About Our Team

Our Principal Consultant

Litesa Wallace is a three-term former State Representative and advocate whose exacting and clear-eyed approach to policy and bipartisan progress has reformed Illinois government, advanced important equities and built an impressive track record of collaborative innovation and victories for her clients and constituents.

Known as one of Springfield’s most knowledgeable legislators during her terms, from 2014 to 2019, she was able to introduce and pass scores of bills that gained broad support and buy-in and were signed by the governor of the opposing party.

And as an expert consultant and top energy lobbyist, Rep. Wallace in 2021 led and executed a nimble underdog campaign that broke a four-decade stalemate to end energy poverty for one impoverished Illinois community.

Dr. Wallace’s granular knowledge of policy and policy-making drove her victories to expand mental healthcare access, sustain the River’s Edge Historic Tax Credit, eliminate the so-called “Gay Panic” defense, and pass the historic Learning With Dignity Act.

After quickly earning the respect of her colleagues upon her entry into the chamber, she helped originate and chair the Illinois House Economic Justice and Equality Committee and served as Vice Chair of the House Human Services Committee as well as the Business Growth & Incentives Committee.

Previous to her service in Springfield, which included three years as chief of staff to former Rep. Charles Jefferson, whom she succeeded as the first Black woman to represent the 67th District, Rep. Wallace was an educator and human services professional, earning a B.A. from Western Illinois University and an M.S. in Applied Family and Child Studies with a Specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy as well as an Ed.D. in educational psychology from Northern Illinois University.

Rep. Wallace was recruited to run statewide for lieutenant governor in 2018 and, more recently, ran a groundbreaking grassroots campaign for Congress in Illinois’ 17th District.

A native of Chicagoland, she currently resides in Rockford with her son.

Call or email us to book an appointment today! 855-200-2228 x 1 or Litesa@LiteStrat.com

Jeffrey Bailey

Business Development Consultant

Jeffrey Bailey brings a wealth of experience in business development, stakeholder engagement, and public policy. He previously served as a member of the Rockford City Council, representing the 13th Ward, where he worked on issues related to neighborhood revitalization, infrastructure investment, and community safety. Prior to that role, Bailey worked with the Rockford Chamber of Commerce, building relationships between local businesses, policymakers, and economic development stakeholders. At LITE Strategies, he leads business outreach and partnership development, leveraging his municipal government experience to bridge the gap between local priorities and state-level opportunities.

Arianna Goldsmith

Executive Assistant

Arianna provides critical operational and research support to LITE Strategies. She assists with legislative tracking, documentation, and the preparation of briefing materials and reports. As a first-generation American with a strong interest in public policy, Arianna is deeply committed to supporting equitable outcomes through effective advocacy. Her role ensures that clients receive timely and accurate materials to guide decision-making and engagement with policymakers.

Chemberly Harris, BA

Business Development Consultant

Chemberly Harris is a respected policy leader and former elected official who served on the Normal Town Council. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in political science and is working towards completing her Master’s degree in Public Management from George Washington University. During her time in office, she launched the community’s first Racial Equity Summit and spearheaded the creation of a youth leadership program that fostered civic awareness among students. Harris is also a 2019 Edgar Fellow and has served on multiple National League of Cities committees, where she helped shape inclusive policy focused on housing, economic development and infrastructure on a national scale. At LITE Strategies, she brings a strong background in equity-focused policymaking and community engagement, ensuring that client advocacy strategies reflect both inclusivity and effectiveness.

Marcus King, MSC

Communications Strategist

Marcus King has more than 14 years of experience in government affairs, public relations, and community engagement. He has successfully led policy negotiations and crafted comprehensive communications strategies across sectors, including state and local government, nonprofit organizations, and small businesses. Most recently, King served as Director of Communications and Intergovernmental Affairs for the Housing Authority of Cook County, where he developed strong relationships with government agencies and stakeholders to promote public housing initiatives. At LITE Strategies, he applies his expertise in legislative strategy, media relations, and coalition engagement to support advocacy campaigns and amplify client voices.

Isaiah Shelton

Intern

Isaiah Shelton supports LITE Strategies’ advocacy work through policy research, legislative monitoring, and grassroots engagement. A student at Rock Valley College, Isaiah is pursuing his associate degree with plans to continue his studies in political science or public policy. His interests include community development and advancing equity through effective policymaking. At LITE Strategies, Isaiah brings fresh energy and perspective to the team, helping ensure that client strategies are informed by both research and a forward-looking understanding of civic engagement.