Hennes Paynter Communications

Crisis Communications Specialists

"Traditional public relations practitioners want to educate and inform over some period of time. We are crisis communications specialists. It's our job to make your pain stop or go away - now!"

- Bruce Hennes & Barbara Paynter

Founded in 1989 as Hennes Communications, Hennes Paynter Communications LLC is one of the few firms in the U.S. exclusively focused on crisis communications.

In 2009, Hennes Communications became Hennes Paynter Communications LLC, reflecting Barbara Paynter's inclusion as a full partner in the firm, as well as her contributions to the firm's growth.

What We Do

Hennes Paynter Communications offers a wide range of crisis-oriented services, including media training, media relations, litigation communications support, pre-crisis preparation, crisis drills and presentation training.

Today, our firm handles a diverse set of clients from corporations, government agencies, nonprofits, trade associations and professional service firms to hospitals, school systems, colleges and universities that are “on trial” in the Court of Public Opinion. Among the types of crises we have handled: industrial accidents, plant closings and staff reductions, white collar crime, product recalls, food contamination, activist protests and attacks, work stoppages and labor disputes, sudden changes in leadership, medical malpractice, environmental clean-ups… and many others.

Our Principals

The firm's principals are Bruce Hennes and Barbara Paynter, APR.

Our staff includes former reporters, newsroom producers and professional communicators with extensive corporate, government and education experience. We are based in Cleveland, Ohio.

The firm is a coalition member of ProtectingAmerica.org and National Preparedness Month (US. Dept. of Homeland Security). We are also active with the Business Emergency Planning Institute.

Hennes Paynter Communications is certified as a Small Business Enterprise.

“If you say the right thing in the wrong way, a crisis can be created. A crisis of communications...a crisis of confidence. When they (Hennes Paynter) do their job best, there is no crisis.”

Ron Fountain, Chairman of the Board
MetroHealth System

News Flashes

BVU - The Center for Nonprofit Excellence to Host Crisis Communications Seminar

Prepare for and manage reputational threats. How nonprofits can recover, rebuild and reposition themselves after a crisis. Thursday, June 14 at the Brecksville Recreation Center. MORE INFORMATION

Bruce Hennes to Speak at Southern State Community College

Practical tips to help you position yourself and your organization during crisis situations. At Southern State Community College, Wednesday, June 13, 2012 in Hillsboro, Ohio. MORE INFORMATION

Howard Fencl, APR, Joins Hennes Paynter

Former assistant news director at Cleveland's NBC affiliate, WKYC-TV3, has joined the firm. FULL STORY

Bruce Hennes Receives SMEI Award

Bruce Hennes, managing partner of Hennes Paynter Communications, has been honored as one of this year's winners of the Distinguished Sales and Marketing Award, presented by the Akron affiliate of Sales and Marketing Executives International. Hennes received his award February 28 at a gala hosted by SMEI and attended by more than 450 regional business executives and guests.

Last year, Hennes received the Communicator of the Year award from the International Association of Business Communicators. He is also the recipient of the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association's first-ever President's Award and serves on that group's executive committee. He also has received the President's Special Award for Extraordinary Service from the Cuyahoga County Bar Association and two Vega awards from The American Red Cross.

Hennes Paynter Communications Wins Prestigious
Crisis Communications Award Third Year in a Row

For the third year in a row, Hennes Paynter Communications has won the top award for crisis communications work from the Greater Cleveland Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America. On December 2, the firm won the 2011 gold "Rocks" award for its work on behalf of Saint Joseph Academy, the only Catholic all-girls' school in the city of Cleveland.

In 2010, Hennes Paynter won a gold Rocks award for its work on behalf of The MetroHealth System, which faced public scrutiny when the organization's vice president of construction and his assistant were implicated in a bribery and kick-back scheme. FULL STORY

In 2009, Hennes Paynter won the coveted "Best of Show" award from the Cleveland Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America for its work with another agency on the national peanut butter recall. FULL STORY

Bruce Hennes Receives "Communicator of the Year" Award from International Association of Business Communicators - Cleveland Chapter
FULL STORY

Nora Jacobs, APR, joins Hennes Paynter as
Vice President
FULL STORY