Richard (Rick) Amme
Richard (Rick) Amme heads the crisis and media relations firm Amme & Associates, Inc. For almost 18 years he has spoken to, coached, or consulted with Fortune 500 companies, institutions, and executives throughout the country on how to protect and enhance their reputations especially during times of crisis or urgency. A guiding philosophy is simply “do the right thing and say the right thing.” He has handled a wide variety of cases including plant fires, closings and layoffs, accidental deaths, embezzlements, product recalls, medical mistakes, hospital and nursing home emergencies, environmental controversies, fights with unions, lawsuits, banking and credit union (and their associations) issues, university and community college crises, and he helped a board of directors throw out the entire top management team.
Rick’s more than 130 clients include the federal government, US Air Force, Pfizer, GlaxoSmithKline, American Express, R. J. Reynolds, Sara Lee Corporation, La-Z-Boy, and the California Community College System.
He strategizes with them on how to manage difficult public issues, and coaches executives on how to convey their messages to the news media and other important audiences.
Even pro football greats John Elway, Tony Dorsett, and Joe Theismann have worked with Rick to prepare to talk with the national media about products they represent.
Rick regularly speaks to companies, associations and conventions about crisis management.
He is a member of the editorial board of contributors for the Business Journal of the Triad and writes regular columns on corporate communications, has an audio CD “Rescue Your Reputation” giving proven strategies on crisis management.
Before starting his company, Rick logged more than two decades as a journalist specializing in in-depth reporting and covering major breaking stories.
Among many journalism awards are an EMMY for a documentary, a national award for investigative reporting, and the Edward R. Murrow award for overall excellence in journalism.
A former U.S. Navy Officer, Rick earned BS degrees in journalism and psychology.
Beth McCullough
A cool head and quick study in crisis situations, Beth McCullough has dealt with fast-moving education-related incidents including a kindergartner killed at a bus stop, a principal who committed suicide and a house fire that killed three elementary children.
While she continues to work full time in public education, as an associate of Rick Amme Beth coaches and speaks to educators about crisis management and stands ready to tackle crises.
Beth double majored at UNC Greensboro in music education and Spanish. She holds a Master of Education from UNC Chapel Hill. Her eleven years of classroom experience and thirteen years of experience in school administration (school level and central office) increase her comfort level in working with education crises. Her article in the September 2007 issue of Principal Leadership magazine entitled Reporter on Line 2 shared practical tips for school administrators contacted by reporters.
Beth has a keen interest in emergency preparedness and school crisis plans. She has been a part of two countywide, comprehensive crisis drills that involved schools and emergency responders. She co-authored an article about the all hazards approach to emergency preparedness published in the American School Board Journal.
In 2013 the North Carolina Music Educators Association honored Beth as the recipient of its Music Advocate Award for her work with arts educators in Chatham County Schools in strengthening program development.
Larry Mabe
A retired public school superintendent who collaborated with Beth on many of the same crises and more, Larry Mabe, also developed a system-wide drill involving local police, fire department, sheriff’s department, the local hospital, and the community. In conjunction with Rick Amme, offers his crisis management experience to broaden the scope of Amme & Associates as situations require. Larry and former colleagues are also establishing a leadership institute for senior personnel in the world of education.
Karen Friedman
Karen Friedman of Philadelphia is also valuable resource. Known as one of the leading communication coaches in today’s business world, like Rick, this former award-winning television news anchor and reporter who has interviewed thousands teaches others how to make the most of every interview, appearance and presentation. She developed the most sought after media-skills training program ever offered at the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, authored four Communication “Survival Guides” and produced an audio self help series to help others communicate in any situation.