Our Story

In 1995, David Wilhelm returned home to Chicago after finishing his tenure as Chairman of the Democratic National Committee. He wanted to build a business that did well and did good at the same time. He soon joined forces with Kevin Conlon, a prominent labor lawyer and Democratic activist who shared David's vision. The two became business partners, deciding to use their decades of experience in government, politics, finance, and labor to help others succeed in the public arena. Together they founded Wilhelm & Conlon Public Strategies (now Conlon Public Strategies) in 1998.

Since its inception, our company has been more than a public affairs firm. We routinely give pro bono support to Democratic candidates and officials and have incubated venture capital companies that invest in underserved communities in Appalachia and the Midwest. Today, Conlon Public Strategies serves as a point of convergence for people who believe that good business, good government, and good deeds go hand in hand.