You could say Kelliann Amico was born into PR. Some of her earliest memories are of visiting her mother at work in the office of legendary Oregon Governor Tom McCall. The state capitol became both a playground and later a workplace when she served as a legislative page. While politics remained in her blood, it was public relations and public affairs that took precedence, leading her to a career that has spanned four decades and taken her from regional agencies to the world stage as part of the Clinton White House media advance team. Those experiences laid the groundwork for later milestones, including managing media for the 2013 Dalai Lama Environmental Summit in Portland.

At the heart of her work, Kelliann helps people and organizations communicate with those who matter most to them, providing the strategic insight needed to inspire action, strengthen trust and drive meaningful outcomes. Through her boutique agency, Amico – PR, Strategic Communication & Engagement, she leads a team that designs and implements multi-faceted initiatives across sectors and clients that currently include regional planning, construction and development, public agencies, professional services, education and nonprofit organizations. Whether launching a community campaign, engaging employees, earning strategic media coverage, or guiding organizations through an issue or a crisis, Kelliann is a trusted advisor adept at achieving context and engagement.

Kelliann has earned Anvil awards from the Public Relations Society of America and is honored to be a member of the PRSA College of Fellows. As an active member of this professional association, including as current President of PRSA Oregon, she champions the role of communication as a strategic function at the leadership table, helping organizations align vision, message and action. She is also a member of the International Association of Public Participation and holds a Certificate of Public Participation from the organization. In addition, she serves on the League of Minority Voters National Advisory Board and on the Engagement and Outreach Committee for the Portland Community College Foundation.

In October 2025, Kelliann received the Lois Cohen Lifetime Achievement Award from Daily Journal of Commerce Oregon. This is the top honor in DJC Oregon’s annual Women of Vision initiative, recognizing women who are shaping the built environment through technical skill, leadership, mentoring and community involvement.

When she’s not shining the spotlight on her clients, Kelliann enjoys road trips and weekend getaways with her husband and son, meandering walks with her trusty canines, and baking fruit pies capable of bringing tears to your eyes.

CASE STUDIES

Amico created an award-winning social media campaign to inform communities and generate support for the bi-state Interstate Bridge Replacement Program’s environmental analysis and study.

Amico reversed negative coverage of Mental Health and Addiction Association of Oregon by reframing its groundbreaking approach to addiction and homelessness.

https://www.amicopr.com/case-studies