Aileron Communications announces promotions
Aileron Communications, a strategic communications agency specializing in complex, high-stakes engagements, announced today the promotions of Peter Gray to vice president, client services, Sandra Bartishell to vice president of operations and Will O’Brien to chief copywriter and senior account executive. The trio’s advanced roles will enable the mission-driven firm to better serve its growing roster of public affairs, clean energy and corporate clients.
“Aileron’s team continues to support our clients and create success in challenging times. I’m proud to recognize their years of dedication and professional growth,” said Dave Lundy, the president of Aileron, which he founded in 1999. “Pete is a multi-talented communicator who sees the big picture and, time after time, delivers results. Sandra’s experience, efficiency and foresight are integral to our operation, and Will is a quick study with a strong history of working with the media. We’re proud of what they’ve accomplished and look forward with great anticipation to what’s ahead.”
Based in downtown Chicago, Aileron provides public relations, public affairs and reputation management services for an array of industries including clean energy, health care, technology and finance.
Gray, previously Aileron’s director of client services, leads the firm’s clean energy and public affairs accounts. Since joining the firm in 2014, he has expanded Aileron’s client base and strengthened the agency’s service offerings. Prior to Aileron, Gray held senior positions at ACCIONA and the Environmental Law & Policy Center. He provides pro-bono communications services to nonprofit groups and is a graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Bartishell, previously director of operations, oversees all aspects of Aileron’s business functions, from human resources and benefits procurement to financial forecasting and contracts. With decades of experience managing the business operations of legal practices, Bartishell joined Aileron in 2011 and has since established streamlined processes and a best-in-class working environment. Deeply involved with numerous community organizations in Chicago’s Beverly area, she is an alum of Loyola University Chicago.
O’Brien, a journalist by training who joined Aileron as an account executive in 2017, is focused on content development, media relations and social media strategy. A former business and opinion editor at the Chicago Tribune, he has worked for numerous publications in the Chicago and Milwaukee regions. O’Brien holds a journalism degree from Marquette University and actively supports his alma mater, St. Thomas More High School, with communications consulting services.
About Aileron Communications
Aileron Communications is a mission-driven, boutique strategic communications agency specializing in complex, high-stakes engagements. Based in downtown Chicago, the firm’s senior advisors provide candid counsel, agile response and a multi-disciplinary approach to clients across the public affairs, clean energy and corporate sectors. Clients include Clinical Innovations, GlidePath, the Anthony and Jeanne Pritzker Family Foundation, Meridian, Ranger Power, the Solar Energy Industries Association and SMS Assist. Founded by political and communications strategist Dave Lundy in 1999, Aileron has promoted and protected its partners’ interests for more than 20 years. For more information, visit www.aileroninc.com.
