David Stricklin

A lifetime of experience in government, journalism and client advocacy is the foundation for the guidance and counsel David Stricklin provides clients to help them achieve their public policy goals.

By learning political and policy implications of crucial issues, his clients effectively participate in the decision making process to pass vital legislation or secure an earmark in a budget proposal or appropriations bill.  David also works closely with potential or current government vendors to ensure strict compliance with complex procurement codes – these processes are key to establishing or maintaining a business relationship with the government.

Stricklin & Associates’ clients include major research universities, nationally acclaimed hospitals, industry and trade groups across sectors and sizes, and not-for-profit agencies serving some of the most vulnerable people in society.

A native of Carbondale, Illinois, and a 1983 graduate of Southern Illinois University, David was a broadcast journalist for several years before joining the Washington, DC, staff of  Representative Glenn Poshard in 1989.  He was first press secretary then added the responsibilities of chief of staff and was involved in every aspect of communications, policy and political strategy.

David served a key role in Poshard’s 1997/98 campaign for governor of Illinois, helping the under-funded Poshard win a highly competitive primary, only to be narrowly defeated in the general election.  From there he returned to Capitol Hill in 1999 as chief of staff and Rules Committee Associate for U.S. Representative Louise Slaughter.

In 2000 David was selected chief of staff to Rep. Rod Blagojevich and again played a key role in winning a contentious primary for governor of Illinois in 2002.  After the 2002 general election and a brief stint as interim director of the Illinois office in DC, David joined the Chicago-based law firm of Gardner Carton & Douglas (now Drinker Biddle).  As director of government affairs, he managed government work of offices in Chicago and Washington, DC.  In April 2005 he established Stricklin & Associates.

David and his wife Jennifer are the parents of two boys and live in a northern suburb of Chicago.