We help clients shape the future by specializing at the intersection of business and government. As a national firm, we provide comprehensive government affairs, corporate advisory, and strategic public relations services designed to support organizations navigating complex environments.

Home | Michael Best Strategies

Michael Best Strategies LLC, a leading national government affairs and public relations firm, is pleased to announce the addition of former Illinois State Representative Keith Wheeler to the firm as a Senior Director on the Illinois team. Wheeler’s wealth of experience in public policy, technology, and business leadership will further bolster the firm’s ability to provide quality service to our clients throughout the state.

core/paragraph

A respected voice in Illinois politics and policy, Wheeler most recently served as a contract lobbyist representing the Illinois Chamber of Commerce and the Illinois Coalition of Appraisal Professionals along with clients in the gaming, tech and energy industries.

Prior to that, Wheeler held the role of senior advisor in the Office of House Republican Leader Tony McCombie (R-IL), where he was responsible for guiding policy working groups, advising leadership during floor debates, and facilitating bipartisan negotiations on key issues, including privacy, gaming, and energy.

During his eight-year tenure in the Illinois General Assembly, Wheeler held several leadership positions, 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 is highly regarded for authoring the Blue Collar Jobs Act, a construction job tax credit that became a pivotal piece of Illinois’ 2019 bipartisan budget agreement.

“Keith’s deep understanding of the legislative process and his ability to build consensus across the aisle make him an invaluable addition to our team,” said Aaron Harris, Michael Best Strategies Illinois Team Lead. “His experience in both the public and private sectors will significantly enhance our capabilities in Illinois and beyond.”

In addition to his public service, Wheeler founded and operated Responsive Network Services LLC for over 30 years, delivering IT solutions to small businesses and local governments. Since his time in the State House, he has continued to represent clients in legislative and regulatory matters.

“A proven leader and policy expert, Keith brings a unique blend of legislative insight and business acumen that will immediately strengthen our team’s capabilities,” added Alison Prange, Managing Director of Michael Best Strategies. “We’re thrilled to welcome him to the firm and look forward to the impact he’ll make for our Illinois clients.”

Wheeler holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and has been recognized with numerous honors, including the NFIB Guardian of Small Business Award (2016, 2018, 2020, 2022), Illinois Chamber of Commerce Champion of Free Enterprise (2018, 2020, 2022), and the Illinois Manufacturing Association Manufacturing Champion Award (2021).

Wheeler is also deeply engaged in community service, having served as Board Chairman of the Kendall County Food Pantry and held leadership roles in several local civic and political organizations.

Wooden letter tiles spelling the word ‘WELCOME’ arranged on a dark blue surface.

Deep blue textured fabric background, evoking a calm and serene atmosphere. The surface appears soft with subtle shading and no distinct patterns.

Michael Best Strategies Expands Illinois Team with Addition of Former Assistant Minority Leader and State Representative Keith Wheeler

Related People

Services

Related Services

Related People

Slide Menu

Slide Search