The First Responder
A Communications Specialist
“When your reputation is on the line, speed, strategy, calm, and confidence matter. I’m a communications professional, trained in strategies of sound communications practices. From planning communications for Super Bowl XL to managing crisis response for America’s 10th largest city through a 3-day blackout, my experience in crisis and strategic communications makes me valuable as a first-responder. Whether your challenge is a full-blown crisis, or simply a question of how best to tell your story, I can help.”
When the City of Detroit lost power for three hot August days in the great northeast blackout of 2003, the second call made by the highest-ranking official in the city was to Shannon Berg. She was one of a small group that ran the emergency operations and public information that kept nearly 1 million people calm and safe.
Berg is a communications professional from Detroit, Michigan where she ran a PR consulting firm serving clients in non-profit, tourism and government industries. Berg has experience in a broad range of communications disciplines including crisis management; marketing, PR and community relations; event production; campaign management; and advertising programs in a major media market.
Shannon earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Wayne State University. Shannon is a principal in the Portland office of Gallatin Public Affairs and a member of the Crisis Communications and Litigation Support, Strategic Communications and Media Relations, and Research and Public Opinion practice groups.
Expertise Background
Communications strategy Nearly 15 years’ strategic
communications experience
CEO, McCarthy Media
Crisis communications
Communications Director
City of Detroit
Media relations
Press Secretary, Detroit Mayor
Municipal government Account Supervisor, Berg
Muirhead & Associates
Urban politics B.A., Wayne State University
Graduate, Leadership Detroit
Public safety/Emergency
management Graduate, Leadership Portland
Print this Page
