Gary Conkling

Gary Conkling is a co-founder of CFM and its managing partner. His practice includes state lobbying and strategic communications. Gary is an adjunct faculty member at Willamette University's Atkinson Graduate School of Management, teaching a course on crisis communications and issues management. In 1990, Gary formed CFM by orchestrating a spinout from Tektronix, where he was director of public affairs when the company was Oregon’s largest private employer. Gary joined Tektronix after working in Washington, D.C. as staff director for Oregon Congressmen Les AuCoin and Ron Wyden, now Oregon’s senior senator. Previously, he worked as a newspaper editor and reporter. He graduated from Seattle Pacific University. An avid New York Yankees fan, Gary enjoys hiking, biking and the arts.