crisis communications

I know all too well how difficult it is when your organization faces a crisis, both internally and externally. Every hour it's like putting out a fire and the way you respond will have a long lasting reflection on your organization.

That's why I believe the best way to deal with a crisis is long before one occurs. I'll

help prepare your crisis communications strategy in advance. As a news industry leader, I know the information the media and the public needs, the urgency in which they demand it, the blinders you'll likely have while trying to contain the damage, and the transparency necessary so the public can trust your response.

I was Chief Communications Officer for the Twin Cities Red Cross when a Minnesota bridge collapsed in August 2007 just 200 yards away from their office. The tragedy left 13 dead, dozens injured, and put the Red Cross at the center of the search and rescue efforts. Immediately following the disaster, I was asked to join the Governor and Mayor for the initial two news conferences broadcast worldwide. In the ensuing days, I was interviewed by more than 200 media outlets and helped host the President and First Lady's visits. As a result of my work, I was named to the state and city emergency planning committees.

Experienced in both traditional and new media, I'll evaluate your current crisis communications plan and help you design new strategies to face a crisis head on.