Carlie Hansen leverages her experience across communications, government, policy and science to deliver effective community engagement and media relations strategies for Aileron’s clients. Since joining the team in August of 2023, Carlie has assisted in and led community engagement for several successful permitting processes across the country. She supports on-the-ground stakeholder engagement and public hearing logistics, manages media and reporter inquires and conducts extensive research in project host communities. In the fall of 2025 she coordinated statewide communications efforts for the renewable energy industry’s successful passage of the Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act in Illinois.

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Prior to joining Aileron, Carlie spent two years at Chicago public relations and consulting firm C-Strategies, Inc. supporting clients in government, technology, economic development, sustainability, campaigns and more. Carlie developed communications strategies, drafted and placed op-eds, and secured high-profile media coverage of client initiatives. She also oversaw press events and assisted in crisis communications for multiple high-profile organizations that were experiencing leadership turnover.

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Before beginning her professional career, Carlie interned on Capitol Hill for U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth, performed ecological research at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center and worked operations for Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker’s first campaign. Carlie earned her BA in Biology and Political Science from Bryn Mawr College, and is an avid soccer player, crafter and birder.