Kevin Hauswirth (he/him) is a progressive marketing communications leader who partners with big brands, nonprofit organizations, and advocacy groups to design powerful campaigns. In 2015, he founded Hauswirth/co (HausCo) to combine the agility of political-style campaigns with the sophistication of big brand activations. When selected as a Notable LGBTQ Executive in 2019, Crain’s Chicago Business wrote: “Hauswirth heads a strategic communications firm that bears his name...He has developed his agency as an inclusive, diverse team of digital natives.” The plan was never to start a new agency. Kevin set out to focus on projects close to his heart, the kind of work that gets folks jumping out of bed each morning energized to change hearts and minds. While its founding may have been serendipitous and its growth largely organic, HausCo is clearly intentional about the teams it curates and the work takes on. HausCo has run successful, award-winning campaigns to pass history-making progressive legislation, organize social movements, reduce stigma to build safer communities, and launch dynamic new brands—all with a deliberate focus on representation and inclusivity. 

Kevin’s unique knack for simplifying complicated topics with stunning digital-first campaigns has earned him the reputation for “making the wonky relevant.” Appointed by the Mayor in 2011, he served as the City of Chicago’s first head of digital communications, driving social media engagement and digital innovation across multiple government agencies. In its story “3 of Mayor’s Men Join Forces. Their Goal: Harness Technology to Help the City,” The New York Times wrote: “Mr. Hauswirth is about conversations to improve services, participation and engagement with City Hall.” Since leaving public service, Kevin has partnered with Fortune 500 companies and nonprofits of all sizes to navigate public opinion challenges and design socially responsible initiatives. 

An educator at heart, Kevin teaches university courses on integrated marketing communications and contributes to the profession through public speaking engagements. He was the executive producer of ART AND PEP, a feature documentary on the life, love, and legacy of two LGBTQ rights pioneers. Kevin also currently serves on the Adler University Board of Trustees. In 2012, he was named to The Advocate's 40 Under 40 list of “ budding powerhouses, leaders in media, politics, sports, and science, … facilitating our future.” He resides in Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood with his husband Chris and daughter Anahi.