Connie Llanos, Founder and CEO of Cielo Strategic Communications, brings nearly two decades of expertise working at the intersection of storytelling, policy, crisis management, executive leadership, and coalition building. As the first Latina to run the second-largest U.S. municipal transportation agency, she oversaw more than 2,000 employees during a period of rapid change, navigating pandemic response and recovery, budget constraints, employee discipline, litigation challenges, and one of the largest civil service worker strikes in recent history. During her tenure, Connie led all strategic communications for the agency and spearheaded several successful campaigns to advance key transportation priorities, including state laws reforming speed-setting policies and authorizing automated speed enforcement—longstanding progressive initiatives that had previously failed.

As a senior advisor to several Los Angeles political leaders, Connie shaped culturally relevant messaging and nationally recognized campaigns, including those that secured the largest minimum wage increase and local transportation measures in the U.S. She also managed external affairs and communications for the Fortune 500 travel company Airbnb during a pivotal growth period. As a former journalist, Connie understands firsthand how to craft compelling narratives that break through today’s saturated media landscape.

Since founding Cielo Strategic Communications, Connie has advised public agencies, philanthropic institutions, and mission-driven organizations on high-stakes communications, guiding clients through complex policy initiatives, crisis response, and organizational transformation. Under her leadership, Cielo has supported major infrastructure and transportation efforts, developed strategic messaging platforms for statewide and regional initiatives, and helped clients strengthen executive visibility, stakeholder alignment, and public trust.

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