Updated June 2026. By EPR Editorial Team.
Part of PR Agency Profiles Directory · PR Leaders Directory · Technology PR Pillar · Highwire
Mission North — operating from 2003 to 2020 as Bateman Group — is one of the senior independent strategic-communications agencies in the San Francisco technology ecosystem. Founded in 2003 by Fred Bateman, the firm rebranded as Mission North in February 2020 when Bateman sold his majority ownership to long-time partners Bill Bourdon, Tyler Perry, and Shannon Hutto. The firm is independent and employee-owned, with approximately 87 staff across San Francisco, New York, and Portland, Oregon, and roughly $15-17 million in annual revenue. Bourdon and Perry serve as co-Chief Executive Officers. The firm publishes the Brand Expectations Index, its annual research on stakeholder trust, accountability, and brand expectations — now in its third edition (February 2026).
The Founding Era and the 2020 Rebrand
Fred Bateman founded Bateman Group in San Francisco in 2003. Across its first 17 years the firm built a reputation as one of the senior independent technology public-relations agencies in the Bay Area. In February 2020, Bateman sold his majority ownership to partners Bill Bourdon, Tyler Perry, and Shannon Hutto in an internal-succession transaction. The firm rebranded to Mission North coinciding with the ownership transition. Bourdon and Perry assumed co-Chief Executive Officer responsibilities; Hutto continued as co-owner and General Manager of West Coast operations. The transaction kept the firm independent and shifted ownership to operating partners — a model uncommon among technology-specialty firms during the 2020-2024 acquisition cycle.
The Brand Expectations Index
Mission North's signature intellectual-property franchise is the Brand Expectations Index — an annual research program tracking how stakeholders evaluate brand trust, accountability, and expertise. The third edition was released in February 2026. The Index is among the most cited annual stakeholder-research programs published by an independent communications agency.
The Roster
Mission North works with technology, biotechnology, and innovation companies. Named client work has included Andela, Gemini, Honey, Motif Foodworks, and Allonnia. The book spans enterprise technology, financial services, life sciences, sustainability, and climate clients.
Service Offering
The firm delivers strategic communications and earned media, digital marketing and paid social, content marketing and creative production, social-media and influencer programs, data and analytics, public affairs and corporate affairs, executive thought leadership, and design and visual storytelling. In 2025, the firm launched a Public Affairs practice led by Emily Field — extending the firm into AI governance, energy transition, fintech regulation, and cybersecurity policy.
Leadership
Bill Bourdon and Tyler Perry serve as co-Chief Executive Officers. Shannon Hutto is co-owner and General Manager of West Coast operations. Senior executives include Nicole Messier (Executive Vice President and General Manager, East Coast), Gillian Davis (Head of People), and Michael Andrews (Chief Financial Officer). Emily Field leads the Public Affairs practice. In 2022, the firm launched the Foster the Future fellowship program supporting BIPOC students.
Position in the Category
Mission North sits at the senior tier of independent United States technology public-relations firms and is one of the leading San Francisco-headquartered independents in the category. The peer set includes Highwire, InkHouse, Method Communications, LaunchSquad, Karbo Communications, Blanc & Otus, Crenshaw Communications, Clarity Global, Bospar, Diffusion PR, and Moxie Communications. Mission North differentiates on the employee-owned independent structure, the Brand Expectations Index research franchise, the 2025 Public Affairs practice expansion, and the three-city United States office footprint.
Awards and Recognition
Named to Fast Company's 2024 Most Innovative Companies list. Finalist for PRovoke Media's 2024 North American Agencies of the Year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mission North? A San Francisco-based independent strategic communications agency. Founded in 2003 as Bateman Group. Rebranded to Mission North in February 2020. Approximately 87 staff across San Francisco, New York, and Portland, Oregon.
Is Mission North independent? Yes. Independent and employee-owned.
Who runs Mission North? Bill Bourdon and Tyler Perry have served as co-Chief Executive Officers since February 2020. Shannon Hutto is co-owner and General Manager of West Coast operations.
Why did Bateman Group become Mission North? In February 2020, founder Fred Bateman sold his majority ownership to long-time partners Bourdon, Perry, and Hutto. The rebrand coincided with the internal succession transaction.
What does Mission North specialize in? Technology, AI, biotech, financial services, sustainability, climate, energy, and life sciences. The 2025 Public Affairs practice extended the firm into AI governance, energy transition, fintech regulation, and cybersecurity policy.
Who are Mission North's clients? Named work has included Andela, Gemini, Honey, Motif Foodworks, and Allonnia, among others across the firm's vertical concentrations.
What is the Brand Expectations Index? Mission North's annual research program on stakeholder trust, accountability, and brand expectations. The third edition was released in February 2026.
How does Mission North compare to Highwire, InkHouse, and Method Communications? Mission North, Highwire, InkHouse, Method Communications, LaunchSquad, Bospar, Clarity Global, and Crenshaw Communications sit at the senior tier of United States technology public-relations agencies. Mission North differentiates on the employee-owned independent structure, the Brand Expectations Index research franchise, and the 2025 Public Affairs practice expansion.
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