Bruce M. Hennes is the Managing Partner of Hennes Paynter Communications, a crisis communications, media training and media relations consulting firm based in Cleveland. Serving corporations, government agencies, nonprofits and individuals who are “on trial” in the court of public opinion, Hennes Paynter Communications also offers litigation communication support, pre-crisis preparation, crisis drills, presentation training and public relations services to clients. The firm is a coalition member of ProtectingAmerica.org and National Preparedness Month (US. Dept. of Homeland Security).
Hennes has more than 30 years experience working in politics, having managed or served as a campaign consultant for campaigns at the local, state and federal levels. Hennes also served three years as Executive Director for The Temple on the Heights in Pepper Pike, Ohio, and three years doing government and public relations in the automotive industry. He opened his own communications firm in 1989, which later became Hennes/Haslett & Associates, handling government relations, public relations and media training. He left in 2002 to form Hennes Communications and focus on crisis communications.
As one of Cleveland’s best-known crisis communication specialists and media trainers, Hennes is also an in-demand speaker before bar and trade associations on the subject of crisis communications and how the media manipulate the news. Frequently sponsored by county Emergency Management Agencies and The American Red Cross-Greater Cleveland Chapter, he often speaks to mayors, police, fire, education and other government officials on the subject of “Extreme Crisis Communications” (i.e. how to handle mass casualty incidents and other “extreme” situations involving threats to life & limb).
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Client Testimonials
"Outstanding! His programs are a must for every executive."
"With Bruce's strategic guidance and understanding of public relations and community relations issues, our business has grown."
"Bruce is not only an excellent teacher, but he’s the real Master of Disaster." |
Hennes Paynter Communications now counts among its current and former clients such companies as Avery Dennison, Bellefaire, Degussa Chemicals, Forest City Enterprises, The Greater Cleveland Partnership/COSE (formerly The Growth Association), The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority, John Carroll University, KeyBank, National City Bank, NASA, Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District and Westfield Insurance (Ohio Farmer’s Insurance), as well as many of the leading law firms in Cleveland.
Hennes is past chairman of the Greater Cleveland Growth Association’s Public Affairs Committee and currently serves on the governing boards of The Business Emergency Planning Institute and The Judicial Candidates Rating Coalition (Judge4Yourself.com). He was one of the founding board members of the FBI Citizens Academy Foundation of Cleveland. He is also a Graduate Lecturer in Advanced Communications/Media Relations in the Levin College of Urban Affairs at Cleveland State University and a frequent guest lecturer at John Carroll University, Kent State University, Case Western Reserve University and Ursuline College. Hennes is a member of the board of The Press Club of Cleveland, the Cleveland Leadership Center and a member of the Contingency Planners of Ohio. He is also a board member of The Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association, which awarded him its first-ever President’s Award. Hennes is president of the Leadership Cleveland Class of 2008 and recipient of the President’s Special Award for Extraordinary Service from the Cuyahoga County Bar Association and two Vega awards from The American Red Cross. Hennes has a degree in Political Science from York University in Toronto, Canada.
Hennes received certification in Effective Communications from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and The Federal Emergency Management Agency. He is also of counsel to Levick Strategic Communications in Washington, DC. (2007 Crisis Manager of the Year and 2007 Litigation Communications Firm of the Year by PRNews)
Speaking Topics
Managing the Message: Crisis Communications & Media Relations for Business & Industry
One of your employees has been accused of sexual harassment…the fire that destroyed your business suddenly looks “suspicious in origin” …one of your products may be causing injury or death and you’re considering a recall…a Plain Dealer reporter wants a quote about a rumor damaging to your business, competitor or industry…the New York Times is calling and you don’t know why…the local I-Team is at the door…Mike Wallace from 60 Minutes is at the front desk waiting for you…
Managing the Message: Media Training Boot Camp (AKA Charm School)
This is an all-day, heavily-customized seminar incorporating a 2-3 hour version of the seminar above in the morning, followed by a series of interactive exercises and a full afternoon of individualized mock on-air television & radio interviews, critiques and a mock press conference.
“What To Do If Mike Wallace Shows Up Unannounced” (How the Media Manipulates the News)
The local TV I-Team is knocking on the door…Mike Wallace from 60 Minutes is at the front desk waiting for you…What happens when one of TV’s top “investigative journalists” bursts into your office with cameras blazing and a microphone in your face? Do you have any rights? Is there any way to control the situation?
Media Relations: Tips, Tools & Tactics
Why don’t we get as much ink as our competitor? Why won’t the press cover our new product or service?
This presentation is aimed at small-to-medium sized firms who want to raise their visibility locally,
nationally and in the trade media but who do not have a full-time public relations or marketing person on staff.
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