Business Details
37 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Partner for Strategic Communication Solutions in Columbus
Murphy Epson is a female-owned strategic communication, public affairs, and engagement firm dedicated to building stronger communities through inclusive dialogue and innovative solutions. With over 35 years of experience, we specialize in translating complex policy issues into actionable public strategies, fostering trust, and driving consensus for clients across government, nonprofit, and corporate sectors. Our proven methodology combines policy expertise, creative storytelling, and proactive stakeholder engagement to move skeptical audiences toward support for community initiatives. We offer 24/7 media relations support, crisis management planning, and comprehensive communication campaigns tailored to clients' unique needs. Our team of seasoned strategists, project managers, and creative professionals brings diverse perspectives and deep local knowledge to every project.We maintain a strong track record of success in transportation, water infrastructure, smart city development, housing, and public health initiatives. As a member of the national PRConsultants Group network, we combine local expertise with national resources to deliver impactful results. Our commitment to equity ensures all voices are heard through fair, transparent engagement processes. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, we serve clients throughout the Midwest and beyond. Our work has shaped policy decisions and community outcomes for decades, earning recognition as a trusted partner in public affairs.
Services
Public Affairs Strategy
Strategic Communication
Media Relations
Community Engagement
Crisis Management
Details
- Year established: 1989
Highlights and features
- We offer 35+ years of experience in public affairs and strategic communication
- Our female-owned firm combines policy expertise with creative storytelling
- Proven methodology moves skeptical audiences toward community support
- 24/7 media relations support for crisis management and reputation protection
- Diverse client roster spanning government, nonprofit, and corporate sectors
Services
Public Affairs Strategy
We develop comprehensive public affairs strategies that bridge policy initiatives with community needs. Our experts analyze regulatory landscapes, identify stakeholder priorities, and create actionable plans to secure public support for infrastructure and development projects. With decades of experience in local governance and policy implementation, we help clients navigate complex decision-making processes while maintaining transparency and accountability.
Strategic Communication
Our strategic communication services transform technical information into compelling narratives. Through discovery workshops, audience analysis, and message testing, we craft consistent communication frameworks that align organizational goals with public understanding. We specialize in multi-channel campaigns that combine traditional media outreach with digital platforms to maximize message reach and impact across diverse communities.
Community Engagement
We design and implement inclusive engagement processes that ensure all voices are heard. Our methodology combines in-person forums with digital tools to facilitate meaningful dialogue between decision-makers and community members. We create customized outreach plans that address cultural, linguistic, and accessibility needs while maintaining strict ethical standards for equitable participation in policy development.
Media Relations
Our media relations team provides proactive and reactive communication support. We develop press strategies, craft compelling narratives, and maintain relationships with regional and national media outlets. For crisis situations, we offer 24/7 response capabilities including message development, press briefing preparation, and reputation management strategies that protect organizational integrity while maintaining public trust through transparent communication.
Crisis Management
We develop comprehensive crisis communication plans and provide real-time response support during emergencies. Our services include scenario planning, message development, media training, and stakeholder coordination to ensure consistent communication during high-pressure situations. We help organizations maintain operational continuity while protecting their reputation through evidence-based response strategies grounded in decades of public affairs experience.
People
Kathleen Murphy
Founder
Kathleen Murphy founded Murphy Epson in 1989 with a vision for inclusive community development. She pioneered the firm's signature engagement methodology that has shaped public policy outcomes for decades. Her leadership established the company's commitment to equitable stakeholder participation.
Mark Keister
COO Emeritus
Mark Keister provides strategic oversight as COO Emeritus, drawing from extensive experience in organizational leadership and public sector collaboration. He maintains key relationships with government partners while mentoring emerging professionals in the firm's public engagement practices.
Stephanie Tresso
Senior Strategist
Stephanie Tresso leads public affairs and legislative strategy initiatives. With deep expertise in policy analysis and stakeholder coordination, she develops comprehensive engagement plans that align organizational objectives with community needs across transportation and infrastructure projects.
Angela Rex
Controller
Angela Rex manages financial operations while ensuring compliance with public sector contracting requirements. Her financial expertise supports the firm's long-term sustainability and enables effective resource allocation for large-scale community engagement initiatives.
Mindy Justis
Senior Project Manager
Mindy Justis oversees key client relationships and project implementation. As COTA Relationship Manager, she coordinates transportation initiatives while maintaining the firm's commitment to equitable public participation in infrastructure development decisions.
Questions
What services does MurphyEpson offer?
We provide public affairs strategy, strategic communication, community engagement, media relations, and crisis management services for government, nonprofit, and corporate clients.
How long has MurphyEpson been in business?
Our firm has been shaping community outcomes through strategic communication since 1989, with our founding partner maintaining decades of public affairs experience.
Do you handle crisis communication situations?
Yes, we offer 24/7 crisis management support including message development, media response, and stakeholder coordination during emergencies.
What geographic areas do you serve?
While headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, we serve clients throughout Central Ohio, the Midwest region, and maintain national network capabilities through PRConsultants Group.
