As one of Padilla’s veteran coaches and corporate strategists, Kris saw firsthand the unique communications challenges clients experienced as a result of the pandemic. To address these challenges, she initiated an agency-wide effort to create PadillaPrep, our industry-leading coaching curriculum that combines the best of Padilla's expert coaches with the newest best practices, tools and techniques for successfully communicating in today's virtual, hybrid and in‑person landscape. 

Kris has helped hundreds of clients across multiple industries immediately improve their communications skills, from leadership communications and presentation skills, to media interviews, panel discussions and crisis media management skills. Her unique background as a national broadcast journalist, multimedia corporate strategist, author and public speaker make her a unique force in the industry and an invaluable resource for Padilla clients. 

Jenni’s strategic communications and coaching expertise spans media relations, crisis and brand management and social media development, making her an invaluable asset to diverse organizations with specialized needs. Most recently, she led media strategy for the Center for Victims of Torture, an international NGO. She also launched the State of Minnesota’s MNsure exchange, working closely with the office of the Governor and key officials. As primary spokesperson, Jenni directed news media interactions as the Affordable Care Act launched under unprecedented scrutiny and during crises, working with national and local media around the clock. She began her career in media as an assignment editor and brings this perspective to help her clients cultivate meaningful stories to help engage with the stakeholders that matter most to them. 

Tina is an unparalleled corporate strategist and coach specializing in integrated communications campaigns. She has a passion for launching new brands and invigorating flat ones, empowering their leaders to engage and persuade important stakeholders. Equally at home orchestrating B2B and B2C programs, she brings an innate ability to read clients’ minds and channel customers’ perspectives. After two decades of leading campaigns in the food, health and nutrition sectors, Tina found herself expanding her expertise into agriculture. It was a logical progression, considering that her work with clients such as General Mills and Land O’Lakes led her squarely to the intersection of agriculture and consumerism. Today, she is responsible for assuring that clients across the agency’s brands, sectors and practices have access to the firm’s full range of capabilities and services. 

Kenny is a leader in creating and executing strategies that connect brands with their relevant audiences – and as a coach, he empowers clients to do the same. By combining industry insights with his proven skill sets spanning earned, owned, shared and paid media, his coaching helps clients maximize their strengths and communicate with confidence.  Within the agency, he works on behalf of brands including Winnebago Industries, the Minnesota Cross Country Ski World Cup, Armstrong Ceilings, Carrier Heating & Cooling, Comcast and Planet Fitness.

Candice leads Padilla’s media relations consultants’ team and provides clients with proven strategies for getting their messages across, regardless of the media interview scenario they encounter. She recently joined Padilla from the San Diego Tourism Authority where she served as Director of Communications. In her role, she created global media relations programs both consumer and B2B to draw travelers and businesses to San Diego. She also oversaw the intersection between social media and earned media and has deep expertise in measurement. 

Dave leads Padilla’s Corporate Advisory Group which focuses on helping leadership teams use strategic communications to manage risk and pursue opportunity across the corporate lifecycle. A coach with keen insight into leadership communication opportunities and challenges, Dave has honed his executive communications counsel across multiple disciplines such as capital markets communications, corporate communications, crisis and issues management, brand reputation management / thought leadership program development and broadcast journalism.

Tom’s vast public relations, marketing and coaching experience spans all communications channels and challenges. With deep roots in economic development, non-profit, and community engagement, Tom helps clients increase stakeholder engagement and build relationships that drive success. He services on the boards of the Minneapolis Downtown Council, East Town Business Partnership and Northstar BSA Scouting. Clients including General Mills, Land O’Lakes, 3M, P&G, Ryan, Polaris, Carrier and Armstrong have all benefited from his strategic counsel. 

Matt helps clients across a wide range of industries build, grow and protect their brands and reputations. Throughout his nearly 35 years in the field, he has been a continuous trend watcher, learner, educator and innovator helping the agency and clients stay ahead of “what’s in". In prior roles at Padilla, Matt led agency services including Research + Insights, Crisis + Critical Issues, Media Relations and Social Media teams, and the agency’s Technology Practice. He also is a managing partner in Padilla’s parent holding company, AVENIR GLOBAL, and serves as agency liaison to Worldcom Group, the world's largest network of independent firms. 

Chris’s deep expertise in crisis and issues management spans industry sectors and the multitude of events that can put their reputations at risk. As leader of Padilla’s Crisis and Critical Issues Management Practice, he counsels a varied roster of organizations to protect their brands, and manage, mitigate, and prevent serious threats to reputations and bottom lines. As a coach, he is the guide and sounding board needed to navigate both the acute phase of a crisis, and the important path to rebuilding reputations and trust among stakeholders.