Carrie Conko is an industry-leading marketing and communications executive with a proven track record of success in organizational and campaign branding, media relations, audience growth, and crisis communications. As Chief Executive Officer at Iron Light, a two-time Inc. 5000 and Campaigns & Elections Public Affairs Firm of the Year full-service marketing agency, Carrie guides the agency's long-term vision, ensuring alignment across the organization while overseeing major client deliverables that drive impact for purpose-driven brands.
Previously, Carrie served as Senior Vice President at State Policy Network, where she provided strategic counsel to a Network of over 60 state think tanks on various marketing communications opportunities and challenges, from audience building to crisis response. Before that, she was Senior Vice President at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, leading branding, marketing, and outreach initiatives while managing a 20-member communications and outreach team.
A recognized industry thought leader, Carrie has produced two award-winning documentaries, successfully placed clients in top-tier media outlets, and spoken at national conferences. She lives in Virginia with her husband and son, a Penn State student. In her "spare time," she enjoys competitive powerlifting, fishing, gardening, and playing with the family's Brittany Spaniel.
