Kevin Conlon, Founder and President

In 1998, Kevin Conlon co-founded Conlon Public Strategies, a public affairs consulting and lobbying firm.  As president of Conlon Public Strategies, Conlon offers his clients a unique understanding of public affairs derived from over 25 years of experience in law, government and non-profit organizations.  Political commentator Lynn Sweet once referred to “Conlon’s killer Rolodex” because of his extensive network of relationships he has developed over the years.

Prior to the formation of Conlon Public Strategies, Conlon practiced labor and employment law for 15 years.  He was appointed by President Bill Clinton to serve on the Presidential Advisory Committee on Expanding Training Opportunities.  Conlon frequently wrote and lectured on labor issues and taught at DePaul University and the Illinois Institute of Technology, Kent School of Law.  For 14 years he was elected to serve as Committeeman, and for 9 years as Township Supervisor, in Rich Township.  Conlon also served as a member of the Cook County Zoning Board of Appeals.

Conlon has been active in hundreds of local, state, and national political campaigns, including several campaigns for President of the United States.  He has held a variety of positions with the Democratic National Committee, most recently serving as a member of the Credentials Committee for the Convention held last summer in Denver.  Based on these experiences, Conlon teaches a political campaign and strategy class at the University of Chicago, Harris School of Public Policy.  Under his leadership, Conlon Public Strategies often incorporates a campaign-style approach to its advocacy work on behalf of clients.

Conlon is a founding partner of Adena Ventures Fund and Hopewell Ventures Fund which have received over $150 million in capital contributions and provide equity investments and strategic advice to small businesses.  Adena was the first fund recognized by the U.S. Small Business Administration’s New Market Venture Capital Program.  He is also the owner of the PAR Group, a public sector consulting and recruitment firm which has been in operation since 1972.

He serves on boards for the Great Books Foundation, Catholic Charities of Chicago, the Irish Fellowship Club of Chicago and Loyola University’s Council of Regents.  Conlon is also a standing member of the Economic Club of Chicago.

Conlon holds degrees from Loyola University of Chicago, the University of Illinois and Illinois State University.  He lives in Wilmette with his wife Claudia Conlon, a Circuit Court Judge, and their three children Cody, Carson and Zoe.