About Wendy

 

With more than 15 years of strategic communications, reputation building and executive thought leadership strategies, I have a proven track record building and elevating growing brands, start-ups, and CEO profiles. I have held in-house communications and brand leadership roles at The Mom Project, OppFi (NYSE: OPFI) and TruStage as well as consulting engagements for both start-up and corporate clients alike. I drive PR strategies to outcomes, protect reputations and bring trusted strategic and careful communication counsel in public and private settings.

I have successfully built in-house communication functions at 2 start-ups, elevated PR programs to new levels at large companies, led a SPAC fintech IPO (Op-ed on lessons I learned!). I have built and expanded several Founder/CEOs' expertise and personal brand including Allison Robinson (The Mom Project/ForbesWomen column), Jared Kaplan (OppFi), Robert Trunzo (TruStage) and Rick Roy (TruStage CIO).

I am a trusted communications counsel to CEOs and CHROs guiding through high stakes communications, issues and challenging change management (I.e. layoffs, leadership/founder/CEO transitions, mistakes that need careful communications). I write for every leader I have worked with and am their trusted communications confidante. I see around corners and two steps ahead.

I bring best practices that are industry-agnostic with a valuable network of trusted creative partners, media, PR agencies and freelancers. I lead and collaborate with a human-first approach, fostering team-centric mentality, collaboration, empowerment, and empathy.

I understand the importance of strong partnerships and collaboration across functions including HR, Legal, Government Affairs, Investor Relations, and Recruiting.

I hold a MBA from Marquette University and a BBA from University of Wisconsin – Madison (On Wisconsin!).  I reside in Chicago, Illinois with my two (tall) sons and a (small) Aussie doodle.