Helping mission-driven leaders clarify their strategy, amplify their message, and execute their most important work.
Krista Gleason, Senior Adviser
For the last decade, as the founder of Gleason Writes, I served as the voice and ghostwriter for many of our most respected business and community leaders.
When I announced my new name, people asked, “Why the pivot?” The answer is that writing will always be my superpower, but behind every successful project is a sound strategy.
Throughout my career advising executives in the public and private sectors, I’ve found my greatest impact isn’t just finding the right words—it’s helping leaders and organizations find the right strategy to achieve their goals.
Today, I see more organizations struggling because of a critical gap in capacity. It’s frustrating when you have the vision but lack the strategic support to see it through.
Gleason Strategies fills that gap, providing the senior leadership needed to advance your most important work.
Or email me at krista@gleasonstrategies.org
CLARIFY
Organizational Strategy & Priorities
I help you cut through the clutter to define exactly where your organization or project is going. Together we identify key priorities and create a realistic roadmap to reach your goals, ensuring your team is aligned and moving in the same direction.
Result: Organizational focus and streamlined decision-making.
AMPLIFY
Public Affairs & Communications
I translate your strategy into a compelling story. Whether you’re advocating for policy change, managing high-profile issues, or building your reputation, I craft speeches, op-eds and messaging frameworks that are clear, concise, and persuasive.
Result: Stakeholder buy-in and a message that moves people to action.
EXECUTE
Capacity & Project Leadership
I step in to lead your most important initiatives when your team is at its limit. I provide senior-level management to keep projects on track and get them across the finish line.
Result: Immediate momentum for your mission-critical work.
Impact
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Built a foundational communications function for a state elected official. Defined the legislator’s public platform and key issue messaging, established real-time rapid response capabilities, and created a “content arsenal” across multiple channels to engage and inform a diverse constituency.
Impact: Transformed communication from reactive to proactive and ready to address emerging issues, expanded visibility, and provided the tools and strategy needed for consistent constituent engagement and legislative impact.
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Partnered with the President & CEO of a century-old business organization as Board Chair to shift the organization toward a proactive, strategic model. Advanced a new strategic framework that refocused the organization on business support, advocacy, and economic development. Secured unanimous board approval for several growth and governance initiatives.
Impact: Re-energized a legacy organization by building coalitions, increasing board engagement, and establishing a clear roadmap for decision-making and long-term growth.
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Partnered with senior leaders in manufacturing, software, and technology to refine corporate strategy and distill technical information into clear, understandable language. Specialized in creating messaging frameworks to align internal teams and streamline the development of marketing materials for external stakeholders.
Impact: Strengthened brand reputation and provided a clear communication playbook that aligned marketing, sales, and executive leadership teams to a unified strategy.
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Served as a lead communicator for the historic and highly visible corporate restructuring of a Fortune 500 company. Translated high-stakes legal and financial developments into clear messaging for a global audience of employees, customers, and government officials.
Impact: Protected the brand’s global reputation and ensured message discipline across all stakeholder groups during a difficult but successful transition.
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Served as a trusted ghostwriter for executive leaders, translating vision and priorities into high-impact speeches, op-eds, and articles. Combined research with an ability to capture an individual’s authentic voice to help leaders communicate with clarity and purpose on mission-critical issues.
Impact: Elevated executive profiles, increased stakeholder engagement, and secured placement of key messages in top-tier publications and forums.
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Led strategy and messaging for high-profile events including a statewide labor strike, COVID-19 pandemic response, and complex energy policy debates. Analyzed and understood public sentiment to communicate legislative positions and solutions in a way that captured the attention of both the public and lawmakers.
Impact: Influenced public perception, elevated legislative leadership, and successfully leveraged communication to affect policy change.
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Provided immediate communications capacity for a newly-launched economic development organization. Developed a suite of executive and business profiles to build the organization’s reputation and influence during its foundational years.
Impact: Delivered high-impact communications that positioned the organization for its long-term growth and community influence.
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Led a county-wide leadership development program through a critical transition, implementing an operational framework and recruiting a new expert coach. Developed the playbook and processes needed to scale the program while ensuring a high-quality, high-energy participant experience.
Impact: Attracted the program’s largest cohort to date, elevated its profile, and established a turnkey system for sustained success.
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Partnered with a family-owned manufacturer to launch its first-ever content strategy during a transition to second-generation leadership. Collaborated with the company president to develop thought leadership articles that defined market differentiators, amplified the company’s profile, and drove customer engagement.
Impact: Established an elevated brand presence and created a sustainable content framework to transition to the internal team.
Testimonials
“Krista Gleason is as good as they come. She’s smart, industrious, and personally invested in doing the best work for her customers. There isn’t a situation she can’t handle. She’s an absolute joy to work with. Any organization would be made better by having Krista in it.”
— Gerard Meuchner, Senior Executive“A proven leader.”
— Matt Hurlbutt, President & CEO, Greater Rochester Enterprise“There is no one I have met in my long career in the marketing and public relations business who I respect more in their ability to deliver each and every time. I would ask her to lead any effort or organization—she is that good.”
— Jeffrey Hayzlett, C-Suite Executive“Throughout my four decades in public service and exposure to all types of professional communications, Krista Gleason is by far one of the finest writers I have ever known.
She combines her skill as a focused observer of the subject matter with a unique appreciation of what must be communicated to achieve the underlying message. Her ability to explain complex concepts with direct and easily readable language distinguishes her from other writers. Krista’s writing style is by every measure outstanding and I wholeheartedly endorse her services.”
— Honorable Michael F. Nozzolio, NYS Senator (Ret.)“Krista helped us strategize and create a user-friendly online tool that was the first of its kind for our global technology company. She was able to translate technical information into clear and simple terms. Krista also helped us tell the complex story of our massive infrastructure project, helping us craft a compelling narrative that won us a Project of the Year award.”
— John Milazzo, Chief Information Officer“A full, equal partner deeply respected for her business acumen and unparalleled work ethic. Krista was a central figure in efforts to attract private sector investment and grow the economy. Relentlessly focused on the big picture and known for effortlessly crafting a clear, succinct message. Revered by her peers for her leadership and penchant for results. Krista will add the value you demand. I could not have asked for a more trusted partner or a more experienced lieutenant.”
— John Durso, Senior Communications ExecutiveStrategic support for your most important work.
Investing in our community
Talk It Out
A 60-minute sounding board for Ontario County leaders.
Honest conversation is the fastest way to clear decision-making.
I offer complimentary “Talk It Out” conversations for local leaders who need a neutral and confidential perspective to get unstuck.
This isn’t a business pitch. It’s about community, connection, and clarity for the people and organizations building a stronger Ontario County.
And the coffee is on me. Email krista@gleasonstrategies.org to get on the calendar.