I am CEO of Public Communications Inc. (PCI), a national, WBE, DBE, integrated communications firm headquartered in Chicago's Loop. Our 40+-person agency provides full-service communications, public relations, marketing, strategic planning, digital content, executive training and crisis counsel to a broad range of industries, including healthcare, nonprofit, museums and zoological institutions, environmental, conservation, travel/tourism, government, and business. We work with purpose and passion to benefit our clients and our community. Building on 12 years working for daily newspapers including being metro editor of the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, and three years as public affairs director at Chicago Zoological Society, I joined PCI's ownership team in 1995. I direct the agency and draw on my experience to counsel clients on enhancing and protecting their brand; to strategically create and strengthen their stories, messages, campaigns, and business results. Frequently invited to speak on topics related to crisis and reputation management, I also work with C-suite executives on personal brand building and advise boards of directors in strategic planning and using communications more effectively to improve performance and results. I am extensively involved in community leadership and in service organizations particularly those related to protecting wildlife and green space and benefiting children. For example, I am a board member of the International Crane Foundation; a board member and past chair of Openlands; and a founding board member of Girls In the Game, which provides health, leadership and education opportunities to at-risk girls ages 7-17. I also serve as an advisor to the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission, which I previously chaired.Specialties: Crisis counsel; reputation management; strategic planning; community relations; nonprofit communications; spokesperson training; group facilitation; conservation and wildlife issues; zoos and aquariums; cultural institutions and destination marketing; wellness; and healthcare.