In 16 years as a reporter, correspondent and editor with The Associated Press, John MacDonald often found himself interviewing elected leaders, corporate executives and government officials at the most critical point in their careers. It provided a unique perspective on how the level of preparedness and understanding of the media could often make or break a career overnight.

At Gallatin, John calls on that perspective to help clients build and maintain strong public affairs strategies; from messaging and interview techniques to media relations, crisis communication and community relations.

John is a member of Gallatin’s media training team, where he has instructed clients including Chevron, Providence HealthCare and Inland Empire Paper Co. on how to build successful communications strategies and maintain positive media relationships.

John also provides ongoing advice and counsel to clients who interact regularly with local and national media, helping ensure consistency in their messages and public outreach.

John is a native of Missoula, MT., and graduated from the University of Montana School of Journalism.  As a reporter and correspondent with AP, John’s “beats” were many, including federal courts, politics and industry and the environment. He went on to serve for six years as the AP’s news editor for Montana and Wyoming before joining Gallatin as a principal in Helena.

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