Chip Felkel is a veteran public affairs strategist and advocacy innovator with over two decades of experience in State and National politics and policy. Serving as a navigator and connector for senior decision-makers in business and government, Felkel brings a frank, unvarnished perspective to any serious discussion and his willingness to “tell it like it is” has made him a highly valued source for both “on” and “off the record” commentary. Felkel’s viewpoint has been sought by those in both the print and electronic media and his commentary has appeared on NBC, CBS and Fox affiliates, as well as in The State (Columbia), the Greenville News, the Wall Street Journal, Atlanta Journal Constitution, Charleston Post & Courier, Charlotte Observer and the New York Times. He also authored a monthly column, “View from the Front Porch” for Community Journals (Greenville, Spartanburg and Anderson, SC).
Felkel’s extensive political resume includes roles with Campbell for Governor, the South Carolina Republican Party, the Republican National Committee, as well as the 1988 Bush-Quayle Campaign (Executive Director – Georgia), DeMint 2002 Congressional Re-elect (campaign manager) and in strategic and communications roles with Bush-Cheney 2000 and 2004.
His firm, The Felkel Group (www.felkelgroup.com), is a relationship driven consultancy that remains true to its political campaign roots, providing strategic counsel and project management to Fortune 500’s, privately held companies, professional services firms, associations and select grass roots advocacy groups with work on behalf of energy, telecommunications, medical technology, financial services and economic development interests. As a result of Felkel’s extensive advocacy work, he recognized a critical need for more effective and efficient advocacy which led to the creation of The Rap Index®. This innovative technology solution identifies stakeholders’ relationships with over 28,000 elected officials at the local, state and federal level as well as their sphere of influence in their local communities. The tool also has a business development application. All of which means helping his clients understand, acquire and use their political capital. For more information, visit www.therapindex.com.
Along with his corporate work, Chip Felkel has served as an instructor for Leadership Greenville and presently serves as a board member for the History Museum of UpCountry South Carolina. Felkel is a University of South Carolina graduate where he also serves on the Partnership Board for the Department of Political Science.
