Fallston Group Celebrates a Decade of Building, Strengthening & Defending Reputations
Fallston Group, the Baltimore-based, global reputation agency, is celebrating its tenth year of building, strengthening and defending reputations. With the milestone comes streamlined service verticals and new offerings to help organizations achieve their short, mid- and long-term reputational goals. After decades of private and public sector leadership service, Robert Weinhold, Jr., launched Fallston Group in November 2009 to continue his career mission of helping organizations during life’s most critical times. Since then, the company has grown to represent international, national and local brands – including large public companies, banking and financial services, healthcare and academic systems, franchisors, trade associations and individuals. The firm has operated in many industries, managing negative press, social media attacks, investigations, litigation, data breaches, labor issues, mismanagement, discrimination, sex scandals and many, many more triggering events. The firm operates at the intersection of leadership, strategy and communications. “Fallston Group is clearly the ‘go-to’ firm for crisis leadership,” says Ragina C. Ali, Public and Government Affairs Manager at AAA Mid-Atlantic. “Based on my observations during the last decade, executives can implicitly trust Fallston Group’s instinct and experience. They clearly drive results during life’s most critical times. Congratulations to the company on its continued growth.” After a strategic planning session in 2019, Weinhold and his team decided evolution was in order to properly celebrate a decade of service and respond to an emerging demand for crisis-oriented training services. “In addition to our robust crisis leadership and marketing business verticals, our firm has completed architecting a new business line which enhances our interactive work in the training and workshop arena. What we’ve heard from clients is our training is unique, immersive, authentic and effective – it ensures they are ready to meet the moment,” says Weinhold. He adds, “We are incredibly grateful for a decade of growth, the trust our clients place in our team and a marketplace which has legitimized our business model.” The innovative training offerings will offer a variety of customizable learning modules, workshops and tabletop exercises. To learn more, visit fallstongroup.com. Outside of embracing the basics – operating with integrity, taking responsibility, being decisive and operating with velocity and vision – Weinhold offers his top tips to successfully manage a crisis, based on his decades of experience helping people during their most difficult times: Admit you are in crisis and ask for help. Most people don’t want to admit they are in crisis and steadily losing control – do this immediately as your window of opportunity will close quickly. Whether your personal obstacle is ego, complacency, embarrassment or uncertainty, get over it. Admit you are in need and seek the opinion of those you trust. Tell your story. If you don’t tell your story, someone else will. And, if someone else tells your story, it certainly won’t be the story you want told. A crisis rarely “goes away” – be transparent and get in front of the media and general public versus refusing to comment. The ability to tell your story is your most important growth strategy. Command the facts. Too many times professionals make rash decisions and jump out on camera with either no substantive information or rely solely on the “I can’t comment on that” or “I don’t have that information” phraseology. Bottom line: if you decide to publicly address a crisis, have something important to say – and maintain a strong command of the facts. Reframe your public remarks, if misunderstood. Every single person I know has at some point misspoken or has not articulated a point in an optimal manner – reframe vs. denying, debating or being offended. Remember, the general public, not a reporter, is the ultimate consumer of the information you are attempting to convey. Above all else, the most important message is the message received. Be direct. There is a tendency to soften words or not be direct with ominous news. While initially shocking, people prefer the bottom line right away. I call this bad habit “circling the messaging runway” vs. “landing the plane.” Do not circle the runway with negative or emergent news; immediately tell people what is going on. You will earn their confidence and trust more quickly. For additional crisis leadership tips and to learn more about Fallston Group’s anniversary and services, visit www.fallstongroup.com/anniversary. Please direct all media inquiries to Andrea Lynn at 410-420-2001 or by email at Andrea.Lynn@fallstongroup.com.
Crisis Expert Rob Weinhold Launches National Keynote
Rob Weinhold, author and chief executive of Fallston Group, the Baltimore-based, global reputation agency, today announced a new national keynote speaking campaign, “Crisis is a Growth Strategy,” including the launch of Weinhold’s brand-new website, robweinhold.com. Over time, Weinhold has been relied upon to lead, manage, coach, teach, interview, keynote, conduct workshops and train a variety of organizations and individuals in the field of crisis leadership. After working with so many clients, his “crisis is a growth strategy” approach has not only driven dramatic results, it is the reason many engage. This is why Weinhold developed his new keynote presentation and workshop. In today’s turbulent world, the issue isn’t if crisis will occur, but when. Weinhold addresses how to prepare for, navigate through and recover from sensitivity, adversity and crisis. Through proper crisis leadership tactics, Weinhold teaches the importance of turning short-term adversity into long-term advantage. “Reputation leads to trust, and trust leads to valuation,” explains Weinhold. “By successfully leading an organization through life’s most difficult times, one can not only positively impact a company’s reputation, the organization will emerge bigger, faster, stronger than it was before that defining moment. Ultimately, more value is created.” Throughout his career, Weinhold has been recognized for his unique ability to lead by creating vision and building consensus across diverse stakeholder bases, even during the most sensitive of times. He is routinely called upon by members of the national and local news media to provide perspective on crisis leadership, public safety and strategic communications. After several decades of private and public sector leadership service, Weinhold launched Fallston Group nearly a decade ago to build, strengthen and defend reputations. “Rob is a captivating speaker who genuinely connects with his audience through practicality and humanness,” says Ragina Cooper Averella, Public and Government Affairs Manager for AAA Mid-Atlantic. “For a living, Rob helps leaders snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. His experience and instinct is simply invaluable.” Weinhold was recently elected to the Johns Hopkins Carey Business School’s Dean’s Advisory Council to support the School’s pursuit of innovation in business knowledge and learning while educating business leaders as citizens. Weinhold was also recognized as a 2017 Most Admired CEO by The Daily Record. He holds a graduate degree (MSM) from The Johns Hopkins University Carey School of Business and undergraduate degree from the University of Baltimore. A nationally published author, Weinhold’s book (The Art of Crisis Leadership, 2016) skyrocketed to become a #1 new release in Amazon’s PR and Crisis Management categories and top 100 in Leadership. He has also trained and lectured in many professional and academic settings. For additional information about Weinhold, to schedule an interview or book a workshop, contact Fallston Group’s Marketing Communications Manager Andrea Lynn at 410.420.2001 or by email at andrea.lynn@fallstongroup.com.
Leah Fertig Joins Fallston Group as Executive Assistant
Fallston Group, the Baltimore-based, global reputation agency, is pleased to announce Leah Fertig has joined its team as executive assistant. Fertig brings more than 13 years of combined customer service, administrative and office management experience to Fallston Group’s headquarters in Canton. In her new role, Fertig provides support across the organization’s three core business verticals of crisis and issue leadership, strategic marketing and public relations and safety and security. Her goal is to ensure all clients receive the “Ritz Carlton” experience. “Leah is a highly motivated, results-oriented professional. In our line of work, both companies and individuals heavily rely on us to be a trustworthy, compassionate resource, and Leah plays an important role in solidifying our many important relationships,” says Fallston Group Chief Executive, Rob Weinhold. Prior to joining Fallston Group, Fertig worked in the medical field and auto industry, where she became adept at managing in a high volume, fast-paced environment. She always remained focused on over-delivering for customers while implementing processes to ensure service was top notch. Fertig’s drive to find opportunities to assist others led her to becoming a volunteer for the Loch Raven VA Community Living & Rehabilitation Center in Baltimore, MD. Fertig is also a strong supporter in our country’s military and believes we all have a role in supporting our troops. Born and raised in Maryland, Fertig is passionate about her community and developing meaningful relationships. At Fallston Group, this passion translates into supporting the business’ three verticals and developing high-performing, win-win business relationships across the country. For additional information about Fertig or Fallston Group’s services, contact Marketing Communications Manager Andrea Lynn at 410.420.2001 or by email at andrea.lynn@fallstongroup.com.
Rachel Barile Joins Fallston Group as Client Relations Coordinator
Rachel Barile Joins Fallston Group as Client Relations Coordinator Agency in growth mode; invests in strategic business development hire Fallston Group, the Baltimore-based, global reputation agency, is pleased to announce the addition of Rachel Barile as client relations coordinator. Barile is a recent graduate from Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where she studied strategic communications and public relations. Prior to joining Fallston Group full-time, Rachel interned for the strategic marketing and public relations team during the summers of 2016 and 2017. In her new role, she will work with Fallston Group to develop and enhance new and existing client relationships, as well as assist the core vertical of business. “Rachel embodies what every organization needs – a motivated, optimistic person who wants to continually learn, contribute and achieve at the highest levels. A graduating professional of Rachel’s caliber has many opportunities; we are delighted she chose Fallston Group,” says Fallston Group Chief Executive, Rob Weinhold. While studying at Temple University, Barile was a four-year Division I athlete. She was a member of the women’s lacrosse team where she earned both academic and athletic honors, including being named to the IWLCA Division I Academic Honor Roll and the BIG EAST All-Academic Team. A native of Harford County, Maryland, Barile holds a bachelor of arts in communication and media studies with a concentration in public relations. She is a member of the Baltimore Public Relations Council. She currently resides in Maryland. For additional information about Barile or Fallston Group’s services, contact Marketing Communications Manager Andrea Lynn at 410.420.2001 or by email at andrea.lynn@fallstongroup.com.
Fallston Group Director of Marketing Kathy Walsh Named 2017 ATHENA Award Winner
ATHENA Leadership Award winner Kathy Walsh, director of marketing at Fallston Group, center, stands proudly with Young Professional Leadership Award winner Paige Boyle, director of marketing and customer relations for Boyle Buick GMC, along with this year’s finalists. Photo credit: Robin Sommer. Baltimore-based Fallston Group, a global reputation agency, is pleased to announce that Kathy Walsh, the firm’s director of marketing, has been named this year’s ATHENA Leadership award winner. The ATHENA Leadership award is presented to an established leader who demonstrates excellence in business and assists women to achieve their absolute full leadership potential. A veteran marketer and business leader, Walsh has more than 25 years of experience in strategic marketing, branding, public relations and marketing communications. Prior to Fallston Group, Walsh owned JigSaw Marketing Solutions (named one of Baltimore’s fastest growing woman-owned businesses in 2013 and 2015) and spent 10 years working in consumer products brand management in the toy industry. She has served on numerous committees for various organizations in both a professional and personal capacity. Walsh is also a passionate advocate for mental health, serving on the board of a local mental health nonprofit, on the Harford County Mental Health & Addictions Advisory Council and working as a QPR suicide prevention training instructor. A native of Baltimore, Walsh holds an undergraduate degree in mass communications with a concentration in journalism from Loyola University and a master’s degree in marketing from Johns Hopkins University Carey Business School. “To be recognized as a finalist is an incredible honor among so many accomplished business women. To win speaks volumes about Kathy’s lifelong body of work,” Fallston Group Chief Executive Rob Weinhold says. “However, what was most touching to me was the human moment of watching Kathy’s daughters admire and celebrate their mom while recognizing the extraordinary impact she has had on many others’ lives.” “It is a tremendous honor to be named this year’s ATHENA award recipient, particularly from such a highly-qualified group of finalists, each of whom are successful professionals who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, mentoring and dedication to our community,” says Walsh. “For me, the most gratifying part about being a part of the ATHENA program was having my two teenage daughters present to see just how much positive impact female leaders can have on the community. I hope this inspires them and others in the next generation to make a difference, each and every day.” Walsh was honored at the annual ATHENA Leadership award breakfast organized by the Harford Community College Foundation on Friday, March 3. In addition to the ATHENA Leadership Award, the ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award was awarded for the first time to Paige Boyle, director of marketing and customer relations for Boyle Buick GMC. Proceeds from the event will help fund the ATHENA Leadership Scholarship. Please direct all media and interview requests to Fallston Group’s Marketing Communications Manager, Andrea Lynn, at 410-420-2001 or by email at andrea.lynn@fallstongroup.com.
Andrea Lynn Joins Fallston Group as Marketing Communications Manager
Fallston Group, the Baltimore-based, global reputation agency, is pleased to announce the addition of Andrea Lynn as marketing communications manager. Lynn brings seven years of writing, marketing, branding and design experience to Fallston Group as well as a background in public speaking and employee training. In her new role, Lynn will reinforce and complement Director of Marketing Kathy Walsh to develop and execute strategic marketing and PR plans for businesses around the country. Walsh says, “Andrea is an experienced marketing professional who will make an immediate and valuable client impact. Her commitment to successful collaboration, passion for creative marketing and brand building and unwavering consistency make her a critical asset to our team, and to our clients. We are very fortunate she chose Fallston Group.” Prior to joining Fallston Group, Lynn was assistant director of marketing and development at The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region, where she was solely responsible for all company marketing, design and external communications, including social media, branding, digital content, brochures and signage. Previously, Lynn held positions with the Harford County Chamber of Commerce and the University of Maryland Baltimore Washington Medical Center. A native of Prince George’s County, Maryland, Lynn holds an undergraduate degree in writing and rhetoric from Salisbury University. She is a member of the Chesapeake Professional Women’s Network, and of the Young Professionals Networks of both the Cecil County Chamber of Commerce and Harford County Chamber of Commerce. She currently resides in Elkridge. For additional information about Lynn or Fallston Group’s strategic marketing and PR services, contact Director of Marketing Kathy Walsh at 410.420.2001 or by email at kathy.walsh@fallstongroup.com. ### About Fallston Group Operating at the intersection of leadership, strategy and communications, Fallston Group maximizes the intangible assets that contribute to as much as 80 percent of an organization’s marketplace value. By focusing on three critical areas – strategic marketing and public relations, crisis and issue leadership, and safety and security – the global reputation agency engages with velocity and vision while building, strengthening and defending reputations, each and every day. For more information, visit fallstongroup.com.
JOB ANNOUNCEMENT: Public Relations Account Executive
JOB ANNOUNCEMENT PR Account Executive Strategic Communications and Media Division Fallston Group is seeking a highly motivated PR Account Executive to join its growing team in a full-time capacity. We are looking for someone with 2-3 years of relevant public relations experience, superb writing capabilities, and the ability to multitask to provide provide public relations and special project support for clients in a wide variety of industries. This is a client-facing position, so terrific verbal communications and presentation skills are a must. Basic responsibilities for this position include research with state-of-the-art media software (e.g., Cision, TVEyes), drafting press materials, conducting media relations and driving placement activity, special projects, event management and general client account support. Agency and client-facing communication experience is preferred. Ideal candidates must demonstrate previous successes in traditional and non-traditional media relations (social) and be able to thrive in a small, but fast-paced, growing culture. General responsibilities include: Researching, planning and implementing public relations and marketing communication strategies, both in-house and for client accounts; Drafting, editing and distributing media materials and client deliverables, including press releases, media alerts, fact sheets, blogs, case studies, talking points, correspondence and letters; Developing and maintaining media contact lists using Cision public relations software; Media monitoring and actively identifying client news opportunities and headlines; Cultivating relationships with members of the news media and directly pitching headlines and story ideas; On-site media management and event support; Client-facing and account management; Maintaining the highest standards of excellence while continually over-delivering for client accounts. The ideal candidate will have: 2-3 years of public relations experience; Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in a related field (e.g., public relations, communication, media, journalism, marketing); Excellent verbal and written communication skills; Working knowledge of public relations software (e.g., Cision, TVEyes); Proficiency in AP Style; Ability to effectively and clearly communicate with internal and external audiences; Ability to work well as part of a team and in tandem with others to accomplish unique goals; Ability to multitask and thrive while working under very tight deadlines; A desire to learn and experience all facets of traditional and new media. A little about the Fallston Group’s culture; we firmly believe in: Embracing sound character Establishing a clear vision Providing a learning environment Rewarding results Celebrating successes Growing from lessons learned Thinking beyond self Aligning with credible stakeholders Driving growth Getting excited about creative opportunity Over-delivering for those that depend on us Interested candidates should submit professional credentials, salary/benefit expectations and date of availability electronically to: Fallston Group c/o Human Resources Support info@FallstonGroup.com Fallston Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer About Fallston Group Fallston Group is a highly trusted, executive advisory firm focused on building, strengthening and defending reputations. We operate where leadership, strategy and communications intersect. Reputations are both positively and negatively impacted by many variables. Whether working with clients in a proactive or reactive sense, we engage with velocity and vision while turning adversity into advantage. Fallston Group knows what it takes to get a client into or out of the news, and we are committed to strengthening and protecting our clients’ brands through the development and distribution of core messages that support the story they want told. This gives our clients the confidence and persuasive power to shape stakeholder opinion. Fallston Group team members provide a blend of both executive and operational services to help leaders prepare for, navigate through and recover from issues of adversity and crisis. Many leaders refer to Fallston Group as their “Chief Reputation Officer.”
Fallston Group Internship Program – Summer 2014
At the Fallston Group (www.FallstonGroup.com), a Bel Air, Maryland-based company, we believe it is our corporate and social responsibility to contribute to the improvement of people’s lives and give back to the communities in which we live, work and raise our families. The Fallston Group Internship Program provides a positive learning environment that offers university and college students the necessary tools and experience necessary to prepare them for success in the professional world. Strategic Communications & Marketing Internship The Fallston Group Internship Program is a unique opportunity for students to explore and expand their professional interests. The program includes a Strategic Communications & Marketing Internship position with specialized focus on strategic communications and public relations, as well as marketing and business development. Interns will also gain firsthand experience of crisis and issue management strategies and tactics. Students are encouraged to choose a capstone project during the semester that includes strategic planning and communications tactics to achieve a specific business goal. The intern will create a portfolio in order to showcase their education and performance during the internship experience. In a final paper included in the portfolio, students reflect on their experiences, assess their successes and challenges in the context of their predetermined objectives, and consider their next steps both professionally and academically. The Fallston Group Internship Program is an unpaid program. Interns are expected to receive course credit from their academic institution. Program schedules are flexible and dependent upon the dates and times of availability provided by the student; however, interns are expected to commit to at least 12 hours per week in the Fallston Group office. Duties Assist to identify, plan and implement new communications, marketing and promotional strategies Conduct market research on competitors and identify effective marketing tactics Assist with drafting, editing and distributing deliverables (e.g., press releases, media alerts, newsletters, blogs, talking points, correspondence, reports) Research media opportunities and develop media lists Assist with website development using a Content Management System Assist with social media research and posting Collaborate closely with team members as needed on projects Candidates must be U.S. citizens and at least 18 years of age Must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate program at an accredited college, community college or university (two-to-four year institution) Must be of at least sophomore standing Eligibility Candidates must be U.S. citizens and at least 18 years of age Must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate program at an accredited college, community college or university (two-to-four year institution) Must be of at least sophomore standing Application Interested candidates should electronically submit: Current resume Relevant work samples 1-2 recommendations Dates and preferred times of availability Position of which they are applying for in the subject line Fallston Group c/o Human Resources Support info@FallstonGroup.com About Fallston Group The Fallston Group is a reputation management firm with specialized focus in strategic communications and media, crisis and issue management, leadership and training, and safety and security. Through trust, integrity, creativity, servitude and competence the Fallston Group team provides a blend of both executive and operational services to help leaders prepare for, navigate through, and recover from issues of adversity and crisis. Many chief executives refer to the Fallston Group as their “Chief Reputation Officer.” Our team exists to help people during life’s most critical times of need. Our core belief of helping people motivates our daily behavior, which, in turn, drives client results. Fallston Group Culture Embracing sound character Establishing a clear vision Providing a learning environment Rewarding results Celebrating successes Growing from lessons learned Thinking beyond self Aligning with credible stakeholders Driving growth Getting excited about creative opportunity Over-delivering for those that depend on us The Fallston Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Fallston Group Job Announcement
The Fallston Group, a Bel Air, Maryland-based company, is seeking a highly motivated PR Account Executive to join its growing team. We’re looking for someone with 2-3 years of relevant PR experience with superb writing capabilities and the ability to multi-task to provide special project and media relations support for clients in a wide variety of industries. This is a client-facing position so terrific oral communications and presentation skills are a must.
Frisch Appointed Client Services Manager for Fallston Group
Today, Rob Weinhold, Fallston Group Founder & Principal, announced that Kristi Frisch has joined the Fallston Group as Client Services Manager. In this role, Mrs. Frisch will develop and manage client relationships while enhancing the firm’s local and national business development efforts. Mrs. Frisch has extensive experience in marketing and communications with a background in client-facing services. Mrs. Frisch’s most recent position was Communications Manager for Maryland Golf and Country Club in Bel Air, MD. Previous experience includes providing administrative support for a local law firm, among other professional experiences. Mrs. Frisch obtained a BFA from Towson University, graduating Magna Cum Laude in 2011. Weinhold said, “Kristi brings a set of terrific interpersonal and organizational skills to the Fallston Group. It is wonderful to work with a true professional who really understands the importance of relationship building and delivering high quality, world-class service. Kristi’s enthusiasm to ensure customer satisfaction, coupled with her communications background, will be essential to our clients as we continue to help leaders prepare for, navigate through and recover from issues of sensitivity, adversity and crisis.” “I’m thrilled to be part of such a unique, strategic company like Fallston Group,” says Frisch. “Outstanding customer service has always been my number one priority. I’m looking forward to participating in the growth of the Fallston Group and helping organizations build, strengthen, and defend their reputations.” About Fallston Group LLC (www.FallstonGroup.com) is Maryland’s most progressive crisis management and communications firm that works with organizations to help them build, strengthen and defend their reputation. The Group’s world-class experts work with private and public sector leaders to help them prepare for, navigate through and recover from adversity and crisis. Many chief executives refer to the Fallston Group as their “Chief Reputation Officer.” Core services include: Crisis & Issue Management Strategic Communications & Media Safety & Security Resiliency Training
