RYAN P. HUGHES

Ryan Hughes a senior-level public relations professional with over 12 years of experience delivering strategic communications solutions by leading account teams in providing media relations, corporate communications, crisis & litigation communications, issue advocacy campaigns, public affairs and reputation management programs.

Throughout his career, agency leadership and the clients he’s worked with have expressed their appreciation for his ability to quickly familiarize himself with the intricacies of their unique industries and lead in the development and execution of successful communications campaigns that further their strategic objectives.

Hughes is currently Assistant Vice President, Public Relations at JConnelly, an integrated marketing and communications agency with the grit of a boutique shop & the power of a global firm that works to help organizations and leaders build, grow, manage and protect their brands.

In his previous role as Senior Manager at Hiltzik Strategies, Hughes was responsible for managing account teams from a diverse cross-sector of industries, including but not limited to those in public affairs, politics, philanthropy, entertainment and the media, public policy, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, national security and defense, blockchain and cryptocurrencies, financial services, technology and artificial intelligence, corporate and professional services, non-profits and education.

Hughes joined Hiltzik from ROKK Solutions, a bipartisan public affairs firm in Washington, D.C., where he managed high level strategic communications and media relations campaigns for clients in both the private and public sectors with a particular focus on how to leverage their message with policymakers in Washington. During his time at Shirley & Banister Public Affairs, he oversaw public relations and strategic communications for multiple high-profile politically right-of-center accounts, including public figures, issue advocacy organizations and political campaigns. In this capacity, he served in a pivotal role handling conservative media relations for Governor Scott Walker's campaign for President and later managed key aspects of the surrogate booking operation for Governor John Kasich's campaign for President.

Hughes previously served in state government as External Relations Coordinator for Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker (R-WI) and as Assistant to Illinois State Treasurer Dan Rutherford (R-IL).