Don Martelli Headshot
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When reputation

decides the outcome.

Some organizations don't need awareness campaigns. They need a senior advisor when the public hearing room is the battlefield, when the mission is under strain and attention is fragmenting, or when the story is breaking and the next hour matters more than the next quarter. That's what PR Bunker does — and only what PR Bunker does.

25 Years of Judgment. AI-Informed Systems. One Person Accountable.

Let’s talk

PR Bunker is senior counsel for reputation-critical moments — contested approvals, crisis days, fundraising stretches where credibility decides everything. Don works with engineering and infrastructure firms, real estate developers, established nonprofits, and organizations under pressure. One senior advisor, accountable for the outcome.

PR Bunker Headshot

With 25+ years in journalism, PR, and reputation counsel, Don brings seasoned judgment to every client, every room, and every decision. When you hire PR Bunker, you work with Don — on every call, in every meeting, on every deliverable. No junior handoffs. No agency bloat. Just clear guidance, AI-backed intelligence, and accountability for the outcome.

Services

Ideas That Land. Stories That Stick.

Let’s talk

Community Engagement & Public Acceptance Strategy

When a project faces community opposition, permitting hurdles, or neighborhood mistrust, generic PR won’t save it. Don runs a proven community acceptance system — stakeholder mapping, narrative development, public hearing strategy — backed by AI-informed intelligence on what communities actually need to hear. Same trusted face in every room. Smarter strategy behind every message.

Strategic PR & Reputation Counsel

When a nonprofit's mission is under strain — budgets tight, federal support gone, attention fragmenting — communications can't be an afterthought. PR Bunker builds the strategy and senior-level voice that keeps funders engaged, stakeholders aligned, and the mission visible when it matters most.

Crisis Communications Counsel

When a crisis hits, every hour counts. Don provides immediate, experienced communications leadership — with AI-powered monitoring, rapid message development, and a proven crisis system that keeps you ahead of the narrative. For organizations in active crisis and those smart enough to build the system before they need it.

Our Focus

Seven situations. One senior advisor.

Let’s talk

The organizations that call PR Bunker are usually in a moment — a contested approval, a mission under strain, a story breaking fast. What they need isn't a campaign. They need a senior advisor who's been here before, can see around the corner, and is accountable for the outcome. That's the engagement.

Community Opposition

Permitting fights, public hearings, contested projects.

Public-Trust Approvals

Zoning, regulatory, contested siting where trust is the lever.

Crisis & Rapid Response

When the story is breaking and the next hour matters.

Capital Campaigns

Major fundraising where credibility drives the close.

Competitive Bids & Growth

Contracts and moves where reputation decides who wins.

Nonprofit Under Pressure

Tight budgets, lost federal support, fragmenting attention.

Leadership Transitions

New seats, new mandates, institutional credibility to build.

Nonprofit & Social Impact
Public Sector, Education & Municipalities
Technology, Innovation & Infrastructure
Healthcare, Life Sciences & Public Health

Real Words. Real Impact.

If there were a 10-star rating, Don would earn all 10. If you need an expert PR firm to share your story with the world — or to navigate and repair a tough PR situation skillfully — Don is absolutely the one to call.

Jacqui Matsumoto

,

Alignable Ambassador
,
Wealth Builders

We are a nonprofit that supports small businesses through mentoring and education. When we approached Don about sharing his knowledge and skills with our clients, he did not hesitate to give back to this community. Through his generosity our clients will learn ways to improve their networking skills. We look forward to growing our partnership.

Teresa Lang

,

Director
,
Boston Business Mentors

Don has been a truly meaningful presence in our journey. From helping us clarify our messaging to inviting us onto his podcast, Don has consistently shown up with insight, intention, and a genuine desire to see mission-driven work thrive. He listens deeply, asks thoughtful questions, and helps you find the words and direction that already exist within your mission. Don leads with authenticity and creates space for organizations like mine to be seen and heard.

Christopher Mercer

,

Founder
,
Family First Initiative

Don Martelli is one of those rare PR professionals who truly gets both strategy and people. He's thoughtful, responsive, and deeply committed to helping brands tell their stories in a way that feels authentic and earned — not forced. I'd gladly recommend Don to any brand or organization looking for PR that's strategic, human, and effective.

Jeff Bender

,

Founder
,
Lion + Owl

Don is the man! He's so smart, purposeful, and transparent about what will and won't work in PR and strategic communications. A pro's pro when it comes to PR counsel.

Jay Kolbe

,

Principal
,
Impact Partners

Don is the best kind of human to do business with. He's generous with his time and knowledge, and his delivery is authentic and genuine.

Adam Helweh

,

Founder
,
Secret Sushi, Inc

Don dramatically impacted my business in one conversation.

Rich Keal

,

Principal
,
Freebridge LLC

Don Martelli is a true professional and someone I trust when it comes to public relations and brand visibility. Through his work at The PR Bunker, he helps businesses position themselves strategically, communicate their message clearly, and gain the kind of exposure that actually moves the needle. Don is thoughtful, knowledgeable, and genuinely invested in helping the people around him succeed. If you are looking for someone who understands how to elevate a brand and get the right eyes on your business, I highly recommend connecting with him.

Remi Rory

,

Coach
,
MNE Performance Coaching

Don is a very direct and "matter of fact" kind of person, and he really digs in. He's both very creative and very pragmatic, and has created compelling messaging and campaigns for a wide variety of organizations - for profit and nonprofit.

Barry Horwitz

,

Founder and CEO
,
Horwitz & Co, LLC

Don is very knowledgeable about the PR and Crisis news space and overall media space. He has great stories and a great understanding of how the media and news cycle work, and he has a great personality.

Lysander Rodriguez

,

BDM
,
M&C Saatchi

Don's exceptional communication skills and genuine care for others are immediately apparent. He demonstrates reliability and integrity—you can sense that when he commits to something, he will deliver exactly what he promises.

Joanne Sapers

,

President
,
Pathways To Relationships

I've collaborated with and worked with Don several times over the course of 20 years. He's incredibly talented, intelligent, and knowledgeable about PR and strategic communications.

Wendy B. Agudelo

,

Integrated Communications Strategist
,
Image Professors

Don is the kind of partner you can always count on: thoughtful, strategic, and all-in. He brings a rare combination of accountability, expertise, and creativity to the table, making him an invaluable collaborator.

Sandra Ma

,

Co-founder & CEO
,
Jovial

“Don, is an incredible partner Marketing, PR, communications, - so fortunate to have him as a partner.”

Rhonda Pieroni

,

President and CEO
,
Hearth, Inc
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