Fractional + Strategic Communications Consulting

Elizabeth Penniman

Penniman & Company

Senior communications counsel for organizations that need expert leadership now — without the full-time overhead. 25+ years of experience across health, science, non-profit, and humanitarian sectors.

elizabeth@pennimanandco.com →

What I Do

Fractional CCO / SVP

Senior communications leadership on a fractional basis — embedded in your team, accountable for strategy and execution, without a full-time commitment.

Team Building & Gap Analysis

Assess communications infrastructure, identify capability gaps, recruit and build high-performing teams, and establish frameworks for measurement and accountability.

Crisis & Reputation

Real-time crisis counsel, media response, stakeholder communications, and long-term reputation recovery — from acute incidents to sustained risk management.

Strategic Communications

Narrative development, brand positioning, campaign architecture, and integrated communications planning that drives measurable outcomes.

Executive Communications

Speechwriting, messaging frameworks, media training, and thought leadership strategy for C-suite and board-level principals.

Digital & Social Strategy

Organic and paid social strategy, content architecture, digital brand presence, audience growth, and sentiment monitoring across platforms.


Impact by the Numbers

25+

Years leading communications at the highest levels

1,500%

Digital impressions growth at HHMI in under one year

7.5M+

Social followers built at the American Red Cross across five platforms


“I build communications functions that outlast me — teams, strategies, and reputations designed for the long term.”


Visual Storytelling & Digital Media

A selection of video content produced across organizations — from the HHMI “Scientist Spotlights” public engagement series, which trained researchers in science communications for media and social platforms, to brand storytelling at the American Red Cross and the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF).

Bonnie Bassler

Scientist Spotlights

Bonnie Bassler

HHMI Investigator, Princeton

David Baker

Scientist Spotlights

David Baker

2024 Nobel Laureate

Nels Elde

Scientist Spotlights

Nels Elde

HHMI Investigator, U of Utah

Huda Zoghbi

Scientist Spotlights

Huda Zoghbi

HHMI Investigator, Baylor

We Are the American Red Cross

Brand Video

We Are the American Red Cross

American Red Cross

AIDS @ 30

Brand Video

AIDS @ 30

International AIDS Conference


Sector Experience

Howard Hughes Medical InstituteChief of Communications
American Red CrossVP of Communications
Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS FoundationVP of Global Communications
Burson-MarstellerVP & Senior Creative Director
Office of the U.S. Surgeon GeneralDirector of Communications
The White HouseSpeechwriting & Public Affairs Staff
Corporation for Public BroadcastingSenior Consultant

Work Together

Engagement Types

Fractional · Project · Retained

Flexible structures for interim leadership, defined projects, or ongoing strategic counsel.

Sectors Served

Science · Health · Humanitarian · Non-Profit · Corporate

Deep expertise in mission-driven organizations, public health, and regulated industries.