OUR TEAM
About Us
At Ignite Blue, our work is rooted in trust, discretion, and decisive action. With deep networks and years of experience navigating Chicago’s most complex challenges, we bring clarity, confidence, and calm to the moments that matter.
Our team is equal parts strategic and operational. We take pride in how we work alongside clients as trusted partners — not only advising, but delivering meaningful results.
Kelsey Nulph
Trusted Advisor
Strategic Thinker
Bold Visionary
The person everyone turns to when they need advice, counsel and strategy.
Kelsey Nulph is Principal and Founding Partner of Ignite Blue Partners. As a well regarded political operative, Kelsey has spent her career helping political, government and advocacy leaders make tough decisions, manage crises, develop strategic partnerships and engage constituencies. She is a discerning decision maker and a strategic problem solver, whose expertise allows her to guide her clients through complex issues and an ever-evolving political landscape.
Kelsey recently served as Senior Advisor to Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot. She managed and played a critical role in Mayor Lightfoot’s projects and initiatives, including the City of Chicago’s successful bid to host the 2024 Democratic National Convention. As Mayor Lightfoot’s key advisor and primary staffer, Kelsey facilitated external engagement and managed relationships with elected officials at all levels of government, labor leaders, as well as business, nonprofit and community stakeholders. She spearheaded crisis response strategies, and provided strategic counsel to the Lightfoot Administration as they navigated once-in-a-generation challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic. Kelsey also oversaw all aspects of Mayor Lightfoot’s political operation.
Prior to joining the Lightfoot Administration, Kelsey has held key roles on several political campaigns, managing and training staff, overseeing and implementing field efforts and managing political strategy. She began her career working for Save the Children Action Network in Washington, D.C. working with high school and college students on issue advocacy campaigns.
KAITLIN DELANEY
Execution Architect
Process Powerhouse
Ops Backbone
The person everyone turns to when things need to get done right and on time.
Kaitlin Delaney is Principal and Founding Partner of Ignite Blue Partners. A highly organized project manager, and a detail-oriented doer, Kaitlin has spent her career helping government officials, political candidates and nonprofit organizations set, reach and exceed their goals. She has a track record of building strong relationships across multiple verticals, bringing a laser-like focus and intensity to every challenge.
Kaitlin recently served as Director of Scheduling & Advance for Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot and advised in the areas of strategy, crisis management and public engagement. She was a senior member of the Lightfoot Administration, responsible for building a bridge between external and internal stakeholders while ensuring the Mayor’s schedule was focused and intentional. Kaitlin planned and managed all high level events and engagements for the Mayor’s Office including Chicago’s 2024 DNC Site Selection Visit and Biden Administration visits to Chicago.
Prior to joining the Lightfoot administration, Kaitlin held the role of Vice President at P2 Consulting where she advised political and nonprofit clients on fundraising and communication strategies. Before P2, Kaitlin worked for AL Media Strategy and managed all aspects of media-buying for some of the most competitive, top-tier political races across the country. She also worked for The ONE Campaign, Bono’s anti-poverty advocacy organization, where she traveled the world managing special projects and campaign activities in Europe and North America. She began her career in Washington, D.C. working for Congresswoman Betty Sutton (OH-13).