Crisis Communications Services

Circumstances don’t define you.Your reaction does.

We know how quickly situations can unravel. In today’s hyperconnected society, a misstep can rapidly snowball into a disaster. Our award-winning crisis communications team helps organizations of all sizes and industries maintain and restore reputations.

You can rely on our unwavering support, whether you’re looking to stay ahead of potential issues or effectively navigate through a crisis. We move fast, yet thoughtfully, to establish a comprehensive key messaging strategy to cover a wide variety of potential scenarios. Hirons will work closely with your team and provide you with a proactive crisis communications plan and in-depth media training, so you can recover quickly and emerge stronger.

Please fill out the form and someone will be in touch soon. For urgent requests, call or text us at 317.396.3865.

Meet Our Crisis Communications Team

DEANA HAWORTH, APR

Chief Executive Officer

Deana serves as Hirons’ first female chief executive officer and possesses more than 25 years of experience as an expert public relations specialist. Renowned for her work in crisis communications and issues management, Deana has counseled clients across a multitude of industries including healthcare and statewide government. Deana holds several honors. Most recently she was recognized on IBJ’s Indiana 250 list and in 2018 was named a Women of Influence by the Indianapolis Business Journal. Deana has also received Ball State University’s Young Alumnus and Outstanding Journalism Alumna Awards. She serves on various chamber boards in the greater Indianapolis area, is chair for the Crossroads of America Council, and is an active member of the Indianapolis chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners.

BRANDON SMITH

Account Director, Public Relations

Brandon is a communications professional with more than a decade of experience in journalism and media relations. He brings a strong understanding of how stories are shaped, shared and received and knowledge gained as a reporter, statehouse bureau chief and television host. Brandon has filed more than 4,000 stories for Indiana Public Broadcasting and hosted 431 episodes of Indiana Week in Review, where he became known for his clear analysis of political and policy issues. His ability to distill complex topics into clear narratives has earned him recognition as a trusted voice in communications and journalism. His perspective in front of the camera also provides valuable insight into audience engagement and communications strategy. Brandon has a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Missouri – Columbia.

MAX WING

Account Manager, Public Relations

Max serves as Hirons’ account manager for public relations, bringing nearly four years of experience in earned media, strategic communications and crisis planning. In his day-to-day, Max consults with a broad range of local and national clients, providing insights about news pitching, brand storytelling and reputational management. Prior to joining Hirons, Max worked in the nonprofit sector, where he led earned media and digital marketing strategies for Downtown Indy Alliance. During his tenure, Max managed media coordination for major events in Indianapolis, from local traditions, like Circle of Lights and SPARK on the Circle, to large-scale national draws, including “Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour” and the total solar eclipse. Max continues to build strong media and community connections for Hirons and is currently preparing for the 2026 NCAA Men’s Final Four as part of its Local Organizing Committee.

Reputation Management

We’ve excelled in reputation management services for more than 47 years. With decades of experience dealing with complex large-scale crises, our team is adept at handling highly confidential and sensitive information. We spring into action the second a potential situation is identified, helping to develop key messaging and response strategies, monitoring media and social coverage, and managing relationships with members of the media.

We develop high-level response plans, providing an intentional content strategy along with process and communications protocols for negative reactions. We can also activate our digital expertise – including organic search and SEO – to monitor your online presence and ensure you’ll be associated with only your positive contributions. With our guidance, you can protect your reputation and mitigate the impact of negative information.

Reactive Media Relations and Strategic Communications

When you’re faced with a crisis, you have a lot to lose – money, employees, credibility. But if you stay calm and handle each issue efficiently and with dignity, you have a greater chance to prevent long-term damage.

Employees, stakeholders and the media will have questions. But while you’re still trying to handle the problem, speaking up about it may be the last thing on your mind.

With years of experience leading clients through difficult times, Hirons can prepare you to respond to crisis-related media inquiries with grace and confidence. Our experienced professionals explore the ins and outs of your situation to find the right messaging, guided by advice from our partners in law and public safety, so you have the last word on the story.

Proactive Crisis Planning

Some crises are foreseeable. Hirons will help your organization prepare for these situations, from a financial mishap to an ethical breach — and everything in between. Our experts have spent years helping organizations navigate high-pressure situations, and we can prepare you for any kind of catastrophic scenario. Through hands-on training, we’ll assemble a crisis plan, designate a spokesperson and equip your organization to face media and withstand scrutiny.

Issues Management

Conflict is inevitable, regardless of the size of your organization. It happens in organizations of any size. But small issues left unchecked can escalate into crises that threaten your operational viability. These issues need to be addressed quickly and tactfully.

Our issues management team helps you get a handle on your situation before it takes a critical turn. Working alongside you, we examine your organization and identify challenges that could lead to dangerous consequences in the future. We’ll help you create a smooth flow of communications with internal and external relationships, so you can seamlessly discuss interpersonal issues and reach meaningful resolutions.

Additional Areas of Expertise

Please fill out the form and someone will be in touch soon. For urgent requests, call or text our crisis team at 317.396.3865, and a team member will respond and assist you. Average response time is 30 minutes.

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