About

Celia Willis

Owner & Board Chair
Top 3 Strengths: Connectedness, Futuristic, Strategic

With a background in economics and communications, Celia brings a unique perspective to client projects and business management. As a young, trailblazing leader, she boldly fosters a company culture characterized by collaboration and innovation and, through her uniquely people-first vision, is fundamentally changing how her clients do business. Celia connects her team and manages the balance between vision, growth and community within KWI. She loves the challenge of building a company of dynamic strategic consultants who move with an ever-changing client landscape. Prior to KWI, Celia was the communications director for Chattahoochee Riverkeeper, a local non-profit, and The South Fork Conservancy, which focused on connecting communities with inner city trails. She has been recognized by PRNEWS as a 2020 Agency Executive of the Year and by Georgia State University as a 2022 40 Under 40 Honoree.

Michelle Bailey

Head of Finance and Operations
Top 3 Strengths: Relator, Developer, Analytical

Michelle manages all aspects of KWI’s financial actions and oversees the financial planning on accounts and the business life cycle. She brings more than 20 years of experience to her role, including management and executive administration support across a variety of industries like real estate, museum quality exhibitions, financial and communications institutions. Since joining KWI in 2018, she has successfully streamlined financial operations and processes, enabling KWI to grow and thrive. Over the course of her career, Michelle has remained highly valued in each of her roles for her results-oriented approach and her ability to retain lines of communication with the highest level of integrity and discretion in demanding and complex environments.

Lindsay Gladu

Head of Practices

Top 3 Strengths: Connectedness, Ideation, Learner

Lindsay has a heart for storytelling and creating solutions to help businesses amplify their mission and vision. Her innate curiosity allows her to make connections between concepts and see to the core of a message, so it becomes relatable and relevant to the audience receiving it. Previously, Lindsay has worked on a number of KWI accounts – including Chick-fil-A, Aflac, GPC, NAPA Auto Parts, Cox, Crawford & Company – where she oversaw communications development and strategy while balancing the shifting priorities of each business. KWI leans on her to manage large-scale efforts that require an editor’s attention to detail and a strategist’s sense of the broader picture. 

Christie Rhodes

Head of Corporate Communications

Top Three Strengths: Strategic, Learner, Achiever

Christie’s expertise is in strategic internal communications and content management in an fast-changing world. Throughout her seven years at KWI, she has touched nearly every area of the agency, providing thoughtful perspectives and visionary solutions. Working with clients including Chick-fil-A, GPC, The Home Depot and Cox IT, she has aided existing teams’ development, while overseeing the successful creation of new teams that are leading the agency in its practice-oriented direction. Christie holds a master’s degree in human communication and social influence from Georgia State University.

Leo Juarez

Head of Creative Studios
Top 3 Strengths: Learner, Achiever, Input

KWI Creative Studios has flourished under Leo’s direction — a result of his drive to tell memorable, imaginative stories. He oversees a full complement of specialists in video, graphic design and digital media to support all of our clients — regardless of size — with creative production. Before coming to KWI, Leo spent nearly a decade as a broadcast producer for NBC News, where he honed his ability to ask the right questions, explore all angles and convey stories that resonate — expertise he brings to every project now.