Chief Communications Counsel

Navigating complex business challenges requires strategic insight and experienced leadership. At Hamby Communications, we provide fractional Chief Communications Officer (CCO) services and expert communications counsel to help businesses navigate complex challenges with confidence and clarity.

Whether your business is facing significant change, scaling for growth, or managing crisis communications, a fractional leadership solution — in a CMO or CCO capacity— can offer you the seasoned expertise you need to keep your messaging aligned and your brand protected.

Providing Expert Marketing and Communications Counsel

Serving as your acting Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) or Chief Communications Officer, Hamby Communications provides the leadership and vision required to support your business’s goals effectively and efficiently. 

We partner with you to ensure that your communications strategy aligns with your company’s objectives, setting a strong foundation for long-term success. The scope and duration of service are flexible and tailored to meet each client’s specific needs and challenges— whether supporting large, established departments, working alongside a lean internal team, or coordinating with agency partners.

Scope of CCO Services

  • Strategic guidance on key initiatives and executive-level decisions, serving as an extended member of the executive team. This includes communication and counseling guidance that equips executives to handle a range of scenarios from employee all-hands to media interviews and investor relations.

  • Oversight of all marketing and communications efforts, from overarching strategies to message development and day-to-day execution. Rooted in a deep understanding of your business landscape, we ensure communications are aligned with broader marketing and business development goals.

  • Comprehensive program planning that supports your business goals. Whether building market awareness, refining messaging, or developing a structured cadence of communications around key events, we create strategies that drive measurable impact.

  • In times of uncertainty, having a clear, proactive communications strategy is critical. We provide strategic guidance for managing crisis communications, including rapid response messaging, media strategy, and internal alignment to protect your company’s reputation in high-stakes situations.

  • Hands-on leadership to guide your in-house and agency teams. With extensive experience managing PR, social media, and marketing teams, this can include everything from website redesigns to event strategy, social media publishing, and the creation of marketing and sales collateral.

  • Clear, compelling communications that resonate—from executive presentations and social media to press releases— ensuring all messaging is aligned, polished, and effective.

  • Assessment of your current marketing and communications program, from team structure to budget and systems. If needed, we identify areas for improvement and provide best-practice recommendations. This sets the team up for success and lays the groundwork for a future hire.

“Lorraine has been a key partner, stepping in as an interim leader on my team. She led both corporate communications and social media marketing, supporting brand-building and global programs."

— Carolyn Appleby, VP of Marketing, Informatica

Communication Techniques for Success

Effective fractional leadership goes beyond program management—it’s anchored in strategic guidance and leadership counseling that equips executives and team members with the communication techniques they need to succeed. This includes offering support as an objective advisor, a peer, team leader, manager, and mentor— adapting to each situation to provide the right level of insight and direction.

In addition to executive coaching, this can include guiding team development, providing feedback on performance, and helping organizations assess whether the right people are in the right roles to support long-term success. This is achieved through ongoing feedback, coaching sessions, quarterly business reviews, and professional development planning.

As an embedded but external leader, I offer the best of both worlds—the dedication of an internal leader combined with the fresh perspective and objectivity of an outside consultant.

For a look at how I advise executives—and for practical strategies on effective communication techniques—check out my How to Be Quotable tip sheet.

Why Hire a Fractional CCO? 

A fractional CMO or CCO delivers high-level expertise, helping you maintain momentum and make informed decisions. With seasoned communication counseling, you gain the clarity and alignment needed to manage stakeholder relationships, reputation, and corporate messaging effectively.

We deliver executive-level expertise precisely when and where you need it most, empowering your business in key areas:

  1. Maintain and Drive Momentum

    Maintain foundational communications programs and adapt strategies to evolving business goals— all while keeping your marketing and communications teams motivated and focused.

  2. Gain Strategic Confidence

    Navigate business transformations and challenges with clarity. A fractional CCO ensures stakeholder alignment—whether with investors, employees, or customers—offering communication and counseling expertise to help your executive team communicate confidently. This includes providing crisis communications expertise, ensuring your company is prepared to manage high-stakes situations with clarity and control.

  3. Secure Reputation Management

    In times of change, protecting your brand is paramount. An experienced interim CCO will proactively manage your company’s reputation, anticipating challenges and implementing strategies to safeguard your brand.

For more on how interim communications counsel can support your business, read Interim Communications Counsel: Expertise When You Need It Most.

Hamby Communications Leadership Experience

Lorraine Hamby has extensive in-house experience, having led communications for Symantec, HP, and Intuit. This expertise is complemented by over a decade of consulting, where she has served as a strategic communications advisor, with a proven ability to quickly integrate and connect with diverse teams.

Interim leadership roles have included:

  • Everseen Chief Marketing Officer: Shaped corporate messaging, strategic direction, and marketing programs for a retail AI leader.

  • Informatica VP of Corporate Communications: Supported major business transformation through strategic communications, providing communication counseling and strategy.

  • Informatica Social Media Director: Spearheaded social media efforts building up to the company’s IPO.

  • PayPal Employee Communications Lead: Managed internal messaging for executive staff and guided communications during acquisitions.

Strategic Leadership in Action: Interim CCO for a Retail AI Leader

Need a fractional communications leader?

Let’s build a strategy that moves your business forward.