Director of Strategic Engagement
Clarence Gayles believes in the power of community engagement and advocacy. With nearly two decades of experience in campaigning, advocacy, and organizing, Clarence’s work has earned the respect of business leaders, community organizers, and national organizations. Clarence amplifies messages that have previously gone unheard. He has managed political campaigns at local, state, and national levels, including the 2015 Proposition 1 road-tax proposal. Through his work on the campaigns of Barack Obama, several state legislative races, the Democratic Coordinated Campaign, as well as advocacy organizations, have carved out his niche in Michigan’s community engagement and community relations space.
Clarence’s strategic and in-the-field advocacy efforts on issues related to children’s mental health services, securing funding for early childhood education, and increasing pay rates for foster care providers demonstrate his ability to position clients’ causes for the greater good. As a result of Clarence building relationships with more than 120 Wayne County schools, the governor’s office, and former Lieutenant Governor Brian Calley, a package of bills related to autism services now benefits the citizens of Michigan.