Top Crisis Management Agencies in San Francisco

These San Francisco-based agencies excel at managing high-pressure situations with strategic flair and local insight.

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.

1. Avenue Z

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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.

Stay Prepared When It Matters Most

2. Reputation Defense Network

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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.

reputation defense network-logo
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

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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.

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Location:San Francisco, CA
Employees:11-50
Industries:Energy, Sports, Public Affairs
Specialties:Crisis Communications, Media Relations, Executive Messaging

4. Landis Communications Inc.

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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.

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Location:San Francisco, CA
Employees:11-50
Industries:Healthcare, Real Estate, Retail, Nonprofit
Specialties:Crisis PR, Integrated Communications, Accident Response

5. Sparkpr

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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.

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Location:San Francisco, CA
Employees:51-200
Industries:Fintech, Tech Startups, IPOs
Specialties:Crisis Storytelling, Product Messaging, Media Strategy

6. Antenna Group

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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.

antenna group-logo
Location:San Francisco, CA
Employees:51-200
Industries:HealthTech, Real Estate, Social Good
Specialties:Crisis Preparedness, Thought Leadership, Brand Messaging

7. Joele Frank

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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.

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Location:San Francisco, CA
Employees:201-500
Industries:Corporate, Technology, Nonprofits
Specialties:Crisis Communications, Strategic Counsel, High-Stakes Messaging

8. MSR Communications

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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.

msr communications-logo
Location:San Francisco, CA
Employees:11-50
Industries:Consumer Brands, Healthcare, Tech
Specialties:Crisis Comms, Media Strategy, Brand Messaging

9. J. Wade Public Relations

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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.

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Location:San Francisco, CA
Employees:11-50 
Industries:Travel, Luxury Lifestyle, Real Estate, Wellness
Specialties:Crisis Communications, Celebrity Relations, Strategic PR

10. GMMB

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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.

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Location:San Francisco, CA
Employees:201-500
Industries:Political, Government, Advocacy
Specialties:Crisis Narrative, Strategic Messaging, Public Policy Communications

11. UPRAISE Marketing + Public Relations

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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.

upraise pr-logo
Location:San Francisco, CA
Employees:11-50
Industries:Corporate, Tech, Service Orientation
Specialties:Crisis Messaging, Stakeholder Communication, Reputational Repair

12. ICR

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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.

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Location:San Francisco, CA
Employees:201-500
Industries:Corporate, Finance, Public Affairs
Specialties:Executive Messaging, Crisis Readiness, Stakeholder Relations

13. SPRITZ

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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.

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Location:San Francisco, CA
Employees:11-50
Industries:Consumer, Lifestyle, Corporate
Specialties:Crisis Messaging, Content Strategy, Media Repair

14. Fenton

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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.

fenton communications-logo
Location:San Francisco, CA
Employees:51-200
Industries:Nonprofit, Education, Advocacy, Social Justice
Specialties:Crisis Messaging, Stakeholder Engagement, Reputation Campaigns

15. Highwire

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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.

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Location:San Francisco, CA
Employees:51-200
Industries:Tech, Startups, Consumer, B2B
Specialties:Crisis Support, Media Relations, Brand Resilience

16. LaunchSquad

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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.

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Location:San Francisco, CA
Employees:51-200
Industries:Technology, Healthcare, Startups
Specialties:Crisis Messaging, Media Strategy, Narrative Clarity

17. Bospar

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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.

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Location:San Francisco, CA
Employees:51-200
Industries:Tech, Robotics, AI, Enterprise
Specialties:Crisis Comms, Media Readiness, Product Rebranding

18. INFINITE

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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.

infiniteglobal-logo
Location:San Francisco, CA
Employees:51-200 
Industries:Tech, Startup, Consumer
Specialties:Crisis Messaging, Media Relations, Founders’ Counsel

19. Karbo Communications

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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.

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Location:San Francisco, CA
Employees:11-50
Industries:Tech, Media, Social Impact
Specialties:Crisis PR, Brand Resilience, Strategic Messaging

20. Segal Communications

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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.

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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.

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