Keith Wheeler

Senior Director
Michael Best Strategies, LLC
Chicago
River Point
444 West Lake Street
Suite 3200
Chicago, IL 60606

Overview

Keith is a public policy consultant and technology business leader with experience in both the private and public sectors. A former Illinois State Representative, he has worked extensively on economic development, technology, and energy policy, as well as regulatory reform.

He most recently served as senior advisor in the Office of House Republican Leader Tony McCombie (R-IL), where he guided policy working groups, advised leadership during floor debates, and facilitated bipartisan negotiations on privacy, gaming, and energy matters.

During his eight years in the Illinois General Assembly, Keith held leadership roles including assistant minority leader, co-chair of the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules, and minority spokesperson on the Executive, Public Utilities, and Cybersecurity Committees. He authored the Blue Collar Jobs Act, a construction job tax credit that became a key component of Illinois’ 2019 bipartisan budget agreement.

In addition to his public service, Keith owned Responsive Network Services LLC for more than 30 years, providing IT solutions for small businesses and local governments. Since his time on House staff, Keith has been representing clients in legislative and regulatory matters.

Honors & Recognitions

  • NFIB Guardian of Small Business Award, 2016, 2018, 2020, 2022
  • Illinois Chamber of Commerce Champion of Free Enterprise, 2018, 2020, 2022
  • Illinois Manufacturing Association Manufacturing Champion Award, 2021
  • Marklund Excellence in Advocacy Award, 2020 & 2021
  • TechNet Champion of Innovation, 2021

Professional Activities

  • Chairman, Kendall County Republican Central Committee, 2008-2009
  • Chairman, Kendall County Republican Candidate Support Committee, 2006-2008

Education

Community Involvement

  • Board Chairman, Kendall County Food Pantry, 2009-2014
  • Board Treasurer and Coach, Oswego Bears Football & Cheer, 2010-2014
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