Christopher Beard Email & Phone Number

Chicago, Illinois, United States

As the leader of the Crisis Shop, I help clients with crisis communication response, preparedness (including developing crisis communication plans and conducting crisis simulations), and crisis recovery. I work with clients to proactively identify reputational risks and create strategies to mitigate them. Additionally, I provide corporate narrative.

Chicago, Illinois, United States

Lead the strategy and execution of NiSource's external communications efforts. Develop, implement and execute an integrated communications plan and strategic projects that enhance NiSource's reputation, engage employees and expand awareness across all stakeholders. Lead a team recognized as a center of excellence in reputation management.

Chicago, Illinois, United States

Global lead for all issues and crisis communication, including data security issues such as data breaches, issues, malware, ransomware and impersonation. Additionally, lead communications and issues management on other areas including litigation, regulatory compliance, workplace violence and disruption of service.

Iowa City, Iowa, United States

Lead internal and external communications for an organization that is changing medicine and changing lives. Provide strategic advice to senior leadership and lead the development and implementation of a comprehensive communication plan, that supports the University of Iowa Health Care in its position as one of the nation's leading academic medical centers..

Greater Milwaukee Area

Responsible for Public Affairs, Communication and Government Relations for SC Johnson's European business.

Batavia, IL

I work for America's particle physics and accelerator laboratory. We solve the mysteries of matter, energy, space and time for the benefit of all. And I get to share the stories of the amazing work the people at Fermilab do every single day.

Greater Chicago Area

• Led the development and execution of communication and external affairs programs designed to enhance organizations’ reputations, as well as providing strategic counsel to senior communication executives..
• Led a new communication program for a major energy company that included corporate positioning and brand development for target media, influencers and consumers. The program utilized digital and traditional elements.
• Led a Global PR program for a major supply chain consulting organization. This program included development of new corporate messaging, media outreach, executive positioning, implementation of a Speakers Bureau, as.
• Oversaw media and influencer outreach program for Ford Motor Company during its labor negotiations with the United Auto Workers Union.
• Served as lead crisis and issues management advisor for a prominent U.S. food company. This included monitoring and counseling on major reputational issues and executing programs such as food recalls and new product.
• Led U.S. region internal and external communications for a significant corporate restructuring initiative at a Fortune 200 corporation.Midwest lead for the Burson-Marsteller Issues and Crisis Practice:

• Responsible for protecting and enhancing the reputation of SC Johnson and its brands.
• Global lead on crisis communications for consumer products company with $8 billion in annual revenues across 150+ markets. This included crisis communication strategy development and execution, in any country where SC.
• Global lead for external and internal communications for long term policy and reputational issues that may impact SC Johnson and its brands. Sample issues included product efficacy, environmental practices, animal.
• Led the team responsible for the development and implementation of SC Johnson’s industry leading ingredient communication program, that enhanced the company’s reputation amongst key stakeholders.
• Global lead for developing relationships and partnerships with key NGOs in the environmental and human health arenas. Sample NGOs include NRDC, Conservation International, Environmental Defense Fund, Canadian Cancer.
• Led the Strategic Issues Management process for SC Johnson. This included identifying key public affairs issues that may impact the company, prioritization of issues based on potential financial and reputational.

• Responsible for analyzing, developing and communicating select global public policy positions for Kraft.
• Develop the company’s public policy positions for select priority issues that impact Kraft on a global basis. Issues include; environmental sustainability issues, biofuels, biotechnology, global ingredient sourcing.
• Responsible for determining the potential impact to Kraft of select global issues, including reputational and economic impact.
• Responsible for maintaining relationships with select Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO’s), and for the identification of potential partnership opportunities. Sample NGO’s include World Wildlife Fund and Conservation.
• Responsible for determining Kraft’s position and engagement strategy on legislation and regulation around the globe, for select priority issues.
• Develop external and internal communications plans for priority issues, (e.g. media plan for key sustainability initiatives).

Responsible for web based external communications for Altria