Eleni Demertzis is a highly respected communications professional with over a decade of experience at the highest levels of Illinois government. Eleni’s work in state government and on high-profile political campaigns gives her a veterans’ perspective in managing crises and driving advocacy campaigns across a broad spectrum of issues.

As deputy chief of staff and spokesperson for Illinois House Minority Leader Jim Durkin, Demertzis reinvented the communications operation top to bottom for Illinois House Republicans. Despite the caucus’ minority status, her aggressive approach resulted in the domination of news coverage for House members while positioning Durkin as one of the most outspoken voices in state government both at home and nationally.

Demertzis also served as press secretary in the Illinois governor’s office during one of the most dynamic periods in Springfield. Her day-to-day management of media issues throughout the state’s long running 2014-16 budget stalemate earned her praise from politicians across the aisle and reporters across the country.

Previously, serving as press secretary for U.S. Senator Mark Kirk, Demertzis developed and executed the strategy that reshaped and emboldened Kirk’s public profile following his life-changing stroke. Her handle on the sensitivity of the issue coupled with her expertise in crisis communications put Kirk back in the spotlight both locally and nationally. Demertzis also served as Kirk’s 2016 campaign spokesperson in one of the country’s most watched U.S. Senate races.

Demertzis started her career in journalism covering local government and politics in the western suburbs of Chicago, including an internship with veteran NBC News Political Reporter Carol Marin working on historic projects such as the arrest and investigation of a former Illinois governor and Barack Obama’s 2008 presidential victory. She was born and raised in Illinois and is a graduate of DePaul University.