Shipwright Communica

Shipwright Communications & Consulting is a boutique PR and communications consultancy specializing in culinary, hospitality, travel and tourism, and advocacy sectors. Founded and led by Liz Anderson Slobodian, APR — a seasoned communications professional with more than 15 years of award-winning experience — the firm operates as a senior-level consultancy that embeds directly into client teams to deliver both high-level strategic direction and hands-on execution. This model distinguishes it from traditional layered agencies, offering clients access to expert-level communications without the overhead or organizational distance typical of large firms.

The consultancy's core competencies span strategic communications, media relations, community relations, reputation management, and advocacy. For clients in the food and beverage, restaurant, hospitality, and nonprofit industries, Shipwright builds and executes comprehensive PR programs that include local, regional, and national media activations, story angle development, press release creation, news hijacking, interview placement, and spokesperson representation. The firm also develops custom media lists and provides detailed media coverage reporting tailored to client needs.

Beyond media relations, Shipwright offers a full suite of strategic communications services including key message and mission statement development, executive and employee communications, investor relations, Q&As, fact sheets, speeches, presentations, annual reports, byline articles, blog content, and website copy. The firm also supports clients with industry involvement, strategic partnership development, award submissions, public speaking coaching, and thought leadership positioning.

The founder's background provides particular depth in the restaurant and foodservice sector. Slobodian spent nearly a decade at Firehouse Subs, ultimately serving as Vice President of Public Affairs, where she oversaw all external communications including media relations, community relations, crisis communications, government affairs, and executive communications for the global franchise brand. She also built the company's in-house PR team from the ground up — a capability she replicates for clients today. Prior to that role, she led PR and marketing for the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association, creating its first PR and social media programs and executing a full organizational rebrand.

Shipwright also supports nonprofit and mission-driven organizations, guiding advocacy campaigns, corporate social responsibility initiatives, and community relations strategies. Additional service offerings include communications audits, training for in-house marketing and PR teams, project launch support, short-term PR retainers, freelance copywriting, and video communications support including storyboard development. The firm is particularly well-suited for community-focused brands, destination marketing organizations, and mission-driven entities seeking sophisticated communications strategy without the cost structure of a full-service agency.