Chris Horan

Chris Horan has more than 25 years of experience in communications, political and policy advocacy, and education.

As the founder and managing partner of Horan Communications, Chris provides coaching and consulting services in strategic communications to school districts, public agencies, non-profits and emerging businesses. He brings expertise in message development, communications assessment and planning, media relations, crisis communications, policy development and execution, and integrated on-line and social media strategy.

Chris previously served as the first Chief Communications Officer for the Boston Public Schools, designing and executing the launch of an award-winning communications strategy for the largest public school district in New England, aligning media, public relations, branding, marketing and technology strategies to advance public opinion, policy and funding in support of education reform and improved academic outcomes. Operating in the fifth largest media market in the country, Chris crafted low-cost, high-impact strategies and built a network of partnerships to leverage targeted messages to increase exposure and positive coverage about the work of the district. As a result of his success, Chris has served as a consultant and coach to Superintendents and other district leaders across the country in strategic communications to advance academic and operational priorities.

Chris’ unique perspective is deeply grounded in the education, nonprofit and public sectors. A former Chief of Staff for Superintendent Thomas W. Payzant, Chris has extensive experience in the design and application of national education policy. He is a veteran of numerous political campaigns and served as Director of Speechwriting for Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino. As a Board member and former Board chair for several community non-profits, Chris has led several rebranding initiatives and has launched community service projects to promote volunteerism, literacy, civic engagement, and leadership development.

An accomplished writer and editor, Chris received a BA from Princeton University and an MFA from Emerson College. He has been cited as among Boston’s future leaders and has taught at Tufts University and Emerson College. Chris is often sought as a speaker and presenter on the concept and practice of using communications to increase visibility and promote social impact and outcomes.