Helene is the founder of Solomon McCown and is widely recognized
for bringing an entrepreneurial spirit and keen sense of strategic
thinking to the definition, recognition and protection of
mission-focused organizations and businesses.
Helene melds a track record of work for some of the most
recognized brands in their fields with an understanding of and
passion for issues that stem from her background in politics,
experience in the public sector, and serving on boards. Working
closely with CEOs, she has a unique ability to envision the
communication approaches that achieve strategic objectives.
A well-respected expert in the fields of public affairs and
crisis management, Helene has attracted attention for her handling
of the Planned Parenthood shooting incident of 1994, and for
helping the Pearl family establish The Daniel Pearl Foundation in
the aftermath of The Wall Street Journal reporter's murder.
She has participated in a wide variety of panel discussions and
forums that examine the relationship between the media and the
organizations they cover as it impacts brands and leaders. She has
provided commentary nationally on CNN, NBC Nightly News, NBC's
Today Show, MSNBC, and FOX TV News, and in local print and
broadcast media.
Helene is active in Greater Boston community affairs, serving on
the board of directors of the Commonwealth Institute, Building
Impact, the Visiting Nurse Association of Boston, the Massachusetts
Health Council, and Jewish Big Brother Big Sister. She also serves
on the Dean's Advisory Committee at Boston University's College of
Communications, the Advisory Board of Boston Women Communicators,
NAIOP Massachusetts Marketing Committee, and the Metropolitan
Boston Housing Partnership's Leadership Committee. She is a member
of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and, previously served on
the Massachusetts eHealth Institute's Consumer Education Ad Hoc
Workgroup, and as Chair of Brookline's Transportation Board.
Helene received a Distinguished Alumni Award from the Boston
University College of Communications. She is a recipient of the
Massachusetts Women's Political Caucus Abigail Adams Award, which
recognizes her longstanding support of women and the community. She
is a lifetime member of The Publicity Club of New England and has
twice served as its president, and has been selected as a Crystal
Bell Winner, which recognized her significant contributions to the
field of public relations. She is also a member of the editorial
board of PR News.
Helene has a master's degree in communications/public affairs
journalism from The American University and a bachelor's degree in
public communication from Boston University.
