Government & Public Relations Executive
Bilal Eksili, born and raised in Turkey, has emerged as a vision-driven, service-oriented thought leader with over 15 years of expertise spanning government relations, public relations, foreign and public policy, community advocacy, lobbying, community engagement, outreach, grassroots organizing, fundraising, political counseling, communications, strategic planning, economic and program development, cross-functional team leadership, partnership building, networking, project management, and executive leadership.
Holding two master’s degrees in Linguistics and International Relations & Conflict Resolution from American Public University, Eksili's academic foundation complements his extensive professional experience. Since 2015, he has been a registered lobbyist and government relations executive, known for his effectiveness and results-oriented approach. With a reputation for outstanding networking and leadership skills, Eksili combines integrity, growth-minded thinking, creativity, and discipline to achieve significant outcomes. He has effectively lobbied members of the U.S. Congress and liaised with the Executive branch, building a wide network of influential contacts in Washington, DC.
Eksili has led numerous national projects and co-organized annual conventions in Washington, DC, to promote economic and cultural relations between the United States and other countries. These conventions, attracting over 100 members each year, have been instrumental in fostering international cooperation and understanding. His extensive lobbying efforts have particularly focused on strengthening ties between Turkish American communities and their neighbors.
In 2007, Eksili was pivotal in establishing the Indiana Branch of the Niagara Foundation, serving as its Executive Director. The Niagara Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to education, peace, friendship, and human dignity, thrived under his leadership. Eksili organized events such as intercultural friendship dinners, luncheon forums, lecture series, and Friendship Trips to Turkey and beyond, significantly contributing to intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding.
Before founding the Indiana branch, Eksili volunteered for the Niagara Foundation's outreach efforts in Chicago, utilizing his public relations, networking, and grassroots organizing skills to expand Turkish American communities in the greater Chicago area. His contributions were recognized with several prestigious awards, including the Director's Community Leadership Award presented by FBI Director Robert Mueller in 2008 in Washington, DC, and the Distinguished Citizen Awards from a few Midwest states.
Driven by a passion for advocacy and promoting cultural and economic ties between the US, Turkey, and Central Asia, Eksili collaborates with numerous regional and national organizations.
Bilal Eksili’s career is marked by his unwavering dedication to fostering international cooperation, advocating for human rights, and building culturally rich communities. His work continues to have a profound impact on the fields of international relations and civil advocacy, embodying the rare combination of vision, integrity, creativity, and discipline.
He currently leads the National Council on Civil Advocacy, a 501(C)(4) organization that champions human rights, democracy, rule of law, freedom of expression, social justice, education, and peace-building initiatives. In this role, he continues to influence policy and promote initiatives that advance these critical causes.