When organizations face uncertainty, crisis communication expert Leonard Greenberger helps leaders earn something more valuable than attention: trust.
For more than 30 years, Leonard has advised corporations, associations, educational institutions, healthcare organizations, government agencies, and nonprofits through crises, organizational change, and reputation-sensitive issues. As Vice President of AKCG, Crisis Communications Practice, he helps organizations strengthen stakeholder confidence before, during, and after challenging events through strategic crisis communications, reputation management, executive communications, and media relations. He has particular expertise working with 501(c) organizations in the energy, science and construction sectors.
Crisis Communication Leadership
As one of AKCG’s senior leaders and a nationally respected crisis communication expert, Leonard helps organizations prepare for, respond to, and recover from events that place reputation and stakeholder trust at risk.
He supports clients nationwide through the firm’s Crisis Communications Practice, as his expertise includes crisis communications, reputation management, executive communications, stakeholder engagement, media training, issues management, risk communications, and strategic messaging.
Known for helping organizations communicate effectively during emotionally charged situations, Leonard works alongside executive leadership teams, boards of directors, and communications professionals to navigate leadership transitions, public controversies, regulatory challenges, organizational change, and complex stakeholder issues. His approach focuses on building trust through clear communication, thoughtful strategy, and authentic leadership.
Before joining AKCG, Leonard was a partner at a Washington, D.C.-based full service agency, where he led the nonprofit practice and advised clients on crisis communications, branding, community engagement, and reputation strategy.
Author, Thought Leader & Professional Leadership
As a recognized crisis communication expert, Leonard frequently shares his insights through speaking engagements, webinars, podcasts, and professional publications.
He is the author of What to Say When Things Get Tough: Business Communication Strategies for Winning People Over When They’re Angry, Worried, and Suspicious of Everything You Say (McGraw-Hill), providing practical guidance for leaders navigating difficult conversations and high-pressure situations.
Leonard is also an active leader within the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), serving on the PRSA National Capital Chapter Board of Directors, as Immediate Past Chair of PRSA’s Association/Non-Profit Section Executive Committee, and as Co-Chair of the chapter’s APR Committee. His leadership continues to advance professional standards and best practices throughout the communications profession.
Educator, Strategist & Trusted Advisor
Leonard believes the foundation of effective crisis communications is understanding people before crafting messages.
Throughout his career, he has helped executives, scientists, engineers, researchers, association leaders, educators, and nonprofit organizations communicate complex issues with clarity, empathy, and credibility. His ability to translate difficult subjects into messages that resonate with stakeholders has made him a trusted advisor to organizations across the country.
Leonard earned a master’s degree in Journalism from Northwestern University and bachelor’s degrees in Political Science and Communications from the University of Michigan. Today, he continues helping organizations build, preserve, and restore positive reputations by providing thoughtful counsel when leadership and communication matter most.
Leonard lives in suburban Maryland and enjoys reading, running and relaxation.
