Testimonials
“Emily Whitfield brought the ACLU’s communications operation to a new level of professionalism. She is keenly aware that what’s at stake is not just whether you make the news, but rather how your issues and your organization are portrayed. Emily was one of the first people ACLU leaders turned to in times of crisis, and she could always be counted on to meet even the most challenging situation with intelligence, savvy, humor, and grace. I can also personally attest that Emily is a gifted writer and editor. Over the years we collaborated on countless op-eds and letters to the editor, and she was always a delightful colleague — brimming over with ideas and information, and conveying them with maximum effectiveness.”
– Nadine Strossen, ACLU president (1991-2008), and professor of law at New York Law School.
“What I appreciate most about Emily’s skill is that she knows her business, making her automatically more valuable than 90 percent of public relations people who seem not to understand how the media and reporters — the ranks of which included me for 17 years — actually work. Emily has a sophisticated knowledge of public relations and an intuitive sense of which approach best achieves her clients’ goals. She’s a quick read, and she’s consistently gotten Roadmonkey substantive coverage in the largest media markets.”
– Paul von Zielbauer, founder, Roadmonkey Adventure Philanthropy and former New York Times journalist
“It takes a combination of strong media relations skills, the ability to speak to one’s audience with clarity no matter how complex the issue, and a mastery of the fundamentals of strategic communications in order move issues in the media and among key audiences. Emily Whitfield is a seasoned communications professional who has mastered these attributes. Clients can also rely upon her to give 100 percent to every project and to perform with integrity, discretion, and tenacity.”
– Emily Tynes, Director of Communications at the national ACLU and co-author, Strategic Communications for Nonprofits.
“Having never worked with a communications professional before, I didn’t really know what to expect. Emily took the time to learn about The Diaper Bank and explain to me what a communications program could accomplish for my organization. She then proceeded to make it happen! Emily doesn’t just get us in the news — she understands our mission and shares our passion for making the world a better place for all children.”
– Joanne Goldblum, President and Founder, The Diaper Bank
“Emily’s deep understanding and thoughtful crafting of the issues were essential in completing the report and enabling the ACLU to communicate strategically with Arizona law enforcement about Taser use and policy.”
– Alessandra Soler-Meetze, Executive Director, ACLU of Arizona
“I worked with Emily on a day-to-day (actually often hour-to-hour) basis for more than a decade. She’s one of the best media relations people I’ve ever met; a strategic thinker who enjoys talking with reporters and pitching stories to them. Overall, Emily is one of the finest communications professionals out there.”
– Phil Gutis, Communications Director, Natural Resources Defense Council and former Legislative Communications Director, ACLU
“At a critical juncture in our effort, Emily Whitfield stepped in, and with grace, intelligence, speed, experience, and skill, produced a transformative media effect. The truth was out, it was out everywhere. And while it is impossible to judge its precise impact on our ultimate success, it was unquestionably transformative; it turned a years-long challenge for us right on its head.”
– Bradley Olson, Ph.D. and founding member, Coalition for an Ethical APA