Eric Sedler (born 1968) is an American public relations executive and political strategist based in Chicago. He is a co-founder and managing partner of Avoq, a national advocacy and strategic communications firm formed in 2024. He previously served as the founder and CEO of Kivvit.[1]
Eric Sedler | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1968 (age 57–58) |
| Alma mater | University of Illinois Chicago |
| Occupation | Public relations executive |
| Known for | Co-founder of Avoq |
| Title | Managing Partner of Avoq |
| Spouse | Marla Sedler |
| Children | 2 |
| Parent(s) | Robert Sedler, Rozanne Sedler |
Early life and education
editSedler was born in 1968 and raised in suburban Detroit, Michigan. He graduated from the University of Illinois Chicago.
His father, Robert Sedler, was a professor of constitutional law at Wayne State University Law School. His mother, Rozanne Sedler, was a social worker.[2][3]
Career
editEarly career
editBefore entering the private sector, Sedler spent nearly a decade in government and politics working for government officials and candidates including US Senators and on the staff of the Illinois House Democratic leadership.
ASGK and Kivvit
editIn 2002, Sedler co-founded ASGK Public Strategies alongside political strategist David Axelrod.[4][5]
In 2009, following Axelrod’s appointment as Senior Advisor to then US President Barack Obama, Sedler and partner John Kupper purchased Axelrod’s share of the firm.[6][7]
In 2015, ASGK Public Strategies merged with its subsidiary, M Public Affairs, to form Kivvit.[8][9][10]
In 2023, Kivvit was acquired by the private equity firm Coral Tree Partners.[11]
Avoq
editIn early 2024, Kivvit merged with the agency Subject Matter, which was also owned by Coral Tree Partners, to form Avoq. Avoq is an integrated communications and government relations firm with offices in Chicago, Los Angeles, New Jersey, New York and Washington DC. Sedler currently serves as a Managing Partner at Avoq, focusing on strategic communications, crisis management, and public affairs for corporate and non-profit clients.[12][13]
Board and Governance
editIn 2024, Sedler was appointed to the board of directors of World Business Chicago, the city's public-private economic development agency.[14] During a leadership transition in early 2024, he also served as the agency’s interim CEO.[15]
He also serves on the board of the Jewish United Fund of Chicago.
Personal life
editReferences
edit- ↑ "Subject Matter and Kivvit merge, rebrand as Avoq". PR Week. Retrieved May 4, 2026.
- ↑ "AJC Detroit Honors Rozanne and Robert Sedler". Oakland County Legal News.
- ↑ "Biography - Wayne Law - Wayne State University". Archived from the original on March 8, 2014. Retrieved June 14, 2016.
- ↑ "Eric Sedler". American Banker. Retrieved May 3, 2026.
- ↑ Wolinsky, Howard. "The Secret Side of David Axelrod". Bloomberg. Bloomberg. Retrieved June 14, 2016.
- ↑ Vogel, Kenneth P. "Millions for Axelrod in sale of firm". POLITICO.
- ↑ "'A' as in Axelrod disappears from name of Chicago consulting firm". Crain's Chicago Business. Retrieved May 25, 2016.
- ↑ "ASGK Public Strategies and M Public Affairs Rebrand as Kivvit" (PDF). Politico. Retrieved May 3, 2026.
- ↑ "ASGK, M Public Affairs merge to become Kivvit". PR Week.
- ↑ "ASGK Public Strategies Wins Top Awards for Illinois Unites for Marriage Campaign | Bulldog Reporter". www.bulldogreporter.com. Retrieved November 19, 2020.
- ↑ McCauley, Kevin. "Subject Matter Merges with Kivvit". Odwyer PR. Retrieved May 5, 2026.
- ↑ "Subject Matter and Kivvit are now Avoq". Avoq.
- ↑ "Subject Matter+Kivvit Becomes Avōq, Names New Partners". Insider NJ. Retrieved May 3, 2026.
- ↑ "World Business Chicago appoints interim executive". Chicago Business. Retrieved May 3, 2026.
- ↑ "Mayor Brandon Johnson Announces New Leadership at World Business Chicago". World Business Chicago.
- ↑ "Eric Sedler Profile". Crain's Chicago Business.
- ↑ "Managing Partner Eric Sedler Named To Who's Who In Chicago List". Avoq. Retrieved May 3, 2026.