Essex Strategies partners with prestigious organizations and institutions to define, elevate, and protect their reputation.
About
T.J. Winick is a nationally-recognized storyteller, crisis communications counselor, and media strategist.
For more than a decade, he served in leadership at a Boston-based public relations firm, where he ran the reputation and issues practice and served as account lead for clients across sectors. Prior to his career in strategic communications, T.J. was a correspondent for ABC News, reporting across platforms including NewsOne, Nightline, World News, and Good Morning America.
He is the author of Reputation Capital: How to Navigate Crises and Protect Your Greatest Asset, published by Berrett-Koehler and winner of a 2023 Independent Publisher Book Award. In addition, his insights on brands in crisis have been featured in Forbes, PR Week, PR News, and O’Dwyer’s.
He sits on the Board of Directors of the Northeast Arc, an organization whose goal is to ensure that children and adults with disabilities are able to live, work, and engage in civic life and play in the community.
A graduate of Colby College, T.J. is a proud native of Essex County, where he and his family now reside.
Services
Strategic Communications
In a world of 24/7 media, expectations around organizational transparency and corporate social responsibility are at an all-time high. We specialize in drafting internal and external communications, including community letters, media statements, talking points, town hall scripts, and FAQs. Language is customized for the culture of an organization as well as the nuances and expectations of each stakeholder group.
Spokesperson Training
Our trainings teach leaders to stay on message when speaking with the press so they can achieve optimum results in support of their mission and business goals. Sessions include on-camera mock interviews in which spokespeople can practice answering a wide range of questions and utilizing pivoting techniques.
Crisis & Issues Management
We are relied upon for planning and senior counsel, always managed with the utmost discretion and integrity, in pivotal, reputation-defining situations. Crisis and issues management experience includes such high-profile, delicate, and complex matters as internal investigations, industrial accidents, DEI, accusations of misconduct, leadership transitions, and doxing on social media.
Litigation Support
We regularly partner with general counsel, law firm partners, and independent attorneys to support their clients in the court of public opinion Matters of legal conflict on which we provide counsel include litigation, investigations, and regulatory actions where we shape the narrative outside the courtroom to build public support or mitigate negative perceptions.
Media Campaigns
With editorial relationships across print, online, and broadcast outlets, we help identify compelling brand narratives, secures placements, and fiercely advocates for its clients. Whether pitching thought leadership or exposure for an initiative or milestone, we craft storylines that position our clients as industry leaders.
Content Development
We author op-eds, letters to the editor, corporate video scripts, and sponsored content, all designed to engage and shape opinion. Clients are busy executives who have limited time to dedicate to public relations and marketing, so the process from download to draft is effective and efficient.
Sectors
Education
Trusted advisor to independent schools, colleges, universities, and Greek organizations. Working to both secure positive press manage reputational issues and crises.
Health & Human Services
Advocating for health systems, physician’s practices, senior housing, organizations supporting individuals with disabilities, and medical journals.
Financial Services
Successfully leading media campaigns across commercial lending, wealth management, retail banking, and executive visibility.
Commercial Real Estate
Collaborating with investors, developers, owner/ operators, and general contractors. Possessing a nuanced understand of trends, key milestones, and greater economic forces impacting the sector.
Mission-Focused
Passionate about partnering with nonprofit organizations dedicated to repairing the world. Leading programs to drive public awareness, support fundraising and increase membership.
Praise
“T.J. provided my team and I with a robust media strategy that prepared us for all possible angles…He is a consummate professional, always prepared, well-connected, and a lot of fun to work with.”
Dana/Mission-Focused
“T.J.’s counsel and advice were spot on. His friendly way, collaborative nature and upbeat approach made him an invaluable extension of our in-house team.”
Ed/Professional Services
“T.J. brought much wisdom, experience, important media introductions, and practical advice to our relationship…He made me a more effective communicator.”