CLEVELAND, June 1, 2015 — Hennes Paynter Communications, one of the few firms in the U.S. focused exclusively on crisis communications and reputation management, today became Hennes Communications.  The firm also offers litigation communications and media training services to its clients that are “on trial” in the Court of Public Opinion.  The change follows the departure of former partner Barbara Paynter, who will continue her career with her own consultancy, where she will focus on public relations and other communications work.

“Beginning today, we are returning to the name the firm carried when I founded it 26 years ago,” said Bruce Hennes, managing partner of Hennes Communications.  “Along with the rest of our staff and associates, I am looking forward to continuing to help our clients reach the ‘other side’ when transformative events and challenges threaten their operations and even their very existence.”

Headquartered in Cleveland, Hennes Communications serves clients regionally and nationally, developing and executing strategic communications responses to crises, emerging issues and other game-changing organizational developments.

Bruce Hennes founded Hennes Communications in 1989, specializing in government relations, public relations and media training.  The firm subsequently evolved to focus on crisis and reputational assignments after September 11, 2001.  The firm has consistently been recognized by its peers for its work and twice in the past five years has been recognized with “Best of Show” awards from the Greater Cleveland Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America for crisis work done on behalf of clients facing national business and reputational threats.

Along with the rebranding, Hennes announced the promotion of Nora Jacobs APR* to senior vice president of the firm.  Jacobs, who joined Hennes Paynter in 2010, has counseled top executives at companies, associations, nonprofits and professional service firms throughout the country on reputational issues and problems ranging from accidents, environmental concerns, product failures, criminal matters and activist attacks to reorganizations, management transitions and downsizings. She has a strong portfolio of client work in consumer and industrial products, health care, biotechnology, education and economic development, and has completed extensive coursework for the National Incident Management System.

Previously, Jacobs served as executive vice president of Ohio-based Edward Howard, the nation’s oldest independent public relations firm (now Fahlgren Mortine). There, she was a member of its board of directors and executive committee, with management responsibility for its largest office, as well as staffing and training firm-wide.

“With this name change, we are returning to our roots,” said Hennes.  “Our commitment to helping clients remains unchanged.  We consider ourselves to be trusted advisors to some of the region’s and the country’s most iconic institutions and we look forward to continuing that work with renewed energy and enthusiasm.”

*Accredited in Public Relations

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