Beehive Strategic Communication: St. Paul Crisis PR Firm

Beehive Strategic Communication is an independent, women-owned strategic communication firm in St. Paul, Minnesota, founded in 1998 by Lisa Hannum. It is a Certified B Corporation and public benefit corporation focused on crisis and reputation counsel, change communication, culture communication and brand positioning. In April 2026 Hannum announced she would transfer leadership and ownership to three longtime partners, with Nicki Gibbs becoming president on July 1.

Originally published May 2021. Updated October 17, 2026.

Who founded and leads Beehive Strategic Communication?

Lisa Hannum founded Beehive in 1998, starting in the basement of her St. Paul home, according to Twin Cities Business. She told the magazine the firm began as a traditional PR agency strong in media relations, internal communications and crisis communications, then moved to the Beehive Strategic Communication name as its work widened into change management and culture. Twin Cities Business reported that she began planning her exit in 2016 and is selling to three senior employees.

What did the 2026 ownership transition involve?

The firm announced on April 15, 2026 that Hannum will move leadership and ownership to Nicki Gibbs, Ayme Zemke and Rebecca Martin beginning mid-year. Gibbs, formerly chief strategy officer, becomes president, and the release says she has 30 years of strategic communication, branding and change management experience. Zemke remains chief client officer, and Hannum continues as founder and board chair.

What does Beehive Strategic Communication do?

The firm lists crisis management and business continuity, impact strategy and communication, change management communication, organizational culture and communication, brand positioning, and digital strategy and public relations. It works with organizations in health, environmental services and renewable energy, education, professional services, construction and engineering, government, Tribal Nations and civic and social-impact sectors. EPR's crisis communications and corporate communications pages cover the disciplines.

Which clients has Beehive Strategic Communication worked with?

The announcement says Gibbs's work has included 3M, United Healthcare, Legrand, the University of Minnesota and Rasmussen University. These are her career credits, and the firm does not publish a full active client roster.

How does Beehive Strategic Communication compare with other firms?

Beehive is a small Midwest independent with a crisis and change focus. For other regional and crisis firms, see EPR's Minnesota PR firms list, the top crisis PR firms ranking and the Padilla profile.

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Related: PR agency profiles, Crisis communications, Corporate communications, Minnesota PR firms, 5W Public Relations