Since 2014, DeSoto & State Communications has helped nonprofits and mission-driven organizations amplify their stories. What began as a small firm supporting grassroots groups has evolved into a trusted communications partner for organizations navigating growth, visibility, and change.
Today, we provide strategic communications counsel tailored to each client's needs, whether serving as an embedded communications partner or complementing existing teams. Our work is collaborative, flexible, and grounded in the belief that clear, thoughtful communication builds trust and drives meaningful impact.
We measure success not by accolades, but by the long-term relationships we build and the value our clients experience. That approach has earned the trust of organizations that return year after year and continue to grow alongside us.
Ryan Arnold
Founder & President
Ryan Arnold is a Chicago-based communications strategist and founder of DeSoto & State. With more than 25 years of experience in communications (since 1997), Ryan specializes in narrative strategy, earned media, and crisis communications for mission-driven arts, education, and civic organizations.
From 2013 to 2024, Ryan served as an on-air personality at Chicago's WXRT (93XRT), one of the city's most influential radio stations. His eleven-year tenure at 93XRT sharpened his understanding of newsroom dynamics, audience engagement, and cultural storytelling, insight he now applies to client campaigns as both strategist and media insider.
Under Ryan's leadership, DeSoto & State Communications has built a reputation for award-winning, story-driven campaigns that help organizations clarify their mission, strengthen public trust, and secure meaningful media coverage. His approach blends disciplined communications strategy with a storyteller's instinct, helping clients stand out in complex media environments while building long-term audience relationships.
Based in Chicago, Ryan continues to work closely with nonprofit, cultural, and advocacy organizations seeking thoughtful, high-impact communications leadership..
Principal Consultants
Clients gain access to industry-leading experts, each a respected business owner and specialist in their field, located across the country and around the globe. This diverse team allows us to tap into a vast pool of knowledge and experience, ensuring that our clients receive tailored, innovative solutions no matter where they are located.
Nate Azark
Creative Strategy & Visual Design
Nate brings over 20 years of design expertise to create bold, client-focused visuals that merge creativity with practical solutions. As Founder and Creative Director of 12 Line Studio, a full-service design firm, he has crafted standout branding, illustration, and packaging for high-profile clients, including the NBA Champion Milwaukee Bucks, Publix Supermarkets, and Lending Tree.
Known for memorable designs, including DeSoto & State's Guitar Head logo, Nate delivers work that resonates by tailoring each project to his client's goals and leveraging a trusted network of collaborators when needed. His ability to transform ideas into impactful visuals ensures every design leaves a lasting impression.
Jem Bahaijoub
Digital Engagement & Social Strategy
Jem's expertise is crafting strategic, results-driven social media campaigns that bridge the gap between business objectives and audience engagement. As Founder of Jem Consulting and Co-founder of Make Me Social, a London-based agency, she leads a team with over 50 years of collective experience in social media, SEO, and online marketing. They create campaigns prioritizing authentic connections, data-driven strategies, and exceptional client support.
With experience in the UK and USA, Jem excels at developing strategies that attract, nurture, and retain ideal clients. She understands the complexities of today's digital landscape and is dedicated to helping businesses leverage social media as a powerful tool for sustainable growth.
Rebekah Epstein
National Media & Influencer Engagement
Rebekah is a media relations expert with a proven track record of securing placements in top-tier outlets such as Forbes, The New York Times, Entrepreneur, and Fast Company. As Founder of fifteen media, an Austin-based boutique PR firm, she partners with agencies and their clients to deliver high-profile media coverage that amplifies their visibility and credibility.
In addition to behind-the-scenes media outreach, Rebekah provides hands-on training for PR teams. She hosts DIY PR workshops, equipping businesses with actionable strategies to navigate the media landscape independently. Her results-driven approach empowers clients to achieve media success on their terms, ensuring they stand out in a competitive marketplace.
Billy Helmkamp
Operational Strategy, Project Management, Audience Engagement & Growth
Billy is a seasoned strategist with more than 20 years of experience in hospitality, tech, and live events. He specializes in operational efficiency and growth-focused solutions. He has advocated for the arts as Co-founder of Chicago music venues, The Whistler and Sleeping Village, and serves as Executive Director of the Chicago Independent Venue League (CIVL). where, as former Co-chair, he helped lead the organization through the COVID-19 shutdown.
Billy also serves on the Board of the Logan Square Arts Festival, applying his programming, finance, and operations expertise. Leaders across industries have sought his insights, and he collaborates with DeSoto & State Communications to deliver impactful solutions.
Eric Little
Nonprofit Leadership & Organizational Development
Eric brings a unique blend of nonprofit leadership, military discipline, and expertise in resilience training to help mission-driven organizations navigate complex challenges. As CEO of E2 Performance Group, a veteran-owned firm, he partners with organizations to enhance operational performance, secure federal funding, and design impactful programs that foster sustainable growth and community transformation.
A former United States Army leader, Eric combines a strategic focus on efficiency with a deep commitment to individual well-being. His approach integrates disciplined project management with innovative resilience-building strategies, ensuring organizations are equipped to achieve their goals while supporting the people behind their missions.
Kait Williams
Philanthropy & Donor Development
Kait is a fundraising strategist and nonprofit consultant with a proven record of helping organizations achieve transformative results. As Co-founder of Brightpoint Strategies, she has raised nearly $50 million through customized strategies that empower nonprofits and foundations to thrive. Her expertise in board development, donor engagement, and strategic planning ensures her clients are equipped to meet their mission with confidence and impact.
Known for her collaborative approach, Kait partners closely with organizations to design tailored solutions that align fundraising goals with long-term sustainability. Whether guiding board leadership or cultivating major gifts, she delivers the tools and strategies necessary to drive meaningful change.