Kiera Ellis, Director of Public Affairs, helps lead Related Midwest’s important work in the community and serves as a key liaison to civic, business advocacy and trade associations, non-profits and local community groups. She is responsible for government relations, community engagement and inclusion strategy for the organization.
Ellis has more than 10 years of experience in public affairs managing high-profile issues and initiatives. She previously served as Press Secretary for U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth and as Deputy Press Secretary for former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel. She also brings relevant experience from the Chicago Park District and Chicago Architecture Center.
Ellis is passionate about improving the lives of others and supporting causes she believes in. She has fostered countless first-time donors in her effort to increase blood supply levels at local hospitals through her annual birthday blood drive. As part of the iMentor program, she helps a Chicago Public Schools high school student navigate the path to post-secondary education as a future first-generation college student. In 2020, Ellis completed the Board Leadership Institute, a program developed in partnership with United Way of Metro Chicago and the Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management to prepare philanthropic business leaders for service on the boards of directors of local nonprofit organizations. She is a member of the metropolitan board of the Chicago Urban League and received a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Columbia College Chicago.
