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Glassboro-based AKCG – Public Relations Counselors is expanding to the Midwest, following its acquisition of Hennes Communications.

Founded in 1989 by Bruce Hennes, the target is a nationally recognized crisis communications agency.

The move expands AKCG‘s depth and reach. Moving forward, the firm will provide a full complement of crisis communications, planning and management; spokesperson training; and media relations services.

Commenting on the growth, AKCG Chief Executive Officer Chris Lukach described reputation as an essential management function. “This acquisition reflects the depth of expertise in our craft, as well as our commitment to delivering impactful results to our partners operating in sensitive, nuanced and pivotal moments,” Lukach added.

Hennes operates under a guiding philosophy that “the court of public opinion is always in session.” Its services closely align with that of AKCG. President Bruce Hennes and Vice President Thom Fladung will now lead the firm’s new Hennes division.

Succession planning and sustained growth

Discussing the decision to partner with a larger agency, Hennes Communications’ namesake founder brought up succession planning. “We knew partnering with a larger agency would be of great benefit to our existing clients as well as to future clients,” said Hennes. “We met with several potential partners, and after getting to know the AKCG team, seeing their sustained growth, and hearing directly from its counselors, it became clear they were the right fit to carry forward the Hennes legacy.”

For AKCG, the move adds more fuel to the firm’s accelerated growth. Since 2021, the firm says it has tripled in size.

AKCG placed at No. 2,567 on the 2025 Inc. 5000. That publication cited three-year growth for the company at 164%. The listing marked progress over the company’s 2024 ranking (at No. 2,923).

It ranked second on the 2025 Public Relations Firms list from the NJBIZ Data Center.

It serves a national client base across industries including senior living & aging services, home healthcare, higher education and independent schools. The PR firm boasts more than 20 professionals across offices in South Jersey, Washington, D.C., and now, Cleveland.