Donald (Don) Kirchoffner, APR,
Fellow PRSA
630-303-0961
(phone) 303-993-7954 (fax)
Don is an accomplished senior communications
executive known for creating and implementing strategic communications that have proactively addressed a broad array of challenges
with innovation, foresight and action. He has been a driving force behind a number of high-profile media campaigns,
crisis management situations and public outreach programs both in the U.S. and overseas.
Following a distinguished 26-year
career with the United States Army, Don completed his military service as chief of media relations for the Department of the
Army with the rank of Colonel. During his military career, Don was the first public affairs officer on the ground following
the invasion of Kuwait by Iraqi forces, served as the director of communication for Kurdish Relief Operations in Northern
Iraq following the war, was the director of communications for three hostage release operations, and handled Department of
Defense efforts during the Los Angeles Riots. Don also served as the senior director of communications for all federal
relief efforts during Hurricane Andrew. He supervised more than 40 federal, military and non-profit public affairs personnel
involved in the recovery efforts.
Don previously was director
of communications for the Biomedical Services Division of the American Red Cross. In this capacity, he directed all
communications activities for the 38 member blood centers across the United States. Don also has served as vice president
of communications with Commonwealth Edison in Chicago, which eventually became known as Exelon following ComEd’s merger
with Philadelphia Electric thus forming the largest utility in the country. Most recently, Don served as senior communications
consultant to Dr. Julie Gerberding at the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta. He is accredited by PRSA and was elected
to the Society’s prestigious College of Fellows. He is a past president of the Chicago Chapter of PRSA and was
recently elected to the board of directors for the National Public Relations Society of America and also elected to the board
of directors for Metro Volunteers of Denver.
Don is a member of the Army Public Affairs Hall of Fame and the Arthur Page Society.
