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:
Myranda Tanck Joins Platform Communications
Today, Platform Communications, a Madison-based public affairs, community advocacy and communications strategy firm announced that Myranda Tanck has joined the firm as Director of External Communications.
Long-time advisor to Scott Walker starts communications and public advocacy firm
Keith Gilkes launched Platform Communications last week. The public affairs, communications and advocacy firm “strives to help bridge the gap of understanding between stakeholders on issues and projects impacting our communities,” according to a statement.
NEW FIRM ALERT — Walker advisor Keith Gilkes launches Platform Communications
Keith Gilkes, a long-time advisor to Wisconsin GOP Gov. Scott Walker, is launching Platform Communications, “a public affairs, community advocacy and communications strategy firm” based in Madison, Wis.
Contact Us
[email protected]
(608) 441-1645
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