NATHANIEL K. WILKES

If “Nate” Wilkes hadn’t decided, almost on a lark, to join his college newspaper some 20 years ago, he most likely would have stayed with his pre-med major and would be practicing medicine today. Instead, his fascination with “news” and reporting led him into a career path that has included journalism, public relations, elected office, and political consulting.

It was that fascination with fact-gathering and research, plus his knack for telling a story, that inspired him to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Columbia College (Chicago). He then spent the next 13 years working as a news reporter and writer, with credits that include the Associated Press; Fashion, Art, Nightlife Magazine (Cleveland); Pittsburgh International Airport Magazine; Cleveland Free Times newspaper, the Sun Newspapers; and the Call and Post newspaper, among others.

His entry into the field of public relations was, as he looks back, a natural progression. Because of his journalistic experience, he was asked by people and organizations he knew whether he could assist them with promotional and publicity efforts. He began doing entertainment-based PR work, based in part on  some of his reporting work with former Sony Music Executive Joe Stills, interviewing people like Brian McKnight, Aaron Hall and other entertainers. Initially, he worked for various local theater productions.

That led to new opportunities to further hone his professional and business skills, working with notable Ohio-based public relations firms such as GAP Communications Group and D. Thigpen & Associates, Inc. Then, after heading  the PR/Advertising Department at Ministerial Day Care/Head Start Association, the second largest Head Start agency in Ohio’s Cuyahoga County, Wilkes decided to establish his own public relaions and advertising firm.

In the years that followed, he worked as a senior media consultant and strategist for organizations, public officials, and small businesses. His work ranged from the relatively “routine” – news releases, speech writing, newsletters, brochures, briefing materials media relations – to the more complex aspects of the field: communications strategies, image development, media analysis, and crisis communications. And, because of his keen interest in government and politics, Wilkes branched out and began working as a political media consultant for a number of elected officials and candidates in Ohio and across the country. Some clients included: 2006 Strickland for Governor Campaign – Ohio, The Huffman Group, United Nations World Environment Day/Ella Baker Center – 2006, Digital News Reel LLC, Voices & Choices Initiative/AmericaSpeaks, Inc, Congressman Dennis J. Kucinich (D-OH), Chariet, LLC, MacNeice Films, Cleveland City Councilmen Kevin Conwell (D-09) and others.

His career took one more unexpected turn in 2009 when he was named by the Cleveland City Council to fill a vacant City Council seat. He served the remainder of the one-year term, and then returned to public relations.