Recognized Crisis Communications Leaders 2025

Tieja MacLaughlin is a sought-after public relations and crisis management consultant for individuals, executives, and brands who are experiencing reputation damage including social media fallout, legal issues, and other sensitive matters that may attract media attention or public scrutiny. Tieja offers a no nonsense real-world approach to traditional crisis communications, and is frequently relied upon as a strategic asset in high-stakes scenarios. Tieja’s background in media and communications, combined with her personal lived experience, has bolstered her natural ability to seamlessly navigate chaos and turn reputational disasters into redemption arcs. www.tiejamaclaughlin.com

Dawn Carrington is a crisis communications and reputation strategist who has advised three heads of state including UK Prime Minister Lord David Cameron, HM Queen Elizabeth II, HM King Charles III, Prince William, Mayor of London, FTSE 100 leaders, Dragon’s Den judges, and high‑growth startups and scale-ups. A go‑to media commentator, she can be interviewed on issues such as political scandals, government crises, royal family and monarchy PR, natural disasters and emergencies, policing and public‑sector scandals, media storms, social pile‑ons, cancel culture, deepfakes, AI deception and misinformation, tech, cybersecurity and data‑privacy crises, and leaks. With 20+ years experience including organisations such as the Cabinet Office, AstraZeneca and Samaritans, Dawn specialises in helping leaders survive “the worst day” of their career, explaining, on air or in print, how crises unfold, why some destroy reputations while others don’t, and providing expert commentary around breaking stories.

Stephen is a senior communications strategist with nearly 20 years of experience leading public affairs, media relations, crisis communication, and executive messaging for complex, mission-driven organizations. He specializes in helping leaders translate complex issues into clear, credible narratives that build trust with both internal and external audiences. Drawing on deep experience in high-stakes communication environments, Steve provides insight on leadership communication, reputation management, and the evolving intersection of technology, media, and public trust.

My team and I are focusing on STRATEGY and RESULTS. I lead an international PR and crisis management firm that exists to press the truth. We empower clients to achieve business goals using strategic communications. We specialize in crisis management, high-stakes PR, and complex assignments requiring creative thinking, steady judgment shaped by experience and a relentless commitment to exceeding expectations.

Lindsay is known for her bold, results-driven approach to public relations—consistently pushing boundaries to deliver creative campaigns that make headlines. With over 15 years of experience, she is an industry-recognized leader in media relations, crisis communications, and strategic public relations. She began her career in Toronto, Canada, with a global PR firm before moving in-house for internationally acclaimed food, beverage, and hospitality brands. During this time, Lindsay built award-winning PR campaigns for Marriott Hotels, Hyatt Hotels, Molson Coors Canada, Cathay Pacific, Tourism Australia, Visa, Frito Lay, and Etihad Airways. Lindsay continues to lead strategic PR, media relations strategy and crisis communications for food and beverage, wine and spirits, hospitality and lifestyle brands in Canada and the US. She has earned recognition for her work with McDonald’s USA, Hard Rock Cafe, Restoration Hardware, UberEATS, Habit Burger Grill, Fogo de Chão and more. Featured in several industry publications, Lindsay is a regular guest panelist, podcaster and PR expert in Scottsdale, NYC and Toronto. She is recognized by the Public Relations Society of America as a leader in crisis communications, positive brand positioning and brand reputation. Lindsay is a co-founder of The Agency Alliance Network (AAN). AAN is a collaborative, collective agency network offering public relations, social media management, advertising, SEO and Digital Marketing for clients looking to streamline agency workflow. AAN's founders are are a collective of strategic partner agencies and subject matter experts, combining each focus area into one cohesive team working cross-functionally.

I’m Cristy Verdeja Zaldívar—a strategic communications and marketing leader with over 15 years of experience transforming how brands connect, grow, and lead. As CEO of Pointe Connect, I consult for companies across industries—from nimble startups to global Fortune 500s—offering high-level strategy rooted in clarity, creativity, and results. I specialize in diagnosing challenges, crafting messaging that resonates, and building marketing and communications frameworks that drive real business impact. Known for my sharp instincts and innovative thinking, I’m the person teams call when they need to elevate their brand, reset their approach, or navigate complexity with confidence. My expertise spans corporate communications, PR, digital strategy, crisis and issues management, and multicultural marketing. I’ve advised industry giants, led global campaigns, and built cross-functional teams that deliver. I’m a bilingual storyteller (English/Spanish + conversational French) with a global mindset and a deep belief in the power of connection. Whether I’m guiding an executive team or rolling up my sleeves with a small business owner, I bring vision, structure, and momentum to every engagement.

Travis Schreiber is a reputation management expert with extensive experience helping individuals and businesses protect their online presence.

I help leaders, brands, and organisations build visibility that translates into trust, opportunity, and influence. As a communications strategist and executive brand consultant with more than 15 years of experience across the Caribbean, the USA, the UK, and Africa, I have led public relations, stakeholder engagement, and crisis communications strategies that have repositioned national brands, restructured organisations, and shifted public narratives. I am the Founder and Principal Consultant of Outright Concepts Ltd, a communications and reputation advisory that partners with governments, NGOs, and global brands to design strategies that integrate narrative, culture, and strategy. My clients include PAHO/WHO, PADF, Conference Connection, Iconiq Creative and multiple Ministries of Government. Over my career, I have delivered over USD $1M in earned media value, strengthened public confidence, and built reputational systems that last. I also serve as an Adjunct Lecturer at the Arthur Lok Jack Global School of Business, teaching Crisis and Reputation Management, and the College of Science, Technology & Applied Arts of Trinidad and Tobago (COSTAATT) teaching communications and presentation skills. I also facilitate workshops for senior leaders on managing risk and credibility in complex environments. My career has spanned both public and private sectors — from national festivals and infrastructure campaigns to executive communication and digital transformation. Along the way, I have learned that visibility is not vanity. It’s leadership currency. It is how organisations earn trust and how leaders move from awareness to influence. I also coach professionals and executives on crafting authority-driven visibility strategies — helping them find clarity, confidence, and credibility in how they show up online and in real life.

Jason Pack is a seasoned crisis communicator, public information strategist, and media expert with more than 30 years of experience on the frontlines of America’s most high-stakes moments. A retired FBI Supervisory Special Agent and former national spokesperson, Jason has led public affairs responses to some of the nation’s most defining tragedies—from the Boston Marathon bombing to the Pulse Nightclub attack, the Nashville Christmas Day bombing, and countless others. Today, he serves as the CEO of Media Rep Global Strategies, where he advises government agencies, C-suite executives, and public safety leaders on messaging, media strategy, and crisis response. Jason began his career as a TV and radio journalist in Tennessee before becoming a paramedic and later an FBI agent. That unique combination—reporter, responder, and law enforcement leader—gives him rare insight into how crises unfold, and how the story is told. He’s worked hostage cases, child abductions, and counterterrorism investigations. He’s also taught internationally on topics ranging from crisis negotiation to media relations, and served as a guest instructor at the FBI Academy and the FBI National Academy. As a certified FBI Crisis Negotiator, Jason understands the power of words—when to hold, when to speak, and how to lead through chaos. That skill has translated into national media commentary roles, where he appears regularly on Fox News, CNN, and NewsNation as an emergency services analyst. Whether briefing the FBI Director before a 60 Minutes interview or helping a local sheriff navigate national press, Jason brings clarity, calm, and credibility to every message. In addition to his communications work, Jason remains a certified Advanced EMT and still pulls shifts on the ambulance—keeping him grounded in the mission of public service. He draws from those real-world experiences to help others tell their story with authenticity and impact. Through Media Rep Global Strategies, Jason empowers leaders to communicate with purpose, whether the stakes are high or the cameras are rolling. If your message matters, he can help you deliver it.

Joseph J. Nuñez is an award-winning PR and communications strategist with nearly 15 years of experience managing and elevating the reputation of globally recognized public and private brands. His expertise spans entertainment, tech, hospitality, real estate, and lifestyle industries. Known for his strategic media placements and creative storytelling, Joseph has secured thousands of media placements in premier media outlets. He consistently delivers strategic B2B and consumer campaigns that drive visibility, credibility, and business growth.

Connecting professionals to share inspiring stories about innovators, leaders, rising stars, and everyone who plays a role in the success of a business. Results-driven communications expert with 20-years of combined experience in public relations, content creation, and journalism.

Ryan Sherman Jr. is a digital reputation strategist and Executive Director at The Best Reputation, specializing in online reputation management, crisis mitigation, and digital privacy solutions. He helps executives, public figures, and brands remove harmful content, suppress negative search results, and regain control of their online narratives.

Franco Velasquez is the CEO and founder of HostBreach, a cybersecurity advisory firm specializing in external cyber intelligence, attack surface analysis, and intelligence-driven advisory for defense contractors and regulated organizations. His work focuses on understanding how attackers identify, prioritize, and compromise targets using publicly available intelligence, often before traditional security controls detect activity. Franco advises organizations on CMMC readiness, CUI exposure, ransomware risk, and pre-incident threat visibility, helping leaders understand real-world risk beyond checklist compliance. He has experience working with OSINT-based reconnaissance, threat actor behavior analysis, and tabletop attack simulations aligned to observed intrusion patterns. He is frequently consulted on topics including ransomware trends, external exposure management, supply chain risk, and how attackers exploit misconfigurations and unpatched systems. Franco emphasizes practical, intelligence-led decision-making that helps organizations reduce risk before incidents occur.

Seasoned PR and communications expert with deep expertise in personal branding, crisis management, and event coordination. As the founder of Saege PR, a leading PR agency, I have a proven track record of elevating brands and managing high-stakes situations. Educated at UCL of London and Humboldt University of Berlin, I bring a global perspective and strategic insight to every project. Passionate about helping clients stand out and thrive in competitive markets

An expert in business reputation management, public communications, and anti-crisis projects. I have 15 years of experience consulting and supporting companies. I work in the following markets: pharmaceuticals, energy, banking and finance, FMCG, construction, government projects, and politics. I'm happy to provide expert commentary on the following topics: reputational factors in various markets, anti-crisis phenomena in reputation management, cognitive warfare in politics and diplomacy, and information and psychological operations. I specialize in the situation in Ukraine during the war. I'm happy to collaborate. Honest journalism will change the world for the better!

Dr. Connie McIntosh is a cybersecurity executive, academic, mentor and international speaker. She currently serves as Head of Security at Ericsson. Dr. McIntosh integrates cybersecurity, information security, product security, operational security, and data privacy into business strategy, fostering psychological safety and cultural transformation in traditionally siloed environments. Her background is in National Security and Cyber Defense working in in key Cybersecurity Leadership roles across Defense and Government classified networks, Academia and private enterprise. Her leadership has earned her accolades such as being named among the Top 100 Women in Cybersecurity by US Cyber Defense Magazine and the Black Unicorn Award at Black Hat 2020. In 2025, she was awarded the prestigious Global Recognition Award for Leadership Excellence in cybersecurity underscoring her global recognition and influence along with 2025 Young Leader of the Year - The Fast Mode Awards 2025 recognizing exceptional individuals whose leadership, resilience, and technical depth continue to elevate the global telecom ecosystem. Connie's contributions to cybersecurity have been featured in influential books and magazines, including the groundbreaking Women4Cyber's own "Europe's Top Women in Security, Hacking Gender Barriers", along with "The Rise of Cyber Women Vol 3", "Shining the Spotlight - Stories for Business Success." and others.

My career in public relations started 30 years ago with my first job at a television station. Since then, I have worked for Fortune 500 companies in the fast food, pharmaceutical, healthcare, and telecommunication industries. As an award-winning corporate communicator, I help senior leaders, teams, and employees make powerful connections with their audiences internally and externally.But, in 2017, I got laid off.Not one to focus on a closed door too long, I started using the fractional communications model for companies needing comprehensive communication expertise and strategic guidance on a part-time or contractual basis. I started Constant Communicators to offer support in the following areas:Corporate Communication-

Shawn is a seasoned lawyer with an entrepreneurial spirit & is experienced working with technology-focused organizations at varying stages, including as General Counsel for an international health tech company. Shawn works closely with clients as a valued & trusted advisor, providing business ready solutions to resolve issues revolving around incident response (breach coach), strategic risk, crisis, data privacy & cybersecurity.Shawn Ford provides strategic risk advisory services that span a comprehensive spectrum, encompassing strategic communications, investigations, due diligence, supply chain analysis, intelligence research & a range of specialized services. He provides guidance on issues related to kidnap, extortion, blackmail & product contamination, rendering invaluable support to High Net Worth Individuals & Families in need of protection & emergency response. He focuses on providing executive-level strategies to plan for, prevent, & respond to crises throughout the pre-, intra-, & post-crisis stages.Shawn values aiding clients to develop & build upon their understanding of strategic risk, compliance, privacy & cyber obligations. As such, he realizes first-hand the challenges that organizations face when trying to balance their compliance obligations while innovating & developing new products & services. Shawn helps companies turn their obligations into opportunities, to build trust & advance their business goals.Shawn assists multinational institutions to understand & operationalize their risk, privacy & cyber requirements. He works closely with the executives, CISOs & legal counsel to create enterprise-wide strategic risk programs, third party risk programs & incident response capabilities. He frequently works with privacy officers to implement their privacy program & to understand their data.As Co-Founder & President of IronGate Protection, Shawn leads the business as it provides executive & close protection, security operations, private investigation, bodyguard, residential security, threat assessment, & international operation management.Shawn states that his mission is “to take a 360° approach to understand your organization’s position & ability to leverage strategic risk, data security, privacy & technology best practices to build brand trust & resiliency.”__The content shared is for general informational purposes only & should not be construed as legal advice.Do not provide confidential information via LinkedIn as it may not be treated as confidential, privileged, or protected.Prior results do not guarantee similar outcome.

Michael Prasad is a Certified Emergency Manager® and the Executive Director of the Center for Emergency Management Intelligence Research (www.cemir.org). He is also the volunteer president of the International Association of Emergency Managers-USA for Region 2, and a national-level expert on Mass Care, specifically for issues impacting children in disasters. He has an MA in emergency and disaster management from American Public University and advocates, researches, and writes professionally on emergency management policies and procedures. His published books include: "Emergency Management Threats and Hazards: Water", "Rusty the Emergency Management Cat", and "Leadership Lessons Learned and Applied in Emergency Management and Beyond." Links to articles, videos, podcasts, etc. can be found at www.michaelprasad.com.

Brea Watts is an AI-driven Strategic Communications Expert and founder of B.Spoke Strategies, with more than a decade of experience shaping executive narratives for tech companies and universities in Silicon Valley and Washington, DC. She has elevated thought leadership for top industry figures—including advancing the former Intel CEO’s influence through strategic communications, social media, and global product launches that reached audiences of 10M+. Brea’s work amplifies expert voices and executive leadership on AI, technology innovation, public health, and higher education, with thought leadership placements in major media outlets such as CNN, Forbes and NPR. Now based in DC, she partners with leaders to expand visibility, drive authentic engagement, and protect brand reputation in the digital age. Known for creating bespoke communications strategies rooted in authenticity and impact, Brea is available for commSentary, interviews, and insights on executive messaging, tech innovation, and AI’s role in reputation management.