Kayleen Carlson has more than two decades of experience in strategic communications, campaign management, and issue advocacy. She has worked on high-profile campaigns in complex political environments and understands how to shape public opinion, engage stakeholders, and help organizations navigate consequential moments.

She has led some of the most visible and resource-intensive campaigns in Illinois politics. As Executive Director of an outside legislative effort in 2016, she directed strategy and communications across dozens of legislative districts simultaneously, managing a multimillion-dollar operation in a highly competitive environment. She was also at the table shaping every major decision on the most expensive ballot initiative in state history, a statewide campaign to defeat a proposed constitutional tax amendment. That work involved building a coalition from the ground up, developing a message that could move public opinion, and executing a coordinated effort across the state.

Kayleen’s campaign experience extends beyond Illinois, spanning every level of the political landscape nationally, from municipal and legislative races to congressional, statewide, and presidential campaigns.

At the core of her work is the ability to diagnose complex problems, develop a clear strategy, and carry that work through to execution. Whether the challenge is shifting public perception, navigating a contentious policy issue, or bringing stakeholders together around a difficult issue, Kayleen knows how to craft a message that resonates and build a plan to support it.

Kayleen’s passion for politics and government took root early. She got her start through a series of internships on congressional campaigns and on Capitol Hill, and gained rare international experience interning at Oireachtas, the Irish Parliament, where she worked alongside then TD Leo Varadkar, who would later serve as Taoiseach of Ireland.