About Howell Communications
For more than 20 years, companies, executives, institutions and public figures have relied on Howell Communications when facing public relations issues that are high-stakes, difficult, complex, or politically or socially sensitive. Founded by one of New England’s most respected public relations executives, we have consistently met those challenges with solutions that are grounded in experience, adaptive of emerging tools and techniques, and driven by a commitment to the success of every single client. Our promise is to listen, think strategically and execute relentlessly.
Howell News
Am I a mansplainer? More of a multi-splainer
9 Jul 07:09 pmI’m in the words business, so I get excited when a word enters our vernacular that describes...
What influences today’s college kids – and tomorrow’s consumers and clients?
16 May 02:01 pmHint: It’s not the Kardashians. It’s no surprise that social media consumption is high among Millennials and...
The Corporate Consultant Working For Free To Kill The Boston Olympics
8 Dec 02:01 pmRaymond Howell can’t avoid the stories about his city’s efforts to host the Olympics. A prominent Boston...
Client News
Somerville company offers free tuition at UMass Boston
29 May 12:08 pmLike many other bosses around here, Triumvirate Environmental’s chief executive, John McQuillan, is finding it increasingly tough...
Insurer To Encourage Prescription Drugs To Help With Opioid Addiction
27 May 12:11 pmA multi-pronged initiative that Neighborhood Health Plan is announcing Friday aims to reduce the number of opioid...
Regret Free Holiday Parties
8 Dec 01:18 pmCheryl Pinarchick, partner in the Fisher Phillips law firm, explains how to hold a holiday office party...
“Howell Communications excels in providing strategic public relations services to industries like ours that operate in a regulated environment. Smart, savvy, truly strategic, and tireless in their advocacy, they added real value to our government affairs efforts while successfully promoting the economic and other societal benefits of our industry. Easy to work with, they were a seamless part of our team.”
Paul R. Cianelli,
President, New England Cable & Telecommunications Association"Howell Communications’ knowledge of the New England media market, understanding of the issues in our practice area, and creativity in developing story ideas and content, allowed them to consistently deliver results for our firm."
Kevin Sullivan,
Chief Marketing Officer, Fisher & Phillips"Howell Communications was very helpful in successfully managing communications through a variety of situations and forums. From an incident of workplace violence to finding creative ways of promoting our brand through both traditional and social media, Howell Communications was a valued and trusted advisor to our leadership team."
Wayne Lowell,
Former President and CEO, Senior Whole Health"Howell Communications lived up to their reputation as the go-to public relations firm in New England for top companies, consistently getting us the results we need. I am proud to have had them on our team."
Catherine Collins,
Former East Coast Public Relations Lead, Microsoft Corporation"Working with Howell Communications on complicated, sensitive issues was delightful and constructive. Ray's keen intellect, knowledge of the environment, street smarts and terrific sense of humor make him a highly valued and effective advisor. He always kept the best interests of our organization front and center. He has my full trust and confidence."
Elaine Ullian,
Former President and CEO, Boston Medical Center"Ray advised No Boston Olympics during pivotal moments of our high-profile, high-stakes campaign. We relied on Ray’s unrivaled depth of knowledge and his insightful mind to shape our strategy and our messaging. But above all we valued Ray’s character and integrity, qualities that have helped him build strong, enduring, and valuable relationships across the media and political spectrums."
Chris Dempsey,
Co-Chair, No Boston Olympics"Ray Howell is a public relations professional who understands the nexus among business, politics and the media. His winning public relations strategies have earned him the respect of business and political leaders on both sides of the aisle. His deep experience in the Massachusetts political and business worlds is second to none."
Jack Murphy,
Former Massachusetts House Majority Leader and co-founder of Murphy Donoghue Partners"The best I know, and I know them all, is Ray Howell."
William F. Weld,
Former Governor of Massachusetts"We trust Howell Communications. Period."
Michael Buckley,
Vice President, Corporate Communications, The Hanover Insurance Group"If there ever was a guy who could give you hives, it was Weld. But Howell never cracked, and we won’t see him cashing in on a tell-all book."
Joe Sciacca,
Editor, Boston HeraldThe Services We Offer
Every engagement starts with our strategic thinking. We quickly learn our clients’ objectives, dig deep into the subject matter – and develop a strategy that is high level, nuanced and actionable.
Messaging & Content Development
Howell develops messaging that positions our clients and their issues in a way that connects with their target audiences – then turns that messaging into compelling content for the appropriate medium.
Media Relations
The “traditional” media continue to drive most content. Our team of seasoned professionals draws on trusted relationships, and decades of experience both in and with the media, to shape coverage that advances our clients’ objectives.
Crisis Communication
A fierce advocate for our clients, we have successfully managed high-profile, high-stakes crises for prominent public figures and organizations. Understanding how a crisis rivets public attention like nothing else, we also know how to turn crisis into opportunity.
Executive Communications
Organizations are perceived through, and judged by, the actions of their leaders. Howell helps executives succeed in today’s communications environment with services such as speechwriting, the drafting of opinion pieces, the creation and management of a social media presence, and communications training.
Thought Leadership
Successful organizations and executives focus publicly on more than their own interests. Leadership in their industry and on social issues is both a differentiator and a reflection of their values – and therefore important to their image and reputation. Howell develops and executes thought leadership campaigns that position our clients as leaders in any realm.
Communications Training
With of years of experience speaking publicly and teaching others how to do it, we demystify this often-intimidating experience and arm our clients with the strategies, tactics and tools to succeed as communicators.
Issues Management
Howell has years of experience, both inside and outside government, of providing the public relations support so often crucial to success on a public policy or regulatory matter. We know how to influence the debate in a way that generates support for our clients’ positions.
Public Opinion Research
In addition to conducting public opinion research, Howell has the strategic experience to turn that research into actionable intelligence.
