Alexandra P. Sims-Jones is an award-winning public affairs strategist known for
building cross-sector relationships and strategies that make equity more achievable.
During her career, she has made a measurable impact in policy and politics as a lead
organizer, campaign manager and public official committed to making resources more
accessible in underserved communities.

Currently, as the founder and CEO of APS & Associates, a full-service public affairs
firm, Alex leads a team of expert strategists in communications, lobbying, research,
outreach and campaign management. Since founding APS in 2017, Alex and the firm
have quickly gained a reputation as trusted advisors for equity-centered political
candidates, private, government, philanthropy and grassroots organizations. Using a
keen understanding of local, regional and national contexts, Alex and her team work
across sectors to create more progressive movement towards equity through authentic
relationships, actionable strategy and measurable social impact.

Recognized by Crain's Chicago Business's 40 under 40 list for her leadership, Alex and
her team has worked with partners across the country including IL Governor JB
Pritzker; Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson; Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx;
Democratic Attorneys General Association (DAGA); The Obama Foundation; Bally’s
Casino; and more, leading to an increase in equitable opportunities for thousands of
people, and billions of dollars in community investments.

Before starting APS, Alex helped advance an aggressive and strategic agenda of
financial equity and access as the Senior Advisor for the Chicago Treasurer’s Office.
Previous to her work with the city of Chicago, Alex directed the country’s largest voter
registration campaign in 2014, registering over 400,000 voters in four months as the
founder and first Executive Director of Chicago-based Every Vote Counts. As a proud

Obama alumni, Alex joined Organizing for Action’s (OFA) Chicago headquarters in
2012 after successfully leading President Barack Obama’s presidential campaign
re-election effort for the St. Louis region. Beginning her career with the prestigious
CORO Fellowship and an assignment as Vice Principal to a progressive school in north
St. Louis, Alex’s vast experience has been built on a strong foundation of public service,
knowledge of the public affairs sector, and a drive to see resources reach communities
in need.

When she’s not leading the team at APS, Alex spends her time preparing the next
generation of Black civic leaders as co-founder of Black Bench Chicago. Alex is an
honors graduate of Northwestern University, where she received a bachelors degree in
social and education policy. A metro Detroit native, she currently lives on the South
Side of Chicago with her husband, Paul and their dog, Baldwin.