I'm on a mission to positively impact my part of the universe through intentional actions, reciprocal relationships, and rewriting the rules (when necessary). At Geben Communication, I've built an incredible team known for our fast-pace and high-impact results. As a board member, I apply that entrepreneurial mindset to mission-driven organizations, infusing bigger, bolder ideas that spark impact. Whatever role I'm in -- advocate, entrepreneur, donor or mentor -- I couple curiosity and creativity with a bias toward action.(Want the more formal bio? Here you go ...)Heather Whaling is founder/president of Geben Communication. In 2016, she was named EY Entrepreneur of the Year in the Ohio Valley Region (OH, KY, IN) and was named one of Columbus BusinessFirst’s C-suite honorees in 2020. After launching Geben in 2009, Heather’s data-driven approach to communication helped the firm evolve into one of the Midwest's leading independent agencies. With 25+ employees, Geben is a highly respected, sought-after, award-winning agency, focusing on PR, social/digital marketing, crisis communication, and analytics/insights. Partnering with both B2b and B2c clients, Geben recently won 12 PRSA awards for communication excellence -- and 20 in the last few years, including best of show. Previously, Geben was named the national media relations agency of the year (Ragan/PR Daily) and a top 10 agency for startups (Agency Post). “Geben” means "to give" in German, reflecting Heather’s deep belief in doing well by doing good. She’s active in organizations supporting and empowering women. Heather currently chairs The Women's Fund of Central Ohio board of directors, and was appointed by Mayor Ginther to serve on the Columbus Women's Commission, a body that applies a gender lens to public policy. As an advocate for paid family leave, Heather’s perspective has been featured in NPR, Forbes, Refinery29, Entreprenur.com and a variety of other local and national media outlets. In 2020, Heather testified in front of the Ohio legislature in support of a statewide, funded paid leave policy.
Listed skills include Media Relations, Strategic Communications, Social Media, Public Relations, and 17 others.