Kevin Davis

Senior Marketing & Communications Executive | Brand Strategist

I believe the most powerful marketing doesn't just build awareness — it builds trust, belonging, and lasting impact.

That conviction has guided nearly two decades of work helping mission-driven organizations find their voice and use it to drive real change. From federally qualified health centers serving under-resourced communities to national education nonprofits and universities, my work sits at the intersection of brand strategy, community engagement, and executive leadership. I don't just build campaigns — I build the infrastructure, the teams, and the culture that make great communications possible.

When I'm not leading marketing and communications strategy, I'm teaching the next generation of nonprofit leaders, speaking at national conferences, and writing The Social Tax — a book about the invisible cost of how we invest in our relationships and communities.

I'm based in Chicago, where I've built my career and my community.

What I Do

Marketing & Brand Strategy I build brands that mean something. Whether that's leading an enterprise-wide transformation, creating multilingual campaigns that reach millions, or establishing the governance frameworks that keep organizations consistent and credible — I approach brand strategy as a long game.

Communications & Media Relations I've served as lead spokesperson for organizations navigating everything from major gift announcements to public health crises. I know how to craft a message, protect a reputation, and get the right story in front of the right audience.

Digital Marketing & Growth Data informs everything I do. I've driven 700% increases in digital engagement, generated hundreds of millions of campaign impressions, and improved enrollment and patient pipeline outcomes — all through campaigns built on strategy, not guesswork.

Employer Brand & Culture I believe an organization's internal culture is its most undervalued external asset. I've co-created employer brand initiatives that earned Top Workplace USA recognition and transformed how organizations attract, engage, and retain talent.

Speaking & Thought Leadership I speak regularly at national and regional conferences on topics including brand strategy, nonprofit communications, crisis management, and DEI in marketing. I also teach graduate and undergraduate courses in nonprofit marketing, change leadership, and collaborative teamwork.

Impact by the Numbers

  • 236M impressions from a single multilingual public health campaign

  • 700% increase in digital engagement through data-driven content strategy

  • 10% surge in enrollment through integrated marketing and digital conversion

  • 50% reduction in creative marketing expenditures through process optimization

  • $130M organization led as Head of Marketing, Communications & Brand Strategy

  • $1.6M annual gala directed, drawing major donors and civic leaders

  • 5.9M impressions generated through targeted employee recruitment campaigns

Experience

Erie Family Health Centers | Chicago, IL Head of Marketing, Communications & Brand Strategy (2022–Present) Director, Marketing & Communications (2019–2022)

Leading enterprise marketing and communications for a $130M federally qualified health center network serving 95,000+ patients across 13 clinical and school-based sites. I oversee a multidisciplinary team, manage a seven-figure budget, and ensure every message we put into the world reflects our commitment to equitable, high-quality care.

Kevin Davis Design + Brand | Chicago, IL Creative Director & Owner (2005–Present)

For nearly 20 years, I've partnered with small businesses, nonprofits, universities, and corporations to build brands that reflect who they are and where they're going. From visual identity systems to full communications campaigns, I bring both strategic thinking and hands-on creative expertise.

City Year Chicago | Chicago, IL Head of External Affairs, Marketing & Communications (2017–2019)

Led external affairs, media relations, and marketing for an $11M education nonprofit — acting as public face of the organization and securing placements across major outlets including NBC, ABC, and WGN.

North Park University | Chicago, IL Associate Director of University Branding & Enrollment Marketing (2015–2017)

Directed enrollment marketing and branding across multiple schools and campuses, managing a $1.5M advertising budget and leading a team responsible for SEO, digital strategy, and recruitment campaigns.

Speaking & Thought Leadership

I believe that sharing what we know is part of the work — not separate from it.

My speaking focuses on the ideas that sit at the intersection of brand, equity, and organizational leadership: how mission-driven organizations can communicate with more clarity and courage, how marketing teams can do more with less without losing their humanity, and how leaders can build cultures where belonging isn't just a value statement — it's a lived experience.

I speak regularly at national and regional conferences and have been invited to present at institutions including Northwestern University's Medill School, the Kellogg School of Management, and the Illinois Primary Healthcare Association. I also teach graduate and undergraduate courses in nonprofit marketing, change leadership, and team dynamics.

Selected Speaking Engagements

  • "Safeguarding Your Brand Through Strategic Reputation Management" — The Medill School, Northwestern University

  • "Creating an Authentic & Compelling Employer Brand" — Wintrust Bank Nonprofit, Government & Health Group

  • "Getting Big Results from a Small Marketing Team" — American Marketing Association, Chicago Chapter

  • "Nonprofit Data Analytics and Impact" — Kellogg School of Management Executive Education

  • "The Calm After the Storm: Crisis Communications Best Practices" — Illinois Primary Healthcare Association

  • "Who Belongs: Incorporating the 'B' in Your DEI Strategy for FQHCs" — Illinois Primary Healthcare Association

  • "Becoming a Diverse and Inclusive Organization: Leading from the Marketing Division" — Insights Association Regional Conference

  • "Government Collaboration and the Future of the Nonprofit Sector" — Aurora University

Education & Credentials

Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in Leadership Excellence Edgewood University, Madison, WI (Expected December 2026)

Master of Science (MS) in Strategic Management Gies College of Business, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Bachelor of Science (BS) in Marketing Colorado State University

Certifications include: Executive Scholar Certificate in Nonprofit Management · Black Executive Leadership Program · Leading for Impact Executive Leadership Fellow · Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in the Workplace Certificate · Lean Six Sigma · Digital Marketing Certificate

Community

Community isn't a section on my resume — it's the reason I do this work.

I currently serve on the board of the kNEWjoy Foundation and have been involved with the Lupus Foundation of America, the American Marketing Association Chicago Chapter, the University of Illinois Black Alumni Association, the Black Marketing Association, and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.

Recognition

I'm grateful to have had my work recognized by peers and organizations I deeply respect.

  • Chicago Defender Men of Excellence Honoree

  • Golden Trumpet Award — Health Campaign, Publicity Club of Chicago

  • Social Justice & DEIB Award — Erie Family Health Centers

  • International President's Award — Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.

  • Alumni Elite Award — Eastern Michigan University Black Alumni Chapter

  • Ford Freedom Hero Unsung Award — Ford Motor Company Foundation

  • Earl Whitfield Newsletter Design Award — ACUI

  • Fundraiser Award — Lupus Foundation of America