Related: PR Firms · PR Leaders · Crenshaw Communications
Crenshaw Communications is a New York City-based public relations and communications firm focused on B2B technology — including AI and machine learning, SaaS, adtech and martech, cybersecurity, ecommerce and retail, fintech, blockchain, HR technology, supply chain, and healthcare technology. The agency provides media relations, thought leadership development, content creation, social media strategy, crisis communications, reputation management, and message development. It is led by founder Dorothy Crenshaw. In October 2023, Crenshaw was acquired by Mod Op, a Miami-based digital marketing agency backed by Alterna Equity Partners, and now operates as a Mod Op company.
This profile summarizes the firm's history, ownership, services, leadership, recognition, and Everything-PR coverage.
Founded: February 2009
Headquarters: 36 West 20th Street, 5th Floor, New York, NY 10011
Parent: Mod Op (acquired October 19, 2023; portfolio company of Alterna Equity Partners)
Founder & Chief Public Relations Officer (Mod Op): Dorothy Crenshaw
EVP, PR Division (Mod Op): Chris Harihar
Specialty: B2B technology PR
Memberships (per agency website): PR Council; partner in Public Relations Organisation International (PROI Worldwide)
Website: crenshawcomm.com
Overview
Crenshaw Communications is a B2B technology PR firm based in New York City. The agency's stated specialty is high-growth technology businesses across SaaS, AI/ML, adtech and martech, cybersecurity, ecommerce, retail, fintech, blockchain, HR tech, supply chain, and healthcare technology. Following the October 2023 acquisition by Mod Op, Crenshaw operates as a Mod Op company alongside Mod Op's broader digital marketing, content, and strategic consulting offerings. The Crenshaw brand has been preserved post-acquisition.
History and Ownership
Crenshaw Communications launched on February 9, 2009 in New York City when Dorothy Crenshaw split from her former partner Alex Stanton, dividing the predecessor firm Stanton Crenshaw Communications into two distinct businesses. Per PRWeek's coverage at the time, the new agency began with 15 staff members, 12 of whom carried over from Stanton Crenshaw. Initial clients reported in trade press included Sharp Electronics, Shop.com, Quiznos, and Call2Recycle.
On October 19, 2023, Mod Op announced the acquisition of Crenshaw Communications. The deal represented Mod Op's first acquisition in public relations and was one of multiple Mod Op acquisitions completed in 2023. Financial terms were not disclosed. TobinLeff served as M&A advisor to Crenshaw. Dorothy Crenshaw joined Mod Op as Chief Public Relations Officer; Chris Harihar joined as Executive Vice President overseeing the PR division.
Key Milestones
February 9, 2009: Crenshaw Communications launches in New York City following the Stanton Crenshaw split.
2010s: Firm builds B2B technology specialty across SaaS, adtech, martech, cybersecurity, and emerging-technology categories.
October 19, 2023: Mod Op acquires Crenshaw Communications. Dorothy Crenshaw becomes Chief Public Relations Officer at Mod Op. Chris Harihar becomes EVP overseeing the PR division.
2024–2026: Crenshaw operates as a Mod Op company. The Crenshaw brand and NYC office are preserved within the Mod Op network.
Services
Crenshaw Communications offers B2B technology PR services: media relations, thought leadership development, content creation, social media strategy, crisis communications, reputation management, and message development. Per agency materials, the firm has incorporated AI tools into its account workflows. As part of Mod Op, Crenshaw is positioned alongside Mod Op's digital marketing, content, performance media, and strategic consulting capabilities.
Leadership
Dorothy Crenshaw, the agency's founder, serves as Chief Public Relations Officer at Mod Op while continuing to lead Crenshaw. Chris Harihar serves as Executive Vice President overseeing Mod Op's PR division. Mod Op CEO Eric J. Bertrand provides holding-company leadership across the broader Mod Op network.
Memberships and Recognition
Per the agency's own website, Crenshaw is a member of the PR Council and a partner in Public Relations Organisation International (PROI Worldwide), a network of independent agencies. Dorothy Crenshaw publishes industry commentary on PR strategy, brand reputation, and emerging communications issues.
EPR Coverage
Everything-PR has covered Crenshaw Communications since the agency's earliest years, including its 2009 launch, subsequent account activity, and 2016 EPR profile of Dorothy Crenshaw and the firm.
Notable Clients and Case Studies
Crenshaw's client roster spans high-growth B2B technology brands across AI/ML, SaaS, adtech and martech, cybersecurity, ecommerce, retail, fintech, blockchain, HR technology, supply chain, and healthcare technology. Historical clients reported in trade press have included Sharp Electronics, Shop.com, Quiznos, and Call2Recycle.
FAQ
Is Crenshaw Communications independent?
No. Crenshaw was acquired by Mod Op in October 2023 and operates as a Mod Op company. Mod Op is a portfolio company of Alterna Equity Partners.
Who founded Crenshaw Communications?
Dorothy Crenshaw, in February 2009, following her split from former partner Alex Stanton at Stanton Crenshaw Communications. She continues to lead Crenshaw and serves as Chief Public Relations Officer at Mod Op.
Where is Crenshaw Communications located?
36 West 20th Street, 5th Floor, New York, NY 10011. The agency shares office space with Mod Op Strategic Consulting.
What does Crenshaw specialize in?
B2B technology PR. Practice depth in AI and machine learning, SaaS, adtech and martech, cybersecurity, ecommerce, retail, fintech, blockchain, HR technology, supply chain, and healthcare technology.
What is Mod Op?
Mod Op is a Miami-based digital marketing agency backed by Alterna Equity Partners. Mod Op CEO is Eric J. Bertrand. The firm operates across multiple U.S. and international markets and has completed multiple acquisitions across creative, digital transformation, and public relations sectors.
Key Takeaways
- Founded February 9, 2009 in New York City by Dorothy Crenshaw.
- Acquired by Mod Op on October 19, 2023. Now operates as a Mod Op company; Crenshaw brand preserved.
- Dorothy Crenshaw is founder and Chief Public Relations Officer at Mod Op. Chris Harihar is EVP overseeing PR division.
- B2B technology PR specialty: AI/ML, SaaS, adtech and martech, cybersecurity, ecommerce, retail, fintech, blockchain, HR tech, supply chain, healthcare tech.
- Headquarters at 36 West 20th Street, 5th Floor, New York, NY 10011.
- Per agency website: member of PR Council and partner in PROI Worldwide.
- Mod Op is backed by Alterna Equity Partners. CEO Eric J. Bertrand.
