Bruce Hennes, chief executive officer of Cleveland-based Hennes Communications, has been named one of 50 “Game-Changers of PR for 2017” by PRNews, one of the public relations profession’s leading news sources.

According to PRNews, “With a career in public relations spanning nearly 30 years, Bruce Hennes has earned his stripes as a crisis management expert. He has been confidant to scores of CEOs, executive directors, government officials and other leaders who trust his expertise in preserving and protecting an organization’s reputation. His long experience has convinced him that honesty, fairness and transparency must be at the root of all effective crisis communications.”

Our firm was proud to be part of the communications team, led by one of our clients, Destination Cleveland, that accepted two Silver Anvil Awards last week in New York City in recognition of the work done to support the 2016 Republican National Convention (RNC), held here in July 2016.

The two awards, one for the best Integrated Communications program and one for the best program in the category of Events and Observances – Fewer than Seven Days, recognized the collaborative effort that extended for almost two years to create a communications campaign designed to take the RNC beyond politics and use it as an opportunity to showcase Cleveland to visitors and generate local pride.

Crisis management and communications indeed fit within the public relations rubric.  However, the strategies and methodologies employed by those in the crisis industry often differ from the traditional practice of public relations.

In a recent interview, managing partner Bruce Hennes discusses the firm’s philosophy and strategic approach to risk mitigation, crisis response and client service. You can read that interview here.

Stephanie York is now consultant-in-charge of our new office in Akron, Ohio.  Located in the AES Building at 388 S. Main Street, York most recently serving as director of communications and public relations for Cleveland Clinic Akron General.  York also was director of communications for the City of Akron. She also brings in-house legal expertise to Hennes, having worked as assistant director of law for the City of Akron.  Add to that her background in governmental relations, social media management, strategic planning and implementation, community relations and disaster preparation – as well as having a law degree – we now have another powerful set of tools for clients who need help with crisis management.

Stephanie was recently profiled in Crain’s Cleveland Business. Read the interview here.

Stephanie York, a communications professional with extensive experience and deep ties in the Akron area, is joining Hennes Communications as vice president. The firm, which specializes in crisis management and communications, is expanding its team and opening an office in Akron. York brings to that challenge years of communications work in Akron, most recently serving as director of communications and public relations for Cleveland Clinic Akron General.

York also was director of communications for the City of Akron, working with then-Mayor Don Plusquellic. She also brings in-house legal expertise to Hennes, having worked as assistant director of law for the City of Akron.