Heyman Associates

We’re thrilled to share that our very own Bill Heyman has been named the inaugural recipient of the Distinguished Mentor Award as part of his support and involvement with the College of Charleston and its Department of Communication. The award is part of the newly established Martin Center for Mentorship in Communication, which is on a mission to inspire and develop the future generation of leaders and mentors among today’s communication students. Thank you to Tom Martin and the College of Charleston!

Thank you Ragan Communications and PR Daily for spotlighting our fearless leader Jessamyn Katz! It's been an exciting year for Heyman Associates and we can't wait to see what 2024 has in store.

Thank you Ragan Communications and PR Daily for spotlighting our fearless leader Jessamyn Katz! It's been an exciting year for Heyman Associates and we can't wait to see what 2024 has in store.

As we venture into a new year, I found myself reflecting on what rose to the top this year in #communications #corporateaffairs and #executivesearch, and a few things I will have a close eye on in 2024. Three reflections from this year: 1) The market was unpredictable. We shifted from a national health crisis to an impending financial crisis and war on two continents. Despite a strong economy by the numbers and increased value for the functions of communications and corporate affairs, nerves and uncertainty meant conservative spending and careful decision making. 2) Business acumen as a core skill for senior communications and corporate affairs leaders. Heightened pressures and challenges to provide value to key stakeholders means a need for communicators to connect the dots between reputational and company value. 3) The role of CCO and Chief Corporate Affairs Officer is only getting harder and more important. The news, and people’s opinion of the news, is at our fingertips. The pressure has continued to mount for organizations to respond with speed, tact, and action. Narrative and action need to match inside and outside company’s walls. Three things I have an eye on for next year: 1) The continued expansion and breadth of the Communications Officer/Leader role; the role keeps evolving as the function does with broader remits and opportunity for impact. Leadership expectations to integrate brand, government affairs, culture, investor relations and social impact within one strategic framework. What’s next? 2) The gamechanger that is AI. Let’s get beyond the buzzword - how is it going to mean a reassessment of skills and tools for the function and my hypothesis is that there needs to be greater emphasis on critical thinking, judgement, and strategic counsel as a result. 3) Communicators will have a seat at the table – at the executive level and in the boardroom. To have the business and reputational impact CEOs expect to employees and external stakeholders, Communications need to be at the table and in the room. 

Insights from Jessamyn Katz after attending Page Society's annual conference focused on leadership across borders and how the Chief Communications Officer is ever important in creating value for their organizations.

Nearly 35 years after establishing Heyman Associates, our inimitable Founder and CEO Bill Heyman has announced his retirement at the end of this year. We are thrilled to share that Jessamyn Katz, our firm's President who joined Heyman Associates in 2005, will step into the CEO position effective January 2, 2024. Follow the link below for the full announcement. https://lnkd.in/e65KtUZR