Kevin Conlon, Founder and President

In 1998, Kevin Conlon co-founded Conlon Public Strategies.  He offers his clients a unique understanding of public affairs derived from over 30 years of experience in law, government, venture capital, and non-profit organizations.  Over the years, Conlon’s contacts with talented individuals in all of these spheres have developed into an extensive network of relationships, which was once described by political commentator Lynn Sweet as “Conlon’s killer Rolodex.”

Prior to the formation of Conlon Public Strategies, Conlon practiced labor and employment law for 15 years.  During this time, he was appointed by President Bill Clinton to serve on the Presidential Advisory Committee on Expanding Training Opportunities.  He has published several articles on labor issues and has taught classes on labor and employment law at DePaul University, Chicago-Kent School of Law (Illinois Institute of Technology), and the University of Chile. 

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 elected office himself, as Rich Township Committeeman for 14 years and as Township Supervisor for 9 years.  He was also a member of the Cook County Zoning Board of Appeals for eight years.  On a national level, he has worked in a variety of positions with the Democratic National Committee, most recently serving as a delegate and member of the Credentials Committee for the 2008 Convention.  Based on these experiences, Conlon teaches a political campaign and strategy class at the University of Chicago, Harris School of Public Policy Studies.  

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.  

Conlon serves on boards for the Great Books Foundation, the Irish Fellowship Club of Chicago, and Loyola University’s Council of Regents.  He 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 retired Cook County circuit court judge, and their three children Cody, Carson, and Zoe.