Research
Content
Execution
Michael McGrath
President and Founder
Michael McGrath is president and founder of Stakeholder Strategies. He has more than 18 years experience helping organizations achieve superior performance by designing and executing communication strategies that educate, motivate and inspire key stakeholders. He has expertise in media relations, issue advocacy, executive visibility and corporate social responsibility.
Previously, Michael was senior vice president at FD, a global communications consultancy. There he worked with a number of Fortune 500 clients on a range of communications needs including executive visibility, brand positioning, internal communications, crisis and special situations, B-to-B marketing and litigation support.
Before FD, Michael was vice president at Hill & Knowlton providing communications counsel and support for a Fortune 200 client on a multibillion dollar regulatory matter. As a member of the Hill & Knowlton/Chicago management committee he oversaw budget, personnel and new business matters for the agency.
Prior to Hill & Knowlton, Michael was a senior communications and policy advisor to the president of the American Bar Association. In this role, he led the development and execution of the organization’s priorities and objectives including strategic and tactical planning, policy development, speechwriting, media relations and legislative outreach on a wide range of issues. Prior to this position, he led the communications function for the ABA Section of Litigation, the ABA’s largest organizational entity.
From 1992 to 1998, Michael directed communications for the National Council of YMCAs’ Knowledge Management Group, providing counsel and training to the executive leadership and board of directors at over 300 independent YMCAs across the country.
Michael’s professional career began as a reporter and writer on local government and public safety for the Daily Herald, a Chicago-area daily newspaper. Michael graduated from Marquette University in 1990 with a degree in Journalism.
Michael was PRSA/Chicago president in 2008 and currently serves on its board of directors.
