Elyse Yates is the founder and CEO of Influence Opinions. Elyse offers more than two decades of experience and expertise in arenas as diverse as politics, high-tech, public affairs, nonprofits, and entertainment – not to mention amazing big-picture vision, incredible insight, and strategies that work – all delivered with a zest for life that you wish you could bottle and sell.

Prior to launching IO, Elyse was a managing director for Public Strategies, Inc., the recognized leader in public perception management for Fortune 500 companies. During her tenure there, Elyse built an interactive business unit and a media relations division, managed the firm’s marketing and branding, and led teams consulting for a broad spectrum of clients, including Perot Systems, the San Antonio Spurs, Seton Healthcare Family and Bank of America. Previously, Elyse was a media relations specialist at IBM, where she worked with broadcast media nationwide, specializing in the use of technology to distribute content. Among her earlier political credentials, Yates served as deputy spokesperson for then-Governor Ann Richards.

At IO, Elyse has worked with clients coast-to-coast – from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals [ASPCA] to the Seton Healthcare Family to the Arbor Day Foundation. Her vast experience in how technology changes communication has evolved into her current expertise – creating campaigns and research methodology in the political/public-policy arena.

Elyse currently serves as a board member for The University of Texas’ School of Natural Science and is an often-sought speaker for panels and events across the country and around the world.