How I Can Help

I work with public institutions, government agencies, nonprofits, and mission-driven organizations that need experienced judgment — not just communications support. Every engagement is advisory, tailored, and built around what you actually need.

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The Services

These are the areas I most often work in — each one grounded in experience, not theory.

  • Something happened. Or something is about to. Either way, the window to shape the narrative is short — and the wrong response can do more damage than the original issue. I help leaders move from reactive to strategic: fast, clear, and credible.

    WHO THIS IS FOR

    Local governments, school districts, nonprofits, and healthcare organizations facing active crises, sensitive public incidents, or high-stakes issues where the wrong message has real consequences.

    WHAT YOU GET

    • Rapid situation assessment — what's actually happening vs. what the public will perceive

    • Message development: core statement, Q&A, talking points, and holding language

    • Media response strategy — what to say, to whom, and in what order

    • Spokesperson preparation and on-the-record coaching

    • Coordination across legal, HR, operations, and communications

    • Real-time advisory support through the resolution arc

  • Most small and mid-size public institutions need a seasoned communications executive — but can't justify a full-time CCO salary. I serve as your part-time communications director on retainer: setting strategy, managing your team or vendors, and being available when something comes up that needs experienced judgment.

    WHO THIS IS FOR

    Cities and counties under 50,000 population, small school districts, regional nonprofits, and public agencies that have communications needs but not a full communications infrastructure.

    WHAT YOU GET

    • Monthly retainer engagement (typically 8–15 hours/month)

    • Communications strategy, messaging framework, and content priorities

    • Media relations oversight and rapid response support

    • Staff or vendor coaching and quality control

    • Crisis-ready protocols and message guides built before you need them

    • Direct access to me — not a junior team member

  • I'm a former TV anchor who has since spent 15+ years on the other side of the camera — advising government executives, managing crisis communications, and coaching leaders through high-stakes public moments. I know what journalists are looking for and how to help your leaders deliver.

    WHO THIS IS FOR

    Executive teams, elected officials, agency directors, nonprofit leaders, and communications staff who need to be more effective and confident in media environments — from routine interviews to crisis press conferences.

    WHAT YOU GET

    • Individual or group media training sessions (half-day or full-day)

    • On-camera practice with real-time feedback

    • Message discipline and bridging techniques

    • Difficult question preparation — including hostile and gotcha scenarios

    • Written message guides and key message frameworks

    • Available as a standalone workshop or ongoing coaching relationship

  • I've run public engagement processes that changed outcomes — not by telling communities what was already decided, but by designing participation that actually worked. Whether you're facing a contentious project, a policy change, or a trust deficit with a specific community, I can help you design an engagement process with real credibility.

    WHO THIS IS FOR

    Local governments, school districts, and public agencies navigating controversial decisions, capital projects, policy changes, or community relationships that need repair.

    WHAT YOU GET

    • Engagement strategy design — format, sequencing, and stakeholder mapping

    • Facilitation of community meetings, listening sessions, and working groups

    • Multilingual and accessibility considerations built in from the start

    • Message development for resident-facing communications

    • Debrief and synthesis — turning community input into usable leadership guidance

  • I'm available to keynote, moderate, facilitate, or host events for government, nonprofit, and civic audiences. I bring broadcast presence, substantive expertise, and the ability to hold a room — whether the topic is crisis communications, public trust, leadership, or the intersection of media and government.

    WHO THIS IS FOR

    State and local government conferences, nonprofit leadership convenings, civic events, and professional associations in the public sector space.

    WHAT YOU GET

    • Keynote speaking on crisis communications, public trust, and leadership under pressure

    • Panel moderation and professional facilitation

    • Event hosting and emcee services

    • Workshop delivery on communications topics for government and nonprofit teams

    • Custom presentations built for your audience and event goals

Not sure what you need?

Most clients come to me with a specific problem, not a service category in mind. If you know something isn't working — your messaging is off, a situation is escalating, your team needs help, or you just want a second opinion from someone who's been in the room — reach out. We'll figure out together what makes sense.

  • "Chris Fiore is the best of the best — and he brings out the best in those around him. When Louisiana needed someone to lead through an unprecedented crisis, Chris delivered award-winning results that made a real difference for the people of Louisiana. He left a mark on everyone he worked with. Chris Fiore is a name you'll know."

    — Ava Cates, Former Secretary of Labor, State of Louisiana

  • "Chris elevated everything he touched — our web presence, our media relationships, our community events, and even our international partnerships. He brought our city's communications into the modern era and represented us with professionalism and effectiveness at every level."

    Mayor Wallace, City of South Lake Tahoe

  • "I learned the news business from Chris Fiore — and when my organization needed sharp, strategic public affairs work, he was the first call I made. Chris brings the same clarity and professionalism to every challenge whether he's in a newsroom or a boardroom. He is simply the best at what he does."

    Frededreia Dunham, Communications & Non-Profit Executive, Entrepreneur

My Process

We Talk

You share what's keeping you up at night — I listen, ask the right questions, and get honest fast.

I Assess

You’re part of the process. We keep communication open and decisions shared—no black boxes or surprises.

We Build

Together we develop the strategy, the messaging, or the plan — practical, not theoretical.

You're Ready

You leave with tools, confidence, and clarity — not a dependency on
me.

Let’s Work Together

If you're interested in working with me, complete the form with a few details about your project. We'll review your message and get back to you within 48 hours.