News

Michael Best Strategies (Strategies) is pleased to announce the addition of Gia Orr to its Illinois State Government Relations team. With over a decade of legislative and community relations experience, including managing review and analysis, policy writing and training, strategy development, project and case management, community outreach, and more, she joins Strategies as a Principal focused on further supporting its rapidly growing team and clients.

"Gia’s extensive experience in navigating the complexities of government affairs, particularly in education and children services, further strengthens our team," remarked Aaron Harris, Partner and Strategies’s Illinois lead. "Her strategic insights and dedication to client success align perfectly with our mission to deliver impactful solutions in an ever-evolving legislative landscape."

Before joining Strategies, Ms. Orr served as the Senior Director of Policy and Advocacy for an Illinois based non-profit who also provides international work to advance social, economic, and racial justice. Prior to that, she served as the Director of Legislative Affairs and Community Relations & Resources, as well as a host of other roles for a state agency in the Executive Branch’s health and human services portfolio. Earlier in her career, Ms. Orr was a dedicated teacher and principal in the school system focused on charter (CICS) and contract schools, where she also led and directed operations for the first public high school for visual performing arts in Chicago. These experiences have led her to currently serve as an advisory board member for a public and a private college in Illinois. Ms. Orr’s vast experience in multiple areas will help clients overcome individual business challenges and implement change.

Ms. Orr received her B.S. from Tennessee State University in Nashville and both a Master of Education and a Master of Science in human services administration from National-Louis University in Wheeling.