Kiera Ellis has over a decade of experience in elevating people and initiatives on the public stage. She crafts influential narratives and builds coalitions to help clients achieve their goals and improve societal outcomes. As a spokesperson and advisor, she positions clients for success in high-priority public actions and translates complex issues into relatable messaging for diverse audiences.

Prior to joining Rise Strategy Group, Kiera was senior advisor to the Democratic Party of Illinois (DPI) Chair Lisa Hernandez and served as spokesperson for the organization. During her tenure, DPI achieved historic wins in the 2022 midterm and 2023 municipal election cycles—with Kiera spearheading the communications strategy and collaborating with Hernandez, as well as Governor J.B. Pritzker and Speaker Welch.

Previously, Kiera led public affairs for Related Companies, including overseeing community engagement and government relations for The 78, a 62-acre $7 billion mixed-use development near downtown Chicago and Roosevelt Square, a 160-acre mixed-income development on Chicago’s Near West Side.

Kiera was instrumental in Related’s efforts to pass Affordable Illinois, state legislation to create a tax incentive for the development of affordable housing in high-barrier-to-entry areas. The landmark statute was signed into law in July 2021 after unanimous and bipartisan passage from the Illinois General Assembly. She also helped launch HIRE360, an organization dedicated to creating opportunities in the trades for underrepresented groups.

Kiera previously served as director of external affairs for Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, Press Secretary for U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth, and Deputy Press Secretary for Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel. Early in her career, she gained valuable experience in roles at the Chicago Park District and the Chicago Architecture Center.

Kiera holds a Master of Public Administration in Global Leadership from Columbia University, a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism with a minor in Public Relations from Columbia College Chicago, and a United Way Board Leadership Institute certificate from Northwestern Kellogg School of Management.