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.

Solutions Greater insights, clarity and peace of mind for decision making Managing communication risk Managing decision risk Stress relief Communicating successfully and safely Communicating with more confidence, clarity and effectiveness with the media Getting a factual, true narrative effectively communicated Creating a thought leadership communication presence Communicating more personally through news, features and profiles Effective conflict communication Negotiating conflict solutions Smarter, more helpful conflict responses Smarter and successful crisis responses ​I work with successful, risk-conscious people and serve and help them further build reputation as an "asset" and ethically, responsibly protect, restore or reconstruct its health and strength. Paid professional research, analysis and opinion Consulting (for a specific situation) Ongoing Advisory Smarter, more effective crisis communications and crisis management Interview-driven content Media relations and public relations Small group presentations

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.

I’m an independent Strategic Communications and PR Advisor with 14 years of international experience working across hospitality, travel, luxury, lifestyle and consumer brands. My expertise spans media relations, reputation management, brand positioning, crisis communications, executive communications and strategic storytelling. I advise companies and senior leaders on how to build visibility, strengthen their positioning and communicate effectively with media, consumers and other key stakeholders. Having built my career across several European markets and now being based in New York, I bring an international perspective to communications and understand how brands, reputations and consumer expectations can differ across markets and cultures. I have worked with hospitality groups, luxury hotels, travel brands, medical and aesthetic businesses, as well as senior executives and founders. I can provide expert commentary on PR and communications strategy, reputation and crisis management, hospitality and travel trends, luxury and lifestyle marketing, influencer and creator relations, media relations, brand storytelling, executive positioning, international communications and the evolving relationship between brands, media and consumers. I also have extensive experience managing communications around openings, launches, partnerships, major events and sensitive reputational issues, and I regularly work directly with journalists across international and U.S. media. My insights have been featured in publications including Forbes and Moneywise, with coverage also syndicated across major platforms including Yahoo Finance and AOL. I’m particularly interested in contributing practical, clear and informed perspectives that go beyond generic PR advice and reflect how communications decisions work in real-world business situations.

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.

I’m a PR strategist, editor, and writer specializing in reputation management, crisis communications, and brand growth. My experience spans Pakistan, Europe, Japan, the UK, Singapore, UAE, and the US, giving me a truly international perspective on corporate communications and brand strategy. I provide press release writing, online reputation management (ORM), reputation building, crisis management, and Knowledge Panel optimization and amongst others. (Check out my portfolio to learn more!) Beyond corporate communications, I contribute to notability awareness, strategic partnerships, sponsorships, and creative content; including screenplays, ghostwriting, and investigative journalism. I also enjoy teaching creative writing and mentoring emerging writers to find their voice. Check my portfolio: thewritersinnn.com

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.

Mark Lynd is the Head of Executive Advisory & Strategy at Netsync, one of the nation's leading value-added resellers, where he works daily with C-Suite executives on AI, cybersecurity strategy, and digital transformation. A 5x CIO/CISO, author, thought leader and keynote speaker with decades of hands-on operational experience, Mark brings a rare combination of boardroom perspective and practitioner depth to every engagement. Ranked as a Top 5 Global Thought Leader in both AI and Cybersecurity by Thinkers360, Mark has facilitated over 150 incident response tabletop exercises across school districts, Fortune 500 enterprises, healthcare systems, government agencies, and mid-market manufacturers. His original research from these exercises represents the most comprehensive tabletop dataset published by a single practitioner. Mark has delivered more than 100 keynotes at marquee events including RSA Conference, Oracle CloudWorld, Cisco Partner Summit, Dell Technologies World, IBM Think, and Gartner Security & Risk Management Summit. His speaking topics span AI generative strategy, AI infrastructure, cybersecurity operations, ransomware preparedness, incident response, and business continuity. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Tulsa and attended The Wharton School. Mark served honorably in the United States Army's 3rd Ranger battalion, and 82d Airborne. My Newsletters: - Cybervizer: Weekly strategic briefings for 10k+ professionals. (www.cybervizer.com) - AI Bursts: Cutting through the noise of AI adoption. (www.aibursts.com) My Published Books: Books available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple Books, and many other outlets: - Cyber War: One Scenario – A guide to infrastructure resilience. - A Leader’s Playbook to Cyber Insurance – Managing the financial ROI of risk. - Cybersecurity Life Skills for Teens – My passion project for digital safety.

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!

Olha Boiko is an award-winning, internationally recognised communications leader with over 11 years of experience spanning agency and corporate environments. CIPR-qualified (Professional PR Diploma) and currently pursuing an Executive MBA at the University of York, she integrates strategic business acumen with global communication practice. As Senior Vice President at Innovecs, Olha led a team of 24 communication and marketing professionals and has directed the company’s international brand strategy during its expansion into Poland, Romania, Hungary, Latin America and the UK. She architected the communication transformation of Innovecs from a single corporate entity into four distinct industry-focused sub-brands, establishing differentiated positioning and securing industry recognition across multiple markets. Her leadership in PR and internal communication contributed to major international accolades, including the company’s recognition at the Ragan Employee Communications Award (US) and the Global Good Award (UK). She also secured strategic media coverage in respected outlets such as Forbes, TechRadar and Entrepreneur, elevating executive visibility and strengthening corporate reputation globally. Olha is the recipient of Employer Brand Leader of the Year Award and recognition at the Davos Digital PR Awards (Leader of the Future Category Winner). Beyond corporate leadership, Olha serves as Communications Director and Board Member for IABC EMENA and mentors emerging communication leaders worldwide.