Conlon & Dunn Public Strategies, one of the Midwest’s leading public affairs firms, is pleased to announce the addition of Julio Urrutia as Vice President.
Urrutia brings an extensive background in grassroots organizing, issue advocacy campaigns, nonprofit management and political strategy development and execution to his work on behalf of Conlon & Dunn clients. After serving on the campaign staffs of candidates for state and local office, he expanded his political skills and experience as a partner with the Democratic political consulting firm The Balduzzi Group, where he developed direct mail, messaging and strategy for candidates and interest groups at the municipal, state and national levels. Applying principles learned on the political campaign trail, Urrutia has conceived and executed public affairs campaigns for schools, government agencies, industry associations and private businesses throughout Chicago.
“Since joining the firm earlier this year, Julio has quickly proved himself an invaluable member of our team,” states Kevin Conlon, president of Conlon & Dunn, “His broad relationships in the community, as well as his background in community organizing and public affairs, are important additions to the firm’s capabilities, and we know that our clients will benefit from the exceptional energy and commitment he brings to every project.”
Prior to Conlon & Dunn, Julio worked in a variety of nonprofit and advocacy roles. In 2010, he was the National Director of the Immigration Reform campaign for the Gamaliel Foundation, a network of community based organizations spanning 12 states. He also served as the Director of External Affairs and Community Relations for the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture, the nation’s only museum dedicated solely to the expression of Puerto Rican arts and culture.
In 2014, Julio was chosen to participate in the Truman National Security Project’s Truman Partnership, a highly selective leadership program designed for rising political stars. The Truman Project is the nation’s only organization that recruits, trains and positions a new generation of progressives across America to lead on national security issues.
Julio is a graduate of the Maxwell School of Public Affairs at Syracuse University. He has completed coursework in Integrated Marketing at the University of Chicago.
