John Deveney

John Deveney is a top-rated presenter at conferences worldwide and recognized internationally for crisis and issue management for hospitality and health care leaders.

In 2006, John was honored as "Agency Executive of the Year" by PRNews after he served as a first responder during hurricanes Katrina and Rita -- from evacuation of the city to a military blockade and the aftermath -- for both the tourism industry for New Orleans and the Louisiana Office of Tourism. He led the only on-site communication operation and media center that managed more than $400 million in media scrutiny in war-like conditions. 

In 2010, John and his team created the strategy and led the team that managed the state Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism's response to the BP oil spill. That effort reshaped public perception and preserved Louisiana’s $9.4 billion tourism industry.   

His agency, DEVENEY, is the only strategic communication firm in Louisiana to have ever been named PR News’ Firm of the Year or PRWeek’s Top 5 Boutique PR Firms in the country. John is the only professional to ever merit the lifetime achievement recognition of PRNews’ Hall of Fame, PRSA College of Fellows and IABC Fellows.