Paul Bernish

Paul Bernish is a broadly experienced professional communicator with a background in journalism, politics, corporate and nonprofit communications, investor and government relations, university-level teaching, corporate philanthropy, and issue management.

He is a cum laude journalism graduate of the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, and holds a Master’s degree double major in journalism and political science from the University of Wisconsin. His first job was police reporter in St. Petersburg, FL, followed by stints with the Wall Street Journal, the Louisville Times and the Charlotte Observer, where he served as chief political correspondent and authored a weekly column on state politics.

For nearly 20 years, Paul was corporate Director of Public Relations for The Kroger Co., and from 1998 to 2004, he operated his own strategic communication consulting firm, Bernish Communications Associates, serving local, national and international clients. In 2004, he joined the staff of the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center as its Chief Communications Officer, where he help create the world’s first museum-quality exhibition on contemporary forms of slavery and human trafficking.

Paul has been involved in numerous civic activities in Cincinnati, including service on the Buenger Commission report on Cincinnati Public Schools, and as a member of the Founding Board of the Freedom Center.

As Executive Counselor with Vehr Communications, Paul will continue to operate his own firm, while assisting with Vehr clients and staff as needed. “Nick and I share a common vision that professional communications must be based on a foundation of trust and transparency. I’m delighted to be joining with Nick and his team.”