MDSA Strategic Communications

MDSA Strategic Communications is a public affairs firm that specializes in managing complex, high-stakes communication challenges for organizations in the energy, petrochemical, and transportation sectors. Founded in 1994 and headquartered at 5742 Alexander Dr in Saint Francisville, United States, the firm brings decades of hands-on experience to the intersection of public relations, government relations, and stakeholder engagement. Its core focus lies in helping clients navigate sensitive issues, regulatory environments, and public scrutiny—often during major projects or crisis situations.

Core Services and Specialties

MDSA Strategic Communications offers a targeted set of services built around relationship management and strategic communication. While the firm does not publish a formal service list, its documented experience points to a clear suite of capabilities:

• Media relations and spokesperson services for high-profile projects and incidents
• Crisis communication and public information officer roles during emergencies
• Community relations and stakeholder engagement in both supportive and adversarial environments
• Social media analytics to monitor, track, and predict behaviors of environmental non-governmental organizations (ENGOs) and other stakeholders
• Issue management and messaging on topics such as hydraulic fracturing, oil sands, the "energy mix," and liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports
• Research techniques including focus groups, public opinion surveys, and digital survey platforms, with data interpretation for strategic planning
• Government relations and business development support for B2B communications

These services are grounded in real-world application, particularly for clients facing intense public or regulatory attention. The firm’s approach combines traditional public relations tactics with data-driven analytics to inform decision-making and messaging.

Industries and Client Focus

MDSA Strategic Communications primarily serves clients in energy, petrochemical, and transportation industries. The firm’s experience includes acting as media relations representative, spokesperson, or Public Information Officer during high-profile projects and incidents—such as a proposed $22 billion gas-to-liquids facility, a Gulf Coast LNG project, and major natural disasters like Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Gustav. The firm also played a role in the 2010 Enbridge Line 6B Oil Spill response. Beyond crisis work, MDSA has supported energy projects and assets in 13 U.S. states since 2010, working in both energy-friendly and hostile environments. This geographic and operational diversity reflects the firm’s ability to adapt its communication strategies to varying local contexts and stakeholder dynamics.

Approach and Methodology

The firm’s methodology is rooted in experience with both U.S. EPA and U.S. Coast Guard Incident Command protocols, giving it a structured, protocol-driven approach to crisis management. MDSA Strategic Communications emphasizes the use of current research and analytics—including social media monitoring and predictive behavior analysis—to inform stakeholder engagement and issue management. The firm also integrates data from focus groups, public opinion surveys, and digital platforms to guide strategic planning. A distinctive element is the firm’s commitment to mentoring college graduates in communications disciplines, with protégés going on to work for organizations such as Louisiana Economic Development, the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority, Shell Oil Company, the U.S. Department of State, and the United Nations. This mentoring pipeline suggests a focus on developing talent and maintaining a network of skilled professionals.

Location and Credentials

Based in Saint Francisville, United States, MDSA Strategic Communications operates from Louisiana, a state deeply connected to the energy and petrochemical industries. The firm’s location positions it close to key Gulf Coast infrastructure and regulatory bodies. While the firm is described as "award-winning," specific awards are not listed in available materials. Its credibility is demonstrated through the breadth of its project experience and the high-profile nature of the incidents and clients it has served. The firm’s longevity since 1994 also indicates sustained relevance in a demanding field.

MDSA Strategic Communications is best suited for organizations in the energy, petrochemical, or transportation sectors that require experienced, hands-on support for crisis communication, stakeholder engagement, or public affairs campaigns. The firm is particularly valuable for companies facing regulatory scrutiny, major project opposition, or complex communication challenges in sensitive environments. Its combination of traditional PR skills, analytics, and incident command experience makes it a practical choice for businesses that need to manage both routine communications and high-pressure situations effectively.