Will Burns
Government Relations • Grassroots Coalition Building • Political Consulting • Public Affairs Campaign Management • Strategic Communications
Senior Vice President
For more than twenty-five years, Will has worked at the intersection of politics, communications, policy, and advocacy. He was often tasked with developing new policies, regulatory frameworks, communications strategies, and advocacy coalitions in the face of significant opposition. He built statewide coalitions, managed legislative campaigns, and sourced and supervised contract lobbyists. As a former elected official, high-level legislative staffer, and in-house government affairs leader, Will brings a unique, inside perspective to lawmaking, regulatory design, and policy advocacy.
Will led both the federal advocacy and political departments of the charter school sector, protected federal funding, and advanced pro-charter legislation in Congress. He strategically rebuilt the sector’s political muscle by raising significant capital and deploying resources in high-impact congressional races.
He directed the government partnerships team for the eastern half of the United States for a start-up transportation company. There, he navigated the tension between startup disruption and urban regulation, securing operating rights in over 30 municipal markets and establishing durable city partnerships.
At Airbnb, he successfully negotiated legalization frameworks in politically resistant jurisdictions, mobilizing hosts as political constituencies, coupling communications and government relations efforts to achieve the company’s public policy goals.
He served as an alderman in Chicago, where he spearheaded efforts to create the city's minimum wage ordinance, and as an Illinois state representative, where he championed environmental protection, K-12 education policy, licensing reform, and anti-poverty initiatives.
Will has a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Master of Arts degree from the University of Chicago.
Will led both the federal advocacy and political departments of the charter school sector, protected federal funding, and advanced pro-charter legislation in Congress. He strategically rebuilt the sector’s political muscle by raising significant capital and deploying resources in high-impact congressional races.
He directed the government partnerships team for the eastern half of the United States for a start-up transportation company. There, he navigated the tension between startup disruption and urban regulation, securing operating rights in over 30 municipal markets and establishing durable city partnerships.
At Airbnb, he successfully negotiated legalization frameworks in politically resistant jurisdictions, mobilizing hosts as political constituencies, coupling communications and government relations efforts to achieve the company’s public policy goals.
He served as an alderman in Chicago, where he spearheaded efforts to create the city's minimum wage ordinance, and as an Illinois state representative, where he championed environmental protection, K-12 education policy, licensing reform, and anti-poverty initiatives.
Will has a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Master of Arts degree from the University of Chicago.
