IVCA Profiles: Advocacy Partner David Stricklin of Stricklin & Associates
There’s always something brewing in the Illinois capital of Springfield, as the state legislators work for new laws that determine the government’s relationship with commerce, which includes the membership of the IVCA. The long-time advocacy partner and public affairs consultant for the IVCA is David Stricklin.
Stricklin is the president of Stricklin & Associates, which is a bipartisan public affairs consulting firm that advocates for client interests in Springfield, as well as Chicago and D.C. Stricklin prides themselves on having a deep expertise in strategic communication that offers tailored solutions that navigates the complexities of public affairs challenges.
As the second quarter rolls along, David Stricklin was interviewed for an update regarding Springfield and the IVCA.
IVCA: There are always things brewing in Springfield. What does the IVCA have on the fire, and what results are possible from that percolation?
David Stricklin: Policy makers are clearly focused on and some are clearly skeptical regarding the role of Private Equity in areas such as health care, housing and even law firms … this was a very busy session! This is an essential time for IVCA members to be sure they know the legislators who represent the districts where they live and to make a concentrated effort to establish a line of communication with those legislators. Reach out to our Executive Director Christie Pruyn and we can help make that happen.
IVCA: Procedurally, what is your basic process for creating interest in legislative issues that are beneficial for the membership of the IVCA?
Stricklin: We try to give legislators a concrete example of what the policy change would mean to a company in their district or an industry within the State of Illinois. Facts and figures with a personal story attached is an effective approach.
IVCA: Of course Governor Pritzker is not only an advocate of VC/PE issues, but a valued historical member of the IVCA. What advantage does that give an agenda for the association?
Stricklin: It’s very valuable for people in the Capitol to know the Governor was on the ground floor of our organization. It confers immediate relevance and credibility.
IVCA: How does keeping an ear to the ground for legislative news and lawmaker transitions provide a compass for what direction to go with IVCA issues?
Stricklin: IVCA members are universally some of the most generous people I’ve ever encountered to help explain to me – and to policy makers – what the consequences of a particular policy might be. Any General Assembly in any state is full of people with ideas and how to who want to make a difference in their communicates. That leads to some ideas which sound good in theory but won’t work in practice. IVCA members have over and over helped walk me through when an idea won’t work and to do it in a way that’s constructive and positive.
IVCA: What sections of the great State of Illinois have the most tenuous grasp of IVCA issues, and what type of information or proof-of-results allows them to get a grasp on VC/PE as an economic engine?
Stricklin: We often share with legislators the number of companies in their districts with a PE investment and it is almost always a surprise. Nothing beats telling the story of a local business which has grown employment and improved its position in the market thanks to the partnership with one of our members.
IVCA: Finally, what is your best pitch for encouraging the membership of the Illinois Venture Capital Association to contact your office with questions, information, or advice?
Stricklin: Call Christie and we will respond right away. We want to hear what is holding back progress in the companies you’re working with, because can often help find a direct route to resolve the issue or shorten the time frame for an answer. Our members are some of the most successful in the business and have experience and wisdom which benefit me in every conversation and every interaction.
For the website of Stricklin and Associates, click here. The 2026 IVCA Golf Invitational is July 13th at the Olympia Fields Country Club. For details, click here.