Powerful advocacy, real results.
About Us
Platform Communications, founded in 2017 by Keith Gilkes, is a Midwestern strategic communications firm specializing in public relations, crisis communications, public affairs, policy analysis, digital, and advocacy campaigns. Based in Wisconsin with national reach, Platform and our digital division, Platform Digital, have the expertise and relationships with policymakers, opinion leaders, and state and national media to get you real results.
Our clients and projects include Fortune 500 and global companies, economic development projects from the Wisconn Valley Science & Technology Park to mining and energy projects all over the Midwest, companies and associations across numerous industries from health care to technology, law firms, a wide range of advocacy efforts like the ballot initiative Marsy’s Law for Wisconsin, think tanks like the Institute for Reforming Government and Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty, and nonprofits of all shapes and sizes.
We’ve been at the forefront of major policy victories like the lifting of Wisconsin’s mining moratorium and successful negotiations between Foxconn Technology Corp. and two different governor’s administrations. We’ve handled crisis management in the private sector and government alike. And our team of professionals has decades of collective experience in state and federal government – not to mention roles in dozens of successful political campaigns at the local, statewide, and federal levels.
Meet the Team
Keith Gilkes
Chairman & Chief Executive Officer
Brian Reisinger
President & Chief Content Officer
Kathryn Kotowski
Executive Vice President of Finance & Administration
Anthony Birch
Vice President of Marketing & Digital Strategy
Rusty Schultz
Vice President of Public Affairs
Lauren Clark
Director of Policy Research
Erin Voelkel
Senior Director of Public Relations and Media Strategy
Derek Gilkes
Account Coordinator
Susan Ciminello
Executive Administrator
Services
Strategy development
Public relations
Crisis communications
Media training
Public affairs
Policy analysis & research
Content writing
Social media
Digital strategy
Advertising & marketing
Digital advertising
Video filming & editing
Design & creative
Web development
Services
Our team has the skills, experience, and work ethic to get you real results. Core services at Platform Communications include:
Strategy development
Public relations
Crisis communications
Media training
Public affairs
Policy analysis & research
Content writing
Social media
Digital strategy
Advertising & marketing
Digital advertising
Video filming & editing
Design & creative
Web development
Successes
In addition to meeting the communications, branding, and crisis-based needs of corporate and non-profit clients every day, the team at Platform Communications has been part of some of the biggest public advocacy successes in the Midwest. To name just a few wins on behalf of our clients:
In addition to meeting the communications, branding, and crisis-based needs of corporate and non-profit clients every day, the team at Platform Communications has been part of some of the biggest public advocacy successes in the Midwest. To name just a few wins on behalf of our clients:
- Overwhelming victory on the Marsy’s Law for Wisconsin ballot initiative with 75% of Wisconsin voters approving the statewide referendum and broad bipartisan support in the Legislature
- Helped launch “Stop the COVID Spread!” coalition campaign with more than 135 members, significantly amplifying public health messaging on curbing the spread of COVID-19
- Spearheaded ad campaign behind the successful Wisconsin Homeowners Alliance effort to pass a state law protecting homeowners from unfair property tax increases
- Established the Wisconn Valley Jobs Coalition and helped with successful efforts to help bring Foxconn Technology Corp. to Wisconsin – and keep the company here after a change in governor’s administrations
- Advocated for successful repeal of Wisconsin’s mining moratorium to open the state up for investment, and passage of sensible mining regulations to allow for responsible development
- Launched key financial industry policy solutions with successful whitepaper campaign to targeted congressional offices
Some of our clients and other successful projects include:
Platform Communications Announces Senior Hire from Legislative Leadership
Firm adds Rusty Schultz to growing team, bringing valuable legislative expertise Platform Communications, a Midwest-based strategic communications firm, announced the addition of Rusty Schultz as Director of Public Affairs & Corporate Communications, bringing him...
Platform Communications Announces Expansion
Firm adds to growing team, expands marketing, digital, and coalition service offerings [Madison, Wis.] – Platform Communications, a Midwest-based strategic communications firm, today announced an expansion in the firm’s team and service offerings. With the addition of...
Platform Communications Announces Expansion With New Hire
[Madison, Wis.] – Platform Communications, a Midwestern strategic communications firm, announced an expansion today with the hire of Erin Collins, who is joining the team as Director of Public Relations. Collins comes to Platform from Washington D.C., where she served...
Contact Us
[email protected]
(608) 441-1645
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