Authentic, Credible and Inclusive Communications for Challenging Times
With a dedicated practice in service to the Catholic Church, the Tucker Group LLC works with diocesan leaders, education administrators, lay leadership groups and governance boards to assert the indispensable impact of Catholic ministry and witness in communities across the United States. Gregory Tucker, a former seminarian for the Diocese of Toledo with degrees from Saint Meinrad College and Katholieke Universiteit te Leuven (Belgium), brings his over 35 years of professional expertise to issues unique to Catholic entities, organizations and higher education institutions, assisting them in dealing with the issues that threaten to obscure the Church’s positive impact, while developing a program for sustained storytelling and authentic testimonial about what inspires everyday Catholics and those involved in ministry to bear witness to their faith, and accomplish so much good.
Gregory W. Tucker
A strategic communications professional and former seminarian for the Diocese of Toledo with philosophy and theology degrees from Saint Meinrad College and Katholieke Universiteit te Leuven (Belgium)
Gregory Tucker (Founder/Principal) is a strategic communications professional with 35 years of demonstrated expertise in devising and implementing integrated approaches and platforms essential to effective communications across diverse sectors: U.S. Federal government, religious, non-profit, the arts, and international corporate financial services. His career includes serving as a legislative assistant and press secretary in the U.S. House of Representatives, and holding senior communications roles for major for-profit and non-profit organizations. For fourteen years, Greg held senior communications positions for AEGON NV - a leading Fortune 500 multinational financial services group. He was based at the company’s headquarters in The Hague for seven years during which time he led communications internationally, in addition to the group’s Corporate Social Responsibility program, while managing complex reputation issues for the company entities in Europe, the United States, Asia and North America. He was responsible for supporting the AEGON’s brand, message alignment and stakeholder communications in the wake of the global financial crisis and recovery period. Greg subsequently led communications for AEGON’s North American division, which operates under the Transamerica brand, while also serving as Executive Director of the Transamerica Foundation.
The Tucker Group works with talented industry experts to address your particular circumstances and communications needs. A tailored approach that’s smart, efficient and effective.
Gregory Tucker with Saint John Paul II
Gregory Tucker with Saint (Mother) Teresa of Calcutta
PARTIAL CLIENT ROSTER
RECOMMENDATIONS
“Gregory Tucker has been of considerable help to dioceses in responding to crises and media attention. I saw him in action both in the Archdiocese of Baltimore and in my current Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston. Greg not only has a broad understanding of Church issues and media concerns but has a strong love for the Church and possesses the writing skills and “ear to the ground” that can serve the Church well in dealing with issues that come up. I have no hesitation in recommending Greg Tucker for future service to dioceses and Church groups”.
Most Reverend Mark E. Brennan
Bishop of Wheeling-Charleston, WVa
Most Reverend Edward B. Scharfenberger
Bishop of Albany, NY
“Greg Tucker has provided invaluable counsel to me and been a trusted collaborator in our efforts to communicate boldly, credibly and in a way that engages diverse audiences at a critical time. While serving as Apostolic Administrator for the Diocese of Buffalo, Greg helped to navigate complex issues and ensure essential clarity, context and insight into decisions vital to creating a more promising future for the Church in Western New York.”
“Greg Tucker’s keen understanding of the Church and the particular challenges and opportunities that the present time poses has proven indispensable for me personally as Bishop of Buffalo and the Diocese as we work to define a new era of Catholic identity and impact. I wholeheartedly recommend Greg, even as I continue to rely on his counsel and unique skillset.”
Most Reverend
Michael W. Fisher
Bishop of Buffalo
Most Reverend William E. Lori
Archbishop of Baltimore
“Greg has been a trusted advisor, working collaboratively with our senior leadership team and me to assert the indispensable role of the Catholic Church in serving so many critical needs, while also candidly addressing the difficult issues that understandably threaten our credibility. It Greg’s understanding of this essential balance that distinguishes his approach and the value of the services he provides.”
We listen. We understand. We see around corners.
“The most effective communications are simple; they resonate as authentic and true. They’re repeatable. The most compelling move us to think and act differently. It’s about being clear, credible and differentiating; sorting out what matters and what doesn’t - and often for competing audiences. Typically, you have only one shot to get it right.”
Areas of Practice
STRATEGIC IDENTITY
How do you claim a greater share of mind among those you need to speak to, influence and win over? It’s about defining a clear and compelling narrative such that people know who you are and what you stand for. In today’s crowded and competitive market, it’s about differentiation – being recognized for who you are and not being confused with who and what you aren’t. Communications that add-up to support and drive business growth.
LEGAL ADVANTAGE
Few contentious matters requiring legal representation do not also entail the risk of reputational damage. We partner with clients' legal counsel to ensure that the broadest range of PR considerations and their impact on key stakeholders are taken into account while driving a narrative that fully represents the client's side of the story. Because perception quickly becomes reality, we work to achieve optimal positioning to enable you to emerge from legal challenges with your brand and reputation intact.
DIGITAL/SOCIAL MEDIA
"If you’re not digital, you don’t exist." Like it or not, effective communications require real-time, online engagement - constantly. Your brand and identity are at stake. Whether you’re a “digital immigrant” or “digital native”, it’s about optimizing your presence on constantly-developing digital platforms; exploiting the right channels to be seen and heard, and most importantly, engage with those whose loyalty is essential.
REPUTATIONAL POSITIONING
It’s about defining yourself before others do. Controlling the narrative is key, whether it’s a matter of protecting your reputation from real and perceived threats, or enhancing it to increase your advantage, it’s essential to know what people are saying about you – and if they’re noticing at all. Real-time listening and engaging with those whose loyalty you're determined to win and keep, and whose opinions matter most.
MEDIA RELATIONS
The days of “local news” are no more. Because of today’s 24/7 media environment – traditional, digital, social – it’s never been easier or more challenging to be noticed and covered as news that matters. Message definition. Real-time engagement. Channel optimization. Targeted communications that stand out and impact those you need to influence.
VIDEO STORYTELLING
Nothing tells a story more clearly or powerfully than video. Done well and distinctively, it can move people in a way that other forms of communications simply can not. But it’s more art than science and, like all communications, it has to be authentic, credible and relatable. When it all comes together, it not only communicates your organization's mission, purpose and values, but captures hearts and minds and inspires loyalty.
LEADERSHIP COMMUNICATIONS
Credible and effective leaders communicate well and often. But not every leader is a born communicator. It’s about optimizing personal strengths and overcoming weaknesses. Developing skills and approaches that enable you to be an effective communicator, to be respected and ultimately, ensure others follow.
CRISIS COMMUNICATIONS
Because stuff happens and things usually don’t go as planned, getting in front of a pending or present crisis is your only chance to mitigate the nasty stuff sure to come your way. It’s about seeing around corners and defining a position that’s authentic. Scenario planning. Stakeholder messaging. Defining what works and what doesn’t - making sure that above all, you're still standing and credible when the storm passes
ADVOCACY
All voices are not heard equally. To change minds, attitudes and, ultimately, advance your cause requires being heard where and when it matters most. Clear and compelling communications, backed by irrefutable facts, reasoned approaches and tactics that work. It’s about cutting away the fat, and defining the essence of the matter – and why it matters - for the well-versed and un-versed alike.
CHANGE MANAGEMENT
Organizations, to survive and thrive, need to adapt. Circumstances, environments and attitudes change, requiring different strategies, behaviors and outcomes. Assessing what needs to change and why, and then determining how to bring about the necessary internal buy-in and transformation that will lead to new and better prospects requires clarity of purpose and robust communications. Getting it right is less science than art. It's about making clear "what's in it for them" and the benefits of being more than the sum of the many parts.
Optimizing Employee Benefits and Capturing Cost Savings
In collaboration with Hylant, one of the leading employee benefits consultants in the United States, Greg’s associates have been able to identify hundreds of thousands of dollars in savings to priest and employee health benefit plans. Hylant works with employers to design employee benefit packages with the primary aim of capturing significant costs while ensuring no decrease in benefits – and if possible, improving those benefits.
Hylant specialize in Self-Insured and Fully-Insured health and prescription drug plans. They also specialize in employer active employee coverage and retiree coverage. Employee benefits, of course, include dental, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, health reimbursement accounts, flexible spending accounts. Hylant has developed a comprehensive approach that includes implementation of coverage but also the service throughout the year to manage the benefits. Hylant works as an extension of their clients Human Resources department to provide support throughout the year.
Let's Chat.
Use the form below to contact us regarding your communications need or inquiry. Please be as specific as possible. Include your industry or sector, along with any timeframe requirements. You may also email or call to make an appointment.