Dr. Gregory Peterson, JD, is an accomplished writer and communications consultant based in Boston, Massachusetts. With extensive experience in legal matters, technology, and public affairs, he collaborates with professionals across various sectors to produce strategic, memorable, and persuasive content. His clientele includes prominent organizations such as The Boston Globe, Special Counsel, The Boston Consulting Group, and Fidelity. In addition to his consulting work, Dr. Peterson has served as an adjunct faculty member at Boston University’s College of Communication, where he taught the “Business and Society” course.
Dr. Peterson’s educational background is distinguished by degrees in communications, law, and public affairs. He holds a Juris Doctorate from William Mitchell College of Law and a Master’s degree from Harvard Kennedy School, where he was a Bush Foundation Leadership Fellow. Further enhancing his leadership credentials, he completed the Leadership Program for Senior Executives in State and Local Government at Harvard Kennedy School and was a Humphrey Leadership Fellow at the Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs. His undergraduate studies culminated in a Bachelor of Arts from Augsburg College, with double majors in Communications and English Literature, including a junior year abroad at Schiller College in London.
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Throughout his career, Dr. Peterson has held significant roles in various organizations. As Vice President of Public Affairs in the Legal Department at Biogen, he was responsible for all aspects of corporate communications and public relationship management. He reengineered the communications operation to improve cost-effectiveness and organizational impact, designed and implemented a comprehensive branding program, and instituted strategic media campaigns that secured placements in key industry publications and global business media. His role also involved scripting speeches, designing presentations, and coaching executives for key appearances.
In his capacity as Project Director and Contributing Author for TED Conferences, Dr. Peterson directed the “UNDERSTANDING USA” project, which utilized information architecture to examine 100 topics in American current affairs. This initiative contributed to TED’s recognition as a premier forum for innovative ideas and exceptional speakers. Additionally, as Communications Director for the Minnesota Governor’s Office, he undertook a turnaround assignment to reengineer communications and public relationships with media, constituents, and special interest groups. He created and managed the communications department, coordinated a network of public affairs officers, and was responsible for policy initiatives, media strategies, constituent relations, major public events, and crisis management.
Dr. Peterson’s earlier roles include serving as Vice President of Public Affairs and Director International at Padilla Speer Beardsley Public Relations, where he launched and managed a practice area specializing in global communications. This position involved extensive travel, public speaking, and collaboration with clients and consultants worldwide. He provided counsel and executed communications campaigns for corporate, nonprofit, and government clients, actively managing the practice and generating new business. His career also includes experience as a magazine staff member at Minnesota Public Radio and as a writer for the “Governor’s Report on Environmental Quality” at the Minnesota State Planning Agency, where he conducted research and wrote on environmental affairs.
Dr. Peterson’s professional involvement extends to various organizations, including the Law Office Mac Group (Massachusetts Law Office Management Assistance), Global Business Network Scenario Training Program, M.I.T.–Harvard Public Disputes Program, Harvard Medical School Risk Communication Program, and the Harvard Law School Internet & Society Program. His diverse experiences and comprehensive expertise have established him as a versatile and effective communications professional, adept at navigating complex legal and public affairs landscapes to deliver impactful solutions.
