Bayless Communications provides public affairs strategy, media relations counsel, crisis/issues management and editorial support to government, law enforcement, non-profit, foundation, health care and professional services clients.

Provided crisis communications, media relations and public affairs counsel for clients in a broad range of industries including healthcare, transportation, retail, advertising, real estate, sports and entertainment and professional services.Worked alongside a group of seasoned, battle-tested public relations and crisis management pros to provide internal and external communications counsel to clients facing federal, regulatory, law enforcement or public scrutiny.Developed and… Show more Provided crisis communications, media relations and public affairs counsel for clients in a broad range of industries including healthcare, transportation, retail, advertising, real estate, sports and entertainment and professional services.Worked alongside a group of seasoned, battle-tested public relations and crisis management pros to provide internal and external communications counsel to clients facing federal, regulatory, law enforcement or public scrutiny.Developed and implemented focused, goal-driven communications strategies and collaborate with legal counsel and government relations strategists on behalf of clients seeking to forward their legislative, regulatory and policy objectives.Counseled corporate executives on their efforts to build and strengthen relationships among key audience members. Also, provided support and guidance to help executives tie communications strategies more closely to their overall business goals and objectives. Show less

Directed overall external communication strategies, message development and crisis communications efforts for nation’s second largest police department.Developed and implemented successful media strategies tied to major Department deployments and initiatives, including a historic decline in homicides and violent crime in 2005, 9/11 terrorist attacks; disaster and terrorism readiness, recruiting efforts, use of deadly force policies and the Department’s ongoing crime reduction… Show more Directed overall external communication strategies, message development and crisis communications efforts for nation’s second largest police department.Developed and implemented successful media strategies tied to major Department deployments and initiatives, including a historic decline in homicides and violent crime in 2005, 9/11 terrorist attacks; disaster and terrorism readiness, recruiting efforts, use of deadly force policies and the Department’s ongoing crime reduction tactics.Served as chief media spokesman for the Chicago Police Department on policy issues and major crime incidents to local, national and international print and broadcast media outlets.Managed a staff of 15 employees and oversaw a media relations operation typically fielded 150 media inquiries daily. Oversaw an expansion of the News Affairs office to a fully functional 24-hour, seven-day a week operation.Developed and implemented long-term law enforcement and public safety messages and media strategies with Mayor Richard M. Daley’s office, other City departments and partnering federal, state, county and municipal law enforcement agencies to build internal and external support for legislative goals, public policy initiatives and community policing efforts. Enhanced the Department’s credibility and image by forging productive relationships with reporters, editors and other members of the news media. Show less

Served as chief media spokesman for City Treasurer Barbara Lumpkin.Managed crisis communications media strategy, internal communications and office transition issues during the sudden and unexpected transition of the office to a new City Treasurer.

•Developed and executed public affairs strategies, media relations, community and governmental outreach on behalf of clients. Managed day-to-day account work for clients in government, transportation, public utilities, retail, non-profit, tourism and hospitality fields.

Covered high school sports for the Chicago Sun-Times and covered neighborhood news for several Chicago community weekly newspapers