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HEPLER COMMUNICATION, LLC

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About Hepler Communication

At Hepler Communication, we believe that an organization’s greatest competitive advantage is the alignment of its people and its purpose. As a woman-owned consultancy, we provide the strategic scaffolding necessary for leaders and organizations to navigate today’s most complex communication and development challenges.

We move beyond "cookie-cutter" solutions. By leveraging deep expertise in organizational socialization and identity, we help our partners—ranging from state government and educational institutions to corporate firms—build cultures of belonging and high performance. Our approach is designed to be highly customizable, focusing on maximizing your existing strengths while creating actionable strategies for sustainable growth.

Whether we are partnering with senior executives to refine institutional vision or coaching emerging talent to master their leadership voice, our goal is the same: to create environments where both the organization and its members thrive.

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Shelley A. Hepler, PhD

Principal & Founder | Organizational Consultant | Scholar-Practitioner

I understand that communication is not just a tool for business. Rather, it's the foundation of organizational identity. As the founder of Hepler Communication, I partner with leaders to navigate the complexities of change, foster leadership excellence, and build cultures where every voice is integrated and honored.

I founded Hepler Communication to do what I do best: transform organizational chaos into clarity. True organizational success happens at the intersection of strategic vision and emotional intelligence. Throughout my career, I’ve trusted my instincts to look past conventional paths, focusing instead on untangling complex human dynamics and designing systems that actually work for the people within them.

As a leader and advisor, my approach blends high-level strategic thinking with deep emotional depth. Whether I'm guiding a company through a massive cultural shift, navigating a complex transition, or mediating deeply rooted conflict, my goal is always the same: cut through the confusion and deliver solutions that have a real, lasting impact.

The Foundation of My Approach

With over 20 years of experience as a program manager and executive consultant, I have transitioned my focus to what I value most: equipping others for sustainable success. My work is powered by a unique blend of empathy and rigorous analysis, allowing me to identify organizational strengths and provide clear pathways for development. Rather than offering one-size-fits-all advice, I utilize evidence-based strategies to customize solutions that foster dignity and deliver measurable impact.

 

Real-World Expertise

Having directed, advised, and taught across both public, private, and non-profit sectors, I possess a firsthand understanding of the pressures facing today’s administrators. From startups to established institutions, I have honed a deep expertise in:

  • Workplace Communication Systems

  • Managerial Competencies

  • Facilitating Organizational Change

  • Identity & Belonging in the Workplace

 

A Partnership Rooted in Honor

I take pride in my ability to genuinely understand the lived experiences of my clients. I view every engagement as a partnership—bringing a collective commitment to focus, accountability, and the honoring of diverse perspectives. My workshops and presentations are never "off the shelf"; they are dynamically tailored to meet the specific histories and goals of your team.

Academic & Professional Standing

I hold a Ph.D. in Organizational Communication from the University of Kansas and an MA in Communication and Leadership Studies from Gonzaga University. As a Clinical Professor, I teach graduate and undergraduate courses in crisis communication and leadership. I am a sought-after advisor and speaker on the intersections of identity, dignity, and systemic excellence in the workplace.

Professional Partners

Consultant, Coach, Trainer

Areas: Organizational communication, job search coaching, ADA in the workplace, stigma

Consultant, Coach, Trainer

Areas: Organizational communication, workplace bullying, toxic work environments, supervisor/manager strategies, and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI) lens 

Attorney, Consultant

Areas: Contracts, business formation, conservation law, real estate law

Angela Gist-Mackey, PhD

Consultant, Coach, Trainer

Areas: Organizational communication, job search coaching, social mobility, organizational power, stigma

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