Darlene founded Panorama Public Relations in 1998 and has dedicated the past 16 years to helping companies develop strategic communication solutions, especially in the fields of issues management, crisis communications and brand positioning.

She is a media relations expert and CEO with 28 years of business experience, giving her a competitive edge the public relations industry. She has worked with members of the C-suite on many projects and prepared executives and key spokespeople to address the media with confidence, to change perspectives and perceptions.

Rotch’s experience in issues management and crisis communications began in 1994 in the adolescent behavioral healthcare arena when that industry was scrutinized for deaths occurring at outdoor residential treatment programs. Working on behalf of the industry, Rotch gained the trust of CNN, which had planned an hour-long negative expose on the issue. Instead of a negative and damaging documentary, Rotch was able to turn the negative piece into a positive one by showcasing reputable programs and informing parents and professionals of what to look for in successful adolescent treatment programs.

In 1997, FEMA tapped Rotch to develop a public awareness campaign for residents in a densely populated area near one of the U.S. Army’s Chemical Stockpile Disposal Sites. Rotch worked with the Army, community, regulatory agencies and others to successfully educate those living near the facility.

When the disaster of September 11 occurred, Rotch and her team were called upon to manage world-wide media for a client hired by the Federal Government to remediate anthrax at the HART Building in Washington D.C. The exposure propelled a small defense contractor into the international media and world’s spotlight overnight.

Under her oversight in 2002, Rotch and the Panorama Public Relations team created a plan to successfully open a rock quarry in a small town west of Atlanta, GA. Working with a team of geologists, engineers, lawyers, and the client, an international cement manufacturer, Panorama recognized the opportunity to create a nature preserve for the town’s residents. Rotch and her team were able to use the preserve as a way to communicate to concerned stakeholders. As a result, the quarry successfully opened without comment—a first in the cement manufacturer’s 200-year history.

Rotch has worked in remote locations managing messages and mitigating risks for absentee owners in the natural gas industry. During a potentially explosive natural gas reservoir leak, Rotch coordinated internal and external communications with employees, media, emergency management agencies, first responders and wild well firefighters.

She’s worked with nationally recognized companies more than once to stave off labor organizers and in litigious situations with employers to communicate important messages to its employees.

Rotch is also passionate and tenured in expanding market share on behalf of Panorama’s clients via brand positioning. She and the Panorama team have worked with some of the nation’s largest privately-held companies and established entrepreneurial ventures to develop and implement turnkey communication strategies to target and reach specific goals.

Rotch has been a member of the Public Relations Society of America since 1995; a member of its Environmental Interest Section since 2005; is a certified member of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council; and is an alumni of Dartmouth’s Tuck School of Business Executive Leadership Program.