Emily A. Barlean

About Emily A. Barlean

Senior Communications Leader | Change Communications Strategist | Employee Engagement ExpertI specialize in helping organizations navigate change, announce business defining moments, engage their employees, and drive meaningful transformation. With 15 years of experience in employee communications, branding, corporate strategy, and change management, I’ve partnered with industry leaders across agriculture, pharma, telecommunications, and healthcare to create communications strategies that inspire action and deliver results.As a Senior Vice President in FleishmanHillard’s Talent + Transformation practice, I provide strategic counsel on internal communications, executive positioning, diversity and inclusion, and large-scale change initiatives. I thrive in complex environments—whether leading organizations through mergers and acquisitions, guiding executive messaging during pivotal moments, or equipping employees with the tools they need to embrace change and champion their company’s mission.At my core, I’m a problem-solver. I believe that effective communication isn’t just about delivering messages—it’s about shaping cultures, building trust, and creating clarity in times of uncertainty. I’m equally passionate about investing in the next generation of communicators. I find great fulfillment in mentoring and developing junior team members, helping them grow into confident, strategic professionals who not only drive impact within their organization but also inspire and elevate those around them. I believe great leadership creates a ripple effect—where recognition, culture, and engagement aren’t just top-down initiatives but are carried forward at every level.If you’re looking for a communications partner to help drive transformation, announce critical business news to employees, foster engagement, and elevate leadership voices, let’s connect.

Experience

1. Senior Vice President

   FleishmanHillard

   Aug 2023 — Present · St Louis, MO, US

   As a Senior Vice President in FleishmanHillard’s Talent + Transformation practice, I specialize in helping organizations announce and manage complex, business-defining moments to their employees in ways that protect business continuity and retain top talent.Most recently, I led change communications for the Bunge–Viterra merger and regularly advise on major events including reductions in force, acquisitions by private equity firms, mergers within private equity portfolios, IPO launches, and other transformations where employees’ trust and engagement are on the line.I counsel leaders and organizations across agriculture, pharma, telecommunications, and healthcare on: • Designing and executing change communication strategies during M&A, restructuring, and other pivotal transitions • Serving as the executive voice for CEOs and senior leaders during times of uncertainty • Building employee engagement opportunities that sustain confidence and performance throughout change • Developing listening strategies, executive communications, and editorial approaches that keep employees informed and connected • Managing multi-million-dollar budgets and leading teams that deliver high-impact communications programs across global workforces • Coaching and mentoring next-generation communications leaders

Education

• Webster University

  Master of Arts (MA), Communications Management

  2012 — 2014

• Concordia University, Nebraska

  B.A., Communications

  2005 — 2009

Skills

• Advertising
• Creative Writing
• Publishing
• Non-Profit Leadership
• Event Planning
• Publicity
• Social Media Marketing
• Team Leadership
• Web Content
• Press Releases
• Blogging
• Campaign Management
• Interviews
• Sustainable Business
• Adobe Creative Suite
• Public Relations
• Internal Communications
• Media Relations
• Marketing
• Copy Editing
• Strategic Planning
• Nonprofits
• Non-Profit Fund Development
• Brand Management
• Cross-Functional Team Leadership
• Fundraising
• Photography
• Marketing Strategy
• Corporate Communications
• Public Speaking
• Event Management
• Crisis Communications
• Email Marketing
• Writing
• Integrated Marketing Communications Planning
• Feature Articles
• Copywriting
• Journalism
• Social Media
• Corporate Branding