Gia Orr Photo

Gia Orr*

Principal
Michael Best Strategies LLC

*Names that appear with an asterisk indicate a Michael Best professional not admitted to practice law.

Overview

Gia brings a wealth of experience in government relations, public administration, and education advocacy to her role as a principal on the Government Relations team. With a background deeply rooted in fostering collaboration and implementing policy change, Gia has consistently demonstrated her commitment to driving impactful change at various levels of government and within educational institutions.

Prior to joining Michael Best Strategies, Gia served as a senior public service administrator/director of legislative affairs and community relations & resources at the Illinois Guardianship & Advocacy Commission. In this role, she played a pivotal role in developing, writing, and implementing policies to ensure accountability and regulation while providing direction for program operations. Gia's strategic leadership was instrumental in managing program budgets, seeking out funding opportunities, and expanding support for program efforts.

As a subject matter expert in human rights advocacy, special education, and the rights of overlooked communities, Gia forged collaborative relationships with public and private human service agencies, as well as local, state, and federal counterparts. She effectively represented the Commission as its official spokesperson in legislative committees and administrative hearings, driving favorable outcomes and advocating for policies to maximize outreach and community integration.

Professional Activities

  • Member, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority

Education

Community Involvement

  • Advisory Board Member and Co-chair, Governors State University CA, 2019 -Present
  • Member, National Louis University Human Services Advisory Board, 2019-2022
  • Member, Lake Forest College Law and Public Service Advisory Board, 2018-Present
  • National Trainer, Vote. Run. Lead Certified, 2018-2020
  • Member, The Vine Legacy Project – Affinity Chapter of Tennessee State University, 2017-Present
  • Member and Co-chair, Cook County Commission on Human Rights, 2016-Present
  • Member, P-20 Education Council Illinois, 2015-2022
  • Member, Joint Education Leadership Council Illinois, 2015-2021
  • Member, Illinois Council on Employees with Disabilities, 2015-2020

Insights

Education

Community Involvement

  • Advisory Board Member and Co-chair, Governors State University CA, 2019 -Present
  • Member, National Louis University Human Services Advisory Board, 2019-2022
  • Member, Lake Forest College Law and Public Service Advisory Board, 2018-Present
  • National Trainer, Vote. Run. Lead Certified, 2018-2020
  • Member, The Vine Legacy Project – Affinity Chapter of Tennessee State University, 2017-Present
  • Member and Co-chair, Cook County Commission on Human Rights, 2016-Present
  • Member, P-20 Education Council Illinois, 2015-2022
  • Member, Joint Education Leadership Council Illinois, 2015-2021
  • Member, Illinois Council on Employees with Disabilities, 2015-2020
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