Strategic Advising in Action: The Leaders at Peritus
Leaders are being asked to make decisions with more at stake than ever before. It’s no longer enough to simply communicate well. Resilient organizations are clear on who they are, what they stand for and how they show up in the communities they serve.
That’s where Peritus has stepped in with greater intention this year. We are leaning further into our role as advisors by helping leaders navigate high-stakes moments with confidence in their direction, clarity in their message and conviction in their decisions.
Whether we are facilitating a board retreat, shaping values, mapping a threat matrix, or preparing executives for high-stakes visibility, our advisory work helps organizations answer the questions that matter most: what we are committed to, where we can create impact, and how we build trust over time.
We hope you enjoy a look at how our team is putting this into action across Alabama, partnering with organizations navigating change, growth and opportunity with intention. We’re grateful for connection to make Alabama brighter.
Meet Our Executive Leadership Team
Louise Oliver, APR
Founder and CEO: When organizations take the time to align their values and voice to shape their mission, they improve bottom lines and strengthen communities. I thrive on helping business leaders gain the confidence, clarity and conviction to live out their mission with daily decisions.
Erin Vogt, APR
Chief Operating Officer: Strong leadership starts with a clear, human connection. As someone who thrives in high-stakes situations, I guide leaders across Alabama to build stronger, more prepared workforces through executive training, crisis readiness and intuitive leadership.
Hanlon Walsh, APR
Director of Strategy: The way we tell stories has evolved, but the core ingredients of a good story remain the same. I love bringing untold stories from the shadows to the spotlight, partnering with organizations to structure, simplify and share messages to the audiences who matter most.
Chis McCauley, M.A.
Director of Accounts: With a background in nonprofit leadership and higher education, my passion lies at the intersection of strategic communications and civic engagement. Through our firm’s new Good Neighbor Framework, I advise companies on becoming more intentional and responsible community partners.
Strategic Advising in Action
From strategic planning and crisis readiness to media storytelling and corporate social responsibility (CSR), Peritus is trusted to guide Alabama’s leaders through high-stakes moments. Our work primarily spans innovation and economic development, tourism and placemaking, manufacturing and community impact, helping leaders navigate complexity with confidence and clarity.
Strategic Planning: Vision, Values, & Voice
Based in her hometown of Mobile, Louise leads organizations on the Gulf Coast and across the state through strategic planning, organizational maturity, and mission, vision and values development. She recently helped facilitate a full-day board retreat and North Star workshop for Fuse Project, a Mobile-based nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting kids by expanding access to education, wellness and housing.
Executive Preparation for Organization Ambassadors
A seasoned expert in crisis readiness and executive positioning, Erin has spent the last two decades helping leaders prepare for (and respond in real time) to the many “What Ifs” keeping them up at night. This year, she has led media and executive visibility trainings for Airbus Alabama and Flight Works Alabama, while advising manufacturing companies behind the scenes on crisis response and reputation management.
Mission-Driven Storytelling Workshops
As Peritus’ resident storyteller, Hanlon partners with tourism and nonprofit organizations, including a recent staff storytelling session with Freshwater Land Trust, through hands-on workshops focused on the 5 Cs of storytelling, the Storybrand framework and how to apply those principles to media and public speaking settings. Beyond client storytelling work, Hanlon also authors stories of his own with recent bylines in Garden & Gun, Business Alabama, Mobile Bay Magazine and Currents Magazine.
Community Facilitation & Corporate Social Responsibility
A skilled facilitator and community convener, Chris leads the development and implementation of Peritus’ Corporate Good Neighbor Framework and advises tourism, economic development, manufacturing and nonprofit organizations on thoughtful approaches to CSR and community engagement. This spring, he also facilitated a series of communications courses with Birmingham leaders participating in Live HealthSmart’s Community Leadership Academy.
Are you interested in having Peritus facilitate a training or workshop for your organization, board, conference or committee?
Leadership Awards & Accolades
How our executive leadership team shows up across the industries and communities we serve.
Mobile Bay Magazine 40 Under 40
Louise Oliver, APR
Louise was honored as one of Mobile Bay Magazine’s Top 40 Under 40 honorees earlier this year. Read more here.
Birmingham Business Journal 40 Under 40
Erin Vogt, APR
Erin was named to the Birmingham Business Journal’s Top 40 Under 40 in February. Learn more here.
Alabama PRSA President Elect
Hanlon Walsh, APR
Hanlon was nominated to Alabama PRSA’s Executive Board Committee as the chapter’s 2026 President-Elect. He enters his third year on the board and will serve as chapter president in 2027.
UAB Outstanding Graduate Award
Chris McCauley, M.A.
Chris was selected as the recipient of the John Coley Outstanding Graduate Student Award for the academic year 2025-2026 upon completion of his Master’s degree at UAB.