IFOW is a 501 (c3) organization created to advance progressive values, ideas and policies through research, policy, networking, advocacy and public education.

Institute for One Wisconsin Staff

Scot Ross, Executive Director

Scot Ross has served as a senior communications director and research strategist for numerous statewide campaigns and elected officials. Ross has worked as a communications director in the United States Congress, the Office of the Attorney General in the Wisconsin Department of Justice and the Wisconsin State Legislature. Ross was previously the research director for America Coming Together, regional research director for the Thunder Road Group and research director the Democratic Party of Wisconsin.

A former journalist, Ross got his first professional job as a reporter at age 18 and his stories have appeared in publications ranging from the Pittsburgh Press and The New York Times. He graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a degree in English and earned an MA from George Washington University.

Joy Gibson, Development Director

Joy Gibson has extensive experience in the political and non-profit sectors as well as grassroots advocacy organizations. Some of her past experience includes serving former Democratic Whip David Bonior in his congressional office as well as during his statewide campaign.

As Senior Development Coordinator for ACCESS—the nation’s largest Arab, human services and advocacy organization, Gibson helped to build a dynamic development team and supported regional philanthropic work in 11 of the nation’s largest cities.

While working at ACCESS, Gibson also received special recognition for her role in the $20.6 million Arab American Heritage Campaign, which resulted in the first Arab American National Museum in the country. Other grassroots experience includes advocating for environmental and consumer rights.

Cory Liebmann, Blog Editor & Research Director

Cory Liebmann is a former soldier with the Army National Guard who has been on the forefront of the political netroots and blogger community in Wisconsin. Liebmann was a featured contributor to Wisconsin’s on-line political news service, Wispolitics.com and his “Eye on Wisconsin” blog received over 50,000 hits in one year and included headline-making investigative reports and commentary on a range of political and policy issues.

Liebmann is a licensed private investigator with specialties in criminal defense, background investigations and surveillance. He served in youth outreach and inner-city ministries and received a Bachelor’s degree in biblical studies and traveled as a student to Sierra-Leone West Africa. Liebmann lives on the northwest side of Milwaukee.

Robert Doeckel, Netroots Director

Robert Doeckel began his career in Wisconsin politics as a campaign volunteer and constituent relations manager for Wisconsin State Senator Jon Erpenbach. His other experience includes work for the Wisconsin Assembly Democratic Campaign Committee, the State Senate Campaign Committee, and several state and national races.

Doeckel received his bachelor’s degree in political science and history from UW-Madison. As a student, he helped coordinate volunteer trips to Toronto, rural Tennessee, and Colorado, working closely with local groups to provide homelessness and hunger relief in those communities. Doeckel currently lives in downtown Madison.