Trusted Expertise

Successful communication requires thoughtful, creative strategy.

To get the best results, you need a seasoned professional with the skills and experience to help drive your narrative.

 

Christopher M. Horan

Christopher M. Horan

FOUNDER AND MANAGING PARTNER


Chris Horan
 has more than 25 years of experience in communications, political and policy advocacy, and education.

As the founder and managing partner of Horan Communications, Chris provides coaching and consulting services in strategic communications to school districts, public agencies, non-profits and emerging businesses. He brings expertise in message development, communications assessment and planning, media relations, crisis communications, policy development and execution, and integrated on-line and social media strategy.

Chris previously served as the first Chief Communications Officer for the Boston Public Schools, designing and executing the launch of an award-winning communications strategy for the largest public school district in New England, aligning media, public relations, branding, marketing and technology strategies to advance public opinion, policy and funding in support of education reform and improved academic outcomes. Operating in the fifth largest media market in the country, Chris crafted low-cost, high-impact strategies and built a network of partnerships to leverage targeted messages to increase exposure and positive coverage about the work of the district. As a result of his success, Chris has served as a consultant and coach to Superintendents and other district leaders across the country in strategic communications to advance academic and operational priorities.

Chris’ unique perspective is deeply grounded in the education, nonprofit and public sectors. A former Chief of Staff for Superintendent Thomas W. Payzant, Chris has extensive experience in the design and application of national education policy. He is a veteran of numerous political campaigns and served as Director of Speechwriting for Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino. As a Board member and former Board chair for several community non-profits, Chris has led several rebranding initiatives and has launched community service projects to promote volunteerism, literacy, civic engagement, and leadership development.

An accomplished writer and editor, Chris received a BA from Princeton University and an MFA from Emerson College. He has been cited as among Boston’s future leaders and has taught at Tufts University and Emerson College. Chris is often sought as a speaker and presenter on the concept and practice of using communications to increase visibility and promote social impact and outcomes. 

What Our Clients Say

“I’ve worked with Chris Horan on multiple projects for Boston Public Schools over the years. Chris has helped build messaging around key initiatives and successful strategies for communicating with stakeholders in the community. His acute awareness of the complexity of district needs, attention to detail, and interpersonal skills are a few of many reasons he is amazing to work with.”

Makeeba McCreary

Former Managing Director & Senior Advisor of External Affairs, Boston Public Schools

“We regularly refer our members and our colleagues to Chris Horan to deal with everything from everyday communications needs to working their way out of trouble – or, more importantly, avoiding the communications and operational mistakes that get them in trouble.  I can easily think of dozens of instances of problems we avoided by having professional development, training and mentoring Chris provided to our staff, our board, and our membership.”
Glenn Koocher

Executive Director, Massachusetts Association of School Committees

Reach Us

Please contact us to learn more about how we can help you achieve your communications goals.

Horan Communications
PO Box 252
Milton, MA 02186

(617) 852-1340

info (@) horancommunications.com

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