When a crisis hits, having the right team in your corner can make all the difference. San Francisco boasts a range of firms that combine nimble decision-making with deep communications expertise. From restoring reputations to steering the media narrative, these agencies are rooted in the Bay Area and ready to help you come out stronger on the other side.
Table of Contents
1. Avenue Z
Avenue Z is a national strategic communications and crisis advisory firm trusted by executives, public figures, and high-growth companies. Known for discretion and results, they manage everything from corporate crises and reputational threats to social media firestorms and litigation support. Their multidisciplinary approach blends PR, digital strategy, and legal alignment to ensure clients control the narrative and protect stakeholder trust.

Location: | San Francisco, CA |
Employees: | 150-300 |
Industries: | Fintech, Emerging Tech, B2B, VC / Private Equity, DTC eCommerce |
Specialties: | Content & Creative, AI Optimization, Thought Leadership, Influencer Marketing, Crisis Management |
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2. Reputation Defense Network
Reputation Defense Network is a San Francisco-based firm known for swift and effective online reputation restoration. Clients appreciate their urgent responsiveness and strategic credibility—even removing negative content that others said was impossible. Their streamlined processes make them a top choice when time is critical.

Location: | San Francisco, CA |
Employees: | 11-50 |
Industries: | Healthcare, Corporate, Legal, Consumer Services |
Specialties: | Crisis Communications, Online Reputation Management, Digital Strategy |
3. Singer Associates Public Relations
Singer Associates Public Relations San Francisco excels at crisis communications and public affairs. Since 2000, they’ve worked with major clients like Chevron and the 49ers, guiding them through complex media situations with unwavering composure and strategic precision.

Location: | San Francisco, CA |
Employees: | 11-50 |
Industries: | Energy, Sports, Public Affairs |
Specialties: | Crisis Communications, Media Relations, Executive Messaging |
4. Landis Communications Inc.
Landis Communications Inc. is a certified minority-owned San Francisco agency with deep roots in media and crisis response. For over 30 years, they’ve provided fast-breaking news communication, hospital reputation protection, and integrated crisis strategies across healthcare, real estate, and consumer sectors.

Location: | San Francisco, CA |
Employees: | 11-50 |
Industries: | Healthcare, Real Estate, Retail, Nonprofit |
Specialties: | Crisis PR, Integrated Communications, Accident Response |
5. Sparkpr
Sparkpr is Silicon Valley–born and San Francisco–based, focusing on late-stage startups and tech narratives. While known for IPO launches and brand visibility, their storytelling skills and media savvy also support companies successfully through high-intensity communications issues.

Location: | San Francisco, CA |
Employees: | 51-200 |
Industries: | Fintech, Tech Startups, IPOs |
Specialties: | Crisis Storytelling, Product Messaging, Media Strategy |
6. Antenna Group
Antenna Group is a San Francisco PR specialist for mission-driven industries like clean tech and healthcare. They are skilled in navigating sensitive communications with authenticity, ensuring complex topics are handled with empathy and impact.

Location: | San Francisco, CA |
Employees: | 51-200 |
Industries: | HealthTech, Real Estate, Social Good |
Specialties: | Crisis Preparedness, Thought Leadership, Brand Messaging |
7. Joele Frank
Joele Frank is a renowned crisis PR firm with a presence serving Bay Area clients from San Francisco. They immerse deeply in client challenges to deliver strategic narrative control and thoughtful counsel during high-stakes moments.

Location: | San Francisco, CA |
Employees: | 201-500 |
Industries: | Corporate, Technology, Nonprofits |
Specialties: | Crisis Communications, Strategic Counsel, High-Stakes Messaging |
8. MSR Communications
MSR Communications is an independent PR player based in San Francisco that excels at combining creative storytelling with communications resilience. Clients rely on them for both proactive messaging and swift, smart crisis navigation when reputations are at risk.

Location: | San Francisco, CA |
Employees: | 11-50 |
Industries: | Consumer Brands, Healthcare, Tech |
Specialties: | Crisis Comms, Media Strategy, Brand Messaging |
9. J. Wade Public Relations
J. Wade Public Relations operates out of San Francisco and serves discerning lifestyle and luxury brands worldwide. In addition to curated media and influencer relationships, they offer thoughtful crisis communications rooted in brand voice and authenticity.

Location: | San Francisco, CA |
Employees: | 11-50 |
Industries: | Travel, Luxury Lifestyle, Real Estate, Wellness |
Specialties: | Crisis Communications, Celebrity Relations, Strategic PR |
10. GMMB
GMMB is a political communications and advertising powerhouse with a San Francisco office. They bring elevated strategic thinking during organizational or reputational crises, especially those with policy or public controversy angles.

Location: | San Francisco, CA |
Employees: | 201-500 |
Industries: | Political, Government, Advocacy |
Specialties: | Crisis Narrative, Strategic Messaging, Public Policy Communications |
11. UPRAISE Marketing + Public Relations
UPRAISE offers fast, trustworthy crisis communication support for brands caught in reputational traps. Operating out of San Francisco, they earn praise for clarity under pressure and for guiding organizations with thoughtful urgency when issues emerge.

Location: | San Francisco, CA |
Employees: | 11-50 |
Industries: | Corporate, Tech, Service Orientation |
Specialties: | Crisis Messaging, Stakeholder Communication, Reputational Repair |
12. ICR
With a robust presence in SF, ICR is known for handling deeply sensitive issues with composure and strategic media guidance. They work with executives and brands to navigate high-stakes media crises with rigor and reputation-first precision.

Location: | San Francisco, CA |
Employees: | 201-500 |
Industries: | Corporate, Finance, Public Affairs |
Specialties: | Executive Messaging, Crisis Readiness, Stakeholder Relations |
13. SPRITZ
SPRITZ is a nimble San Francisco agency focused on messaging clarity during crisis episodes. Their creative use of content and media outreach helps companies manage narratives and rebuild up-front credibility after missteps.

Location: | San Francisco, CA |
Employees: | 11-50 |
Industries: | Consumer, Lifestyle, Corporate |
Specialties: | Crisis Messaging, Content Strategy, Media Repair |
14. Fenton
Fenton Communications brings socially conscious crisis communications to San Francisco from its strong nonprofit and progressive roots. When organizations navigate issues of equity, advocacy, or public scrutiny, Fenton helps shape authentic, values-driven messaging that resonates long-term.

Location: | San Francisco, CA |
Employees: | 51-200 |
Industries: | Nonprofit, Education, Advocacy, Social Justice |
Specialties: | Crisis Messaging, Stakeholder Engagement, Reputation Campaigns |
15. Highwire
Well-known among Bay Area startups, Highwire PR applies rapid response tactics to help brands endure difficult moments. Their local expertise and media connections make them a nimble partner when reputational challenges emerge fast.

Location: | San Francisco, CA |
Employees: | 51-200 |
Industries: | Tech, Startups, Consumer, B2B |
Specialties: | Crisis Support, Media Relations, Brand Resilience |
16. LaunchSquad
LaunchSquad has sharpened its reputation in San Francisco tech circles for helping brands during high-pressure moments like product recalls or executive transitions. Their storytelling-first approach helps brands stay clear and authentic when crises hit.

Location: | San Francisco, CA |
Employees: | 51-200 |
Industries: | Technology, Healthcare, Startups |
Specialties: | Crisis Messaging, Media Strategy, Narrative Clarity |
17. Bospar
Bospar’s San Francisco office is known for building resilient technologies and brands built to weather market and public relations storms. Their transparent, client-forward process aligns messaging and reputation—even in difficult situations.

Location: | San Francisco, CA |
Employees: | 51-200 |
Industries: | Tech, Robotics, AI, Enterprise |
Specialties: | Crisis Comms, Media Readiness, Product Rebranding |
18. INFINITE
INFINITE brings Silicon Valley energy and structural precision to crisis communications. Based in San Francisco, they help brands craft concise and impactful messages when reputation or visibility is threatened.

Location: | San Francisco, CA |
Employees: | 51-200 |
Industries: | Tech, Startup, Consumer |
Specialties: | Crisis Messaging, Media Relations, Founders’ Counsel |
19. Karbo Communications
Karbo Communications supports San Francisco’s innovation ecosystem from high-growth startups to mission-led ventures. During challenging times, they deliver grounded narrative strategy to guide founders through communications hurdles.

Location: | San Francisco, CA |
Employees: | 11-50 |
Industries: | Tech, Media, Social Impact |
Specialties: | Crisis PR, Brand Resilience, Strategic Messaging |
20. Segal Communications
Segal Communications, based in San Francisco, blends effective media campaigning with sensitive crisis preparation. When brands face unintended setbacks, Segal helps them convey trust and transparency in a way that regains public confidence.

Location: | San Francisco, CA |
Employees: | 11-50 |
Industries: | Corporate, Finance, Nonprofit, Tech |
Specialties: | Crisis Strategy, Reputation Repair, Media Guidance |
Final Thoughts
San Francisco’s crisis communications landscape is rich with experienced and nimble teams, from global networks to agile boutiques. Each brings local insight and strategic savvy to help brands stay resilient, relevant, and ready when the pressure hits.
If you’re looking to protect your reputation with clarity and care, contact Avenue Z. Our team combines digital-first strategies, media relationships, and thoughtful storytelling to help issues become opportunities for renewed trust and growth.
Stay Prepared When It Matters Most
Protect your reputation and keep control in critical moments with PR that responds fast and communicates clearly.