With deep knowledge of local governments, healthcare and nonprofits, we keep you moving to your destination.
Tough moments don’t just test organizations’ messages. They reveal whether institutions are built to earn trust, withstand scrutiny, and act with integrity.
Sunshine brings strategy, experience and steadiness so organizations can move forward.
Crisis situations require that organizations be careful and intentional about how to share information with partners, elected officials and the public.
Working closely with legal and other experts, we develop a value-centered messaging and engagement strategy that minimizes risk and helps rebuild trust with your key audiences. This isn’t “spin”—we also support leadership in addressing root operational causes so your organization emerges stronger.
For organizations who are between communication leaders, Sunshine can provide fractional, executive support. Interim leadership keeps staff and major projects on track so you can focus on your executive search process.
This is not a “temp”: This is an opportunity to embed an outside expert in your organization and get an objective evaluation of your communication needs and assets. This assessment will help you understand your organization better, as well as help you identify and onboard your permanent leader.
We bring deep local government experience to work by advising executives and governing boards on high-stakes, public education efforts.
For public agencies, sharing information is always central to the mission, but it’s even more important to get right when legal constraints, political scrutiny and public trust collide. Internal leaders may also have differing perspectives, which can heighten the tension.
Whether your agency is navigating major service changes, litigation, a ballot measure or something new, Sunshine will help you emerge stronger.
Firmly grounded in governance best practices, we guide boards and executives through leadership changes. During transitions, it’s crucial to stabilize the organization and maintain credibility with internal and external audiences. Knowing when and how to share information is core to those goals.
Mary Kay Clunies-Ross is a Seattle-based communications strategist with 30 years of experience guiding public agencies, healthcare organizations, and nonprofits through times of intense media and public scrutiny.
In addition to her work as a consultant and advisor, she is the executive director of the Chronic Disease Coalition, a national nonprofit dedicated to advocating for patients and helping them advocate for themselves. The Coalition advances access, affordability and representation.
Prior to opening Sunshine Communications, Mary Kay was the Vice President for Communications and Membership at the Washington State Hospital Association. She came to WSHA after serving as the spokesperson for the City of Berkeley, where an average media day included the San Francisco Chronicle, the LA Times, and the Berkeley Daily Planet. Special days included all of the above, plus Fox News and Comedy Central.
Her work now focuses on helping organizations navigate their worst days without losing sight of their values or the people they serve.
Mary Kay has a bachelors degree in political science from Seattle University, a masters in journalism from Northwestern University in Chicago, and a certificate in nonprofit management from the University of Washington.
