Editor’s Note: This must-read article reveals how real disasters test — and prove — he power of crisis communications training. From the Key Bridge collapse to the Nashville shooting, Tropical Storm Helene, and California wildfires, it shows how classroom lessons become life-saving action and how every response reshapes future teaching. Blending insight, authenticity, and […]
By Micah Gibson, April Sramek, and Emily O’Connor, writing for the American Society of Association Executives Communications professionals must adapt to working among all departments, especially at associations, where teams are often small and require cross-collaboration. This article provides tips on how to get started clarifying your team’s role or strengthen existing internal partnerships, using […]
Are you ready to elevate your career and become an indispensable asset to your organization? Ohio University’s prestigious Scripps College of Communication offers an exceptional opportunity that could transform your professional trajectory. Through an innovative partnership with Hennes Communications, if you recently attended a seminar with Bruce Hennes, you can receive one free credit hour […]
From our good friend and colleague, Tony Jaques, Director of Issue Outcomes Pty Ltd, in Australia… Does a CEO op-ed serve any good purpose in a crisis? Writing an op-ed to help frame an important issue is a well-established tool in the communications armoury. But when a CEO uses it to “explain” a corporate crisis, it […]
By Jennifer Hahn, writing for PR News… Public health wise, 2025 is off to a rough start. Current data shows that H5N1 Bird flu has spread from millions of birds to nearly 1,000 cows and 69 humans. Newly-minted United States Health and Human Services Director and outspoken vaccine skeptic, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., used his first week in office […]
By Nick Hansen, writing for The American Bar Association “If you can see it coming, it’s not a crisis,” said Bruce Hennes, CEO of Hennes Communications, to audience members at his 2024 Bar Leadership Institute workshop “Speaking Out or Strategic Silence? Organizational Approaches to Issuing Public Statements.”Hennes, along with (now former) Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association […]
By Bruce Hennes, Hennes Communications In today’s high-stakes environment, rising to the C-suite is one challenge. Navigating a full-blown crisis is another entirely. Leading an organization into financial success, operational growth or market dominance does not automatically prepare you for the turbulence of public scrutiny, viral misinformation or emotional social media backlash. While your boardroom […]
Understand what the orders mean – and don’t mean. Review policies and procedures now, with your legal counsel involved. Keep communicating – including when you’re not sure what’s next. Take a deep breath. By Thom Fladung and Bruce Hennes, Hennes Communications The news coming at school administrators and school boards has been fast and furious: […]
By Thom Fladung, Hennes Communications In 2024, Hennes Communications worked with more than 50 schools, school districts and other education organizations. Our work involved serious issues and potential controversies including: Sexual misconduct allegations involving teachers Sexual misconduct allegations involving students Tense labor negotiations Superintendents facing no confidence votes from teachers Superintendents and school boards attacked […]
By Eleanor Hawkins for Axios The communication team at American Airlines had to activate a crisis plan it hoped it would never have to use after last week’s midair collision of a passenger jet and Army helicopter that claimed 67 lives. Why it matters: Responding to a tragedy of this magnitude requires clarity, discipline and speed. The American […]