Kevin Conlon

"I believe in good relationships, good reputations, and doing good things."

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.

Conlon's background includes various elected positions at the State and local level. He has been involved in numerous campaigns, recently serving as the Illinois State Chairman for Democratic National Committee Chair Howard Dean's 2004 presidential campaign. Conlon is currently a member of the Finance Committee of the Democratic National Committee.

Prior to the formation of Conlon Public Strategies, Conlon practiced labor and employment law for over a decade. 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 as an adjunct faculty member at DePaul University and the Illinois Institute of Technology, Kent College of Law. Conlon has been admitted to practice law in a number of states and in the United States Supreme Court. He currently teaches at the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy Studies.

Conlon is a founding partner of the Adena Ventures Fund and Hopewell Ventures Fund which have received over $150 million in capital contributions and provide equity investments and strategic expertise to small businesses with high growth potential and strong entrepreneurial management teams. Adena was the first fund recognized by the U.S. Small Business Administration's New Market Venture Capital Program.

Throughout his career, Conlon has also been active in numerous non-profit organizations. He serves on the boards of the Great Books Foundation, Catholic Charities, the Irish Fellowship Club of Chicago, and the McClenaghan Center at Hocking College. In addition, he is a member of the Loyola Council of Regents and a standing member of the Economic Club of Chicago.

Conlon holds degrees from Loyola University of Chicago School of Law, the University of Illinois (Champaign-Urbana), and Illinois State University. He is a native of Chicago's south suburbs and now lives in Wilmette with his wife, Claudia Conlon, and their three children, Cody, Carson, and Zoe.

Courses

• PP43200 Political & Campaign Strategy
      Course Description    |     Spring 2008 Course Syllabus