Ohio School Boards Association Selects Hennes Communications to Provide Crisis Management and Communications Services to Ohio’s Public Schools
The Ohio School Boards Association (OSBA) has entered into a strategic partnership with Hennes Communications to provide crisis management and communications services to public school systems throughout the state of Ohio facing sudden challenges to their organizations’ reputations and operations. With this partnership, OSBA member school leaders have access 365 days a year to expert crisis communications professionals.
“Today, schools face a range of threats — everything from social media firestorms and accusations of inappropriate behavior against a staff member to contentious ballot issues and prolonged negotiations with labor unions,” said Hennes Communications Chief Executive Officer Bruce Hennes. “When those events occur, stakeholders need to hear the school’s side of the story first. Our crisis management consultants are deeply experienced crisis professionals with long histories working in the news media, in industry and in law. We help clients tell the truth, tell it first and tell it fast.”
Hennes Communications provides pre-crisis consulting, the creation of crisis communications plans, media training and 24/7 crisis response services to scores of schools and districts that are likely to suddenly find themselves “on trial in the Court of Public Opinion.”
The firm has a deep track record of working closely with school boards and legal counsel, balancing best crisis management practices and the need to protect the interests of a school or district with today’s demands for speed and transparency.
“Our mission includes providing our members with important services that augment the talents of their district’s administrative staff,” said OSBA Chief Executive Officer Richard Lewis. “With Hennes Communications, our members have access to a team of crisis communications specialists at any time on any issue that needs an experienced perspective and specialized talents. Many of our members already have taken advantage of their expertise and we believe this new agreement will help more districts take advantage of the services the firm offers.”
Association Chief Legal Counsel Sara C. Clark added, “Hennes Communications comes to OSBA with deep experience providing school districts throughout the state and throughout the country with counsel that makes a difference. I’ve seen the firm work hand in hand with attorneys to develop and execute solid crisis management strategies that help preserve reputations and advance board objectives — all while helping staff, parents and the community understand the issues at hand and what is being done to address them. Simply put, Hennes Communications understands how attorneys think and how they practice law. Given their unique perspective, school districts already in or about to be faced with contentious issues would do well to have Hennes Communications in the room and alongside their lawyers.”
Hennes Communications can be reached at (216) 321-7774 or by email at info@crisiscommunications.com.
About Hennes Communications
Hennes Communications, founded in 1989, is one of the few firms in North America focused exclusively on crisis management and crisis communications. With deep, award-winning experience, the firm is staffed exclusively by senior-level consultants. Based in Cleveland, Ohio, the firm works with clients across the U.S. and around the world.
Learn more at Hennes Communications
About the Ohio School Boards Association
In its 64th year, OSBA leads the way to educational excellence by serving Ohio’s public school board members and the diverse districts they represent through superior service, unwavering advocacy and creative solutions.
Learn more at ohioschoolboards.org