In 1984, Kathleen Hessert founded Sports Media Challenge, a reputation management and social media consulting firm in sports and entertainment.  In 2006, Hessert expanded beyond communication, branding and crisis management for executives in major corporations, government and sports to include social media strategy and education services.

Hessert has counseled renowned clients in financial, manufacturing, media and education and some of the world’s best in Olympic, Professional and College sports. An early adopter and thought leader, Hessert rose to international acclaim with the launch of NBA super star Shaquille O’Neal on Twitter. Some of her clients include NFL MVP Peyton Manning, Derek Jeter, Danica Patrick, Christian Laettner,  Notre Dame, Michigan, Texas, and Auburn, ESPN, Big Ten Network, The Rockettes , and celebrity entertainer P.Diddy.

In 2010, Hessert recognized a more fundamental need for social media expertise in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief. She led social strategy for Exercise24, an international disaster preparedness exercise for 79 nations sponsored by the U.S. Navy.

She developed and spearheads DASSL: Disaster Alerting through Sports-based Social Linking and is Co-Chair of Partnership and Communication for Operation Dragon Fire. Additionally, she will lead social media efforts for Millennials during Pope Francis’ upcoming U.S. trip.