Solomon McCown & Cence: Boston PR Firm Profile

Founded in 2003 by Helene Solomon, Solomon McCown & Cence was originally known as Solomon McCown. Following the acquisition by Daniel F. Cence, a veteran political strategist, the agency was renamed.

The Boston-based firm operates at the intersection of business and public policy, providing senior counsel to CEOs and entrepreneurs in complex sectors — public affairs, housing and real estate, education, and healthcare. Core capabilities span crisis management, traditional and digital media, and public affairs strategy.

Case Studies

Atrius Health

Atrius Health is the largest independent non-profit medical group in New England, delivering connected care to nearly 720,000 adults across eastern and central Massachusetts. Solomon McCown & Cence was charged with positioning Atrius executives as authorities in healthcare and payment reform, and raising the brand's profile nationally and statewide.

The agency produced sustained media coverage of Atrius's work as an Accountable Care Organization (ACO), positioning CEO Dr. Steven Strongwater as an authority on healthcare policy. Results included op-ed placements on physician burnout and hospital readmissions in the Boston Business Journal, NEJM Catalyst, CommonWealth Magazine, and Health Leaders — reaching finance executives, healthcare administrators, and clinician leaders involved in physician recruitment.

The work helped Atrius secure a national leadership position in healthcare, including recognition as a pioneering member of the original CMS Pioneer ACOs and subsequent designation as a next-generation ACO.

Beacon Capital Partners

Solomon McCown & Cence has served on Beacon's emergency response team for 14 years, building communication protocols that guide property managers in incident reporting, media engagement, and tenant communication. The agency has drafted more than 20 legally vetted holding statements, equipping Beacon's managers to handle sensitive situations.

When Superstorm Sandy cut one of Beacon's buildings off from the communication grid for nearly two months, the agency helped Beacon prioritize tenant communication. While tenants in nearby buildings aired grievances publicly, none of Beacon's tenants did — and Beacon was not mentioned in the negative coverage that ran.

Notable Clients

Combined Jewish Philanthropies, Rockland Trust, Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Related Beal, Skanska, Atrius Health, Mass Brewers Guild, Boston Beer Co. (Samuel Adams), and South Coast Health.

Related: PR Firms & Communications Agencies · Healthcare Communications · Public Affairs & Government · Crisis Communications