When Shanny and Eric Morgenstern founded Morningstar Communications in 1997 there was no social media, the internet was an infant and smart phones were still more than a decade away.
The communications industry has transformed and so has their business. Today, Morningstar Communications is a consulting firm after evolving from a full-service strategic communications and marketing agency.
Eric Morgenstern will lead all client engagements with help from Shanny and “The Morningstar Communications Constellation,” a collection of independent communications professionals.
“It’s a privilege to help smart, successful people grow and strengthen their business as we provide presentation coaching and training, strategic communications consulting and executive counsel,” said Morgenstern, the company CEO.
Morgenstern provides clients with executive-level strategic consulting, mentoring and coaching. He is a frequent speaker and recognized thought leader. Morgenstern also facilitates strategy sessions, delivers keynotes and breakouts, moderates and emcees events.
“Eric and his team have served as an essential and effective extension of our in-house marketing team for over 15 years,” said Martin Mini, CMO and senior vice president of Kansas City Area Development Council (KCADC). “From messaging strategy to speaker coaching and change communications, Eric ensures we always maximize the impact of KCADC’s brand and the KC region’s good news.”
Morgenstern said companies and organizations tend to implement most tactical communications with internal resources while they seek executive-level strategic guidance.
“This is a tremendous opportunity for me to do what I got into this business 40 years ago to do,” said Morgenstern. “I love to help leaders clarify their message, connect with the people who matter most and change attitudes and behaviors.”
Both Morgensterns are longtime community leaders and volunteers. The couple currently serves as co-chairs of this year’s JCC Superstar fundraiser. Both are former board members and officers of the Jewish Community Center and the Jewish Federation.
Shanny Morgenstern currently serves as vice-chair for The J and is on the finance committee for the Jewish Federation.
Eric Morgenstern has served on the boards of Midwest Center for Holocaust Education (MCHE) and the Jewish Community Foundation. He currently serves as the communications chair for KC Rising and is on the board of Turn The Page KC, as well as the advisory boards for the KU Journalism School IMC Master’s program and KU J-School Generations. He previously served on the board of The KC Chamber.
The Morgensterns are longtime members of Congregation Beth Torah.