Springfield welcomes new crisis counseling firm to the community

McConnell and Edwards, two seasoned professionals in crisis communications, have joined forces to launch a new consultancy group in Springfield. The duo, with backgrounds in healthcare and journalism, respectively, aim to help organizations navigate crises with transparent and effective communication strategies.

Steve Edwards, the former president and CEO of CoxHealth, brings over 30 years of experience in the healthcare industry. Kaitlyn McConnell, who served as CoxHealth’s corporate media contact for six years, adds her expertise in journalism and communications to the mix.

The focus of McConnell Edwards will be on preemptive crisis counseling, emphasizing the importance of preparation long before a crisis hits. The consultancy will tailor strategies to each client, offering services such as group discussions, mock interviews, and scenario drills.

“In my mind, crisis communications is just a part of regular communications,” McConnell stated. “Because it’s always about building the relationship and having that level of trust with your community and your constituents.”

With their combined experience, McConnell and Edwards have firsthand knowledge of the importance of continuous communication during challenging times, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Their consultancy aims to equip organizations with the tools and strategies needed to effectively navigate crises and maintain trust with their stakeholders.