by 20 years with the Marquette County Sheriff’s Office and 17 years with the DePere Police Department. He spent more than 27 years working as a sensitive crimes Detective Sergeant, and he worked as a Crisis Negotiator for both Marquette County and the Brown County Joint Law Enforcement Crisis Negotiation Team. Tom’s background also includes working as a family court mediator and forensic interviewer. Tom joined the WPPA in August of 2018 and represents WPPA members in Eastern Wisconsin.

 

Prior to his retirement from law enforcement, Tom was an active local union leader. He previously served as the President for both the Marquette County Deputy Sheriffs Association and the DePere Police Benevolent Association. Tom still serves as the President of the Bay-Lakes Area Soccer Association for Youth, and he is the Head Coach of the Green Bay East High School Girls Soccer Program. He enjoys running, hunting, fishing, camping, drawing, and photography.

Kevin Sorenson   |   Business Agent

Phone: 715-581-0553 • Fax: 608-273-3904

Kevin became a member of the WPPA’s field staff in 2020 after serving more than 30 years in a variety of law enforcement roles. Following his honorable discharge from the United States Army where he served as a Military Police Officer, Kevin went on to work for the Clark County Sheriff’s Department, Marshfield Police Department, Mosinee Police Department, and finally, the Portage County Sheriff’s Office, where retired as a Patrol Sergeant in 2016. His diverse experiences as a patrol officer, deputy sheriff, patrol sergeant, and jail administrator have given Kevin extensive experience in areas such as traffic crash reconstruction, defense and arrest tactics, and crisis negotiation—among others.

In addition to serving in a variety of leadership roles within his own local association, Kevin was an active member of the WPPA Board of Directors from 2004-2012 and its President from 2012-2016. He primarily represents WPPA members in Southcentral Wisconsin.

Jeff Spencer   |   Business Agent

Phone: 608-963-7477 • Fax: 608-273-3904

Jeff retired as the Chief Deputy of the Sauk County Sheriff’s Office following a 33-year law enforcement career. He began his career in 1988 with the Department of Natural Resources and was hired by the Sauk County Sheriff’s Office in 1989. He worked in nearly every division in Sauk County, serving as a Dispatcher, Jail Deputy, Patrol Deputy, Detective, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, and Chief Deputy. He also served on the Emergency Response Team for 22 years, including 12 as the Commander. Jeff is a Certified Public Manager and joined WPPA in July 2021, representing members in Southwest Wisconsin.

Andrew Wagner   |   Business Agent

Phone: 414-852-5267 • Fax: 608-273-3904

Andrew joined the WPPA’s field staff after retiring as a Detective with 27 years of service with the Milwaukee Police Department. During his distinguished law enforcement career, he served as a patrol officer for a decade before moving to the Sensitive Crimes Division, where he investigated crimes against children, sexual assaults, and felony domestic violence cases. Andrew is a certified child forensic interviewer and a court-recognized expert in domestic violence dynamics.

From 2016 to 2024, Andrew served as a trustee with the Milwaukee Police Association, where he was elected as President in 2021 after serving as its Vice President. Andrew has a great deal of experience in contract negotiations and representing officers in disciplinary hearings, grievances, and critical incidents. As the MPA’s President, Andrew successfully lobbied for a new law establishing minimum sworn staffing requirements for the Milwaukee Police Department, which in part, require the city to hire an additional 125 officers over the next few years. Andrew represents our members in Southeast Wisconsin.

In addition to his law enforcement and labor relations experience, Andrew also served as the President of Milwaukee Fallen Heroes, Inc., a charitable organization established to assist officers and their dependents in the tragic event an officer dies, becomes disabled, or faces some other extraordinary need. In this role, Andrew proudly worked to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars to send co-workers and their families to Washington, D.C. to honor officers during National Police Week.

Luke Wagner   |   Business Agent

Phone: 414-389-7645 • Fax: 608-273-3904

Luke joined the WPPA staff in 2023 after serving 17 years with Marquette University Police, with the last 6 years working as a Detective investigating violent crimes, drug cases, and sexual assaults in the near west side of downtown Milwaukee. He has also been a part of the Milwaukee Area Investigative team which investigates critical incidents involving Police Officers in Milwaukee and Waukesha Counties. Luke was part of the team that worked to have MUPA certified as a union and helped write MUPA’s first contract. He has served the Marquette University Police Department board as a Vice President and President and has chaired the bargaining and grievance committees for the last 3 contracts. Luke primarily represents WPPA members in Southeast Wisconsin.

Julie Neeley   |   Office Manager

Phone: 608-273-3840 • Fax: 608-273-3904

Julie has been with the WPPA since June 1993. In December 2007, she was promoted to the position of Office Manager and Editor of the Wisconsin Police Journal. In addition, she coordinates the Annual Convention each year. Julie also provides support to the WPPA’s Executive Director, its governing board—as well as the Awards, Scholarship, and Legislative Committees. She is certified as a Legal Secretary by Colorado State University and provides support to the WPPA’s Legal Services personnel.

Terri Pulvermacher   |   Administrative Assistant

Phone: 608-273-3840 • Fax: 608-273-3904

Terri Pulvermacher joined the WPPA staff as an administrative assistant in February of 2024 following her retirement from the Columbia County Sheriff’s Department after over 28 years of service. During her law enforcement career, she worked in the jail for 4 years and served another 24 years as a Deputy. Terri was active with her local association and was on the bargaining committee for several terms. Terri lives in Pardeeville with her husband, who is also in law enforcement, and has a son in college.

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