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

Adam Handelsman is a hands-on generalist who thrives in today’s rapidly evolving media landscape. He understands what it takes to achieve meaningful, impactful results. Throughout his career, Adam has embraced one core belief: it’s not about what you say about yourself, but what others say about you. With over 25 years of experience, Adam has had the privilege of working alongside some of the most influential figures and organizations, including icons like Ray Bradbury, Dick Schaap, Stephen Pressfield, Maj. Ralph Peters, and Nick Bollettieri. These early collaborations were formative, providing Adam with a foundation that set him apart in an industry often reliant on digital communication. He learned early on that true success in PR comes from building authentic relationships and communicating with a human voice. Adam’s career spans both client-side and agency roles, which gives him a well-rounded understanding of PR from every angle. His portfolio includes leading campaigns for emerging brands and Fortune 100 companies, such as: Starbucks – Creator of the "Green Team" initiative for Earth Day Philips Van Heusen – Directed the “Save Ellis Island” campaign General Electric – Led the “Hire Our Heroes” initiative World Gym, Black Rifle Coffee Company, Evian, Shopping.com, Merck, EDS, and many others In 1996, while at a New York agency, Adam launched the Starbucks “Green Team” — an initiative aimed at generating positive press for the company. He rallied twenty-five employees to clean up Morningside Park for Earth Day. What started as a small effort snowballed into a major media success, with the event being featured on a Fox News segment seen in 100 markets. Before founding SpecOps Communications, Adam served as the Managing Director at Lippert/Heilshorn & Associates (LHA), EVP and National Director of Strategic Media Relations at Cohn & Wolfe, and EVP & Partner at 5W Public Relations. He also made his mark during the dot-com era as Director of PR at Netpulse, where he secured over 3,000 media hits for the company within three years. Adam’s broad range of experience, from PR agency leadership to in-house brand management, has given him a unique skill set. He has been part of a diverse range of successful campaigns, and his passion for authentic, results-driven PR continues to shape the work he does with SpecOps Communications today.

I help develop and execute PR strategies for RizeUp Media and its clients.

Our organization is a leading legal services non-profit in New York City, fighting for survivors and their families regardless of their background or immigration statuses. Our expert attorneys and advocates have been featured in Bloomberg, The Intercept, The 19th, and various NYC-local publications. We'd love to offer our expertise and client perspectives on all issues related to DV, family, immigration, housing, and more.

Writer, editor, and Head of Communications, Vani brings over a decade of expertise in publication and communication to explore the evolving world of technology. She crafts impactful narratives at the intersection of legal innovation and tech, championing progress.

I’m a security consultant and the founder of North Star Group, where I help individuals, organizations, and communities strengthen their overall safety and preparedness. With over 20 years of experience across military and private-sector security, my work focuses on physical security assessments, threat and vulnerability analysis, CPTED principles, workplace violence prevention, and expert witness consulting. I’ve supported clients across a wide range of sectors—including education, government, business, healthcare, critical infrastructure, and houses of worship—by providing practical, real-world guidance rooted in proactive risk management. Whether it’s improving day-to-day security, planning for emergencies, or helping legal teams understand foreseeability and duty of care, I bring a layered and strategic approach to every situation. If you're looking for expert insight on how to build safer environments and reduce risk, I'm always open to contributing. *If any portion of my response is used, I’d appreciate attribution as follows: Daniel Loo, CPP®, PSS, SRMP — Principal Consultant at North Star Group, a Houston-based security and risk management firm.

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.

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.

From Un-Employed to Award-winning! Amore Philip is a nationally quoted PR strategist and small business consultant who brings real-world entrepreneurial experience to every conversation. After being laid off in 2008, she built Apples & Oranges Public Relations into an award-winning agency based in New York’s media capital. She’s been mentioned in Inc., Fast Company, Forbes Advisor, Fox Business, and The Independent, offering clear, quotable insight on celebrity branding, reputation management, leadership, and the evolving media landscape. With experience across tech, lifestyle, government, and B2B sectors, Amore is known for breaking down complex stories into smart, accessible commentary that resonates on-air and in print.

Dynamic and results-driven communications professional with over seven years of experience in crafting compelling messaging and enhancing brand awareness. Seeking to leverage strong writing, content creation, and strategic communications skills to contribute effectively to teams. Known for delivering high-impact communications strategies that drive engagement and support organizational goals.

The executive and technical teams at my organization, Nagomi Security, are technology experts and veterans of cybersecyurity, who can talk to not only the technical aspects of cybersecurity, or help shedl ight on yhe ins and outs of specific incidents and gbreaches, but also talk to the business of cybersecrity, from the cyber startup ecosystem to why security is so important to integrate into wider business functions - and how this can be achieved. CEO and co-founder Emanuel Salmona and Chief Product Officer and co-founder Shai Mendel are available for both written comment, email or virtual interview. Thanks, Conor

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.

For over 30 years, Jim has been a change agent in the nonprofit and public sectors. Just recently, he finished his 7th interim executive position. Jim was the Interim CEO of the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, a visual and performing arts center in the heart of the cultural and convention district of San Francisco. There, he helped reduce a projected $4M deficit to $600k surplus and built back trust with the staff after a major public relations crisis. Previously, Jim was the Interim CEO of Downtown Streets Team, a nonprofit rated as one of California’s top five evidence-based best practices in transitioning the homeless to self-sufficiency. Over 18 months, he turned an $800,000 deficit into a $500,000 surplus while also paying off a third of their debt. Previously, he served as the interim executive director of five other nonprofits. His additional positions include acting as the Chief Communications Officer for the American Red Cross in Colorado, the interim Chief Operating Officer for More than Me (an international nonprofit for girls in Africa), and the Chief External Relations Officer for the Minnesota Zoo. In addition to his nonprofit work, Jim is passionate about good government. Jim was the VP of Strategy at CivicMakers, a San Francisco government innovation consultancy. There, he co-facilitated a three year strategic roadmap for the City of Hayward and designed process improvements for over 40 internal procedures for the City of Berkeley. As a 2014 Humphrey School Policy Fellow, 2013 White House Innovation Fellow finalist, and winner of the 2012 Minnesota Idea Open, he has been recognized for excellence within the public sector. Jim holds a master’s degree in public policy from Duke University and a bachelor’s degree in political science and communications from the University of Pennsylvania. To find out more, go to https://www.jimrettew.com

Philip Farina is one of the most highly respected and recognized security and safety professionals. He is the Chief Advisor/Consultant for Risky Business, that provides management consulting services to hotels, hospitality organizations and corporations, commercial real estate and private individuals. Philip also provides expert witness litigation support to hotels and law firms. He is the Lead CPTED Practitioner for assessments and training to support the State of Florida State Statute 768.0706 (HB 837). A U.S. Military and Federal Law Enforcement Veteran, he has been proudly featured in Fox News, NBC News, CBS News Money Watch, CNN, ABC News, U.S. News Money & World Report, MSNBC, USA Today, The Washington Post, Reader's Digest, Chicago Sun-Times, Hotel Executive, American Express, Meetings and Conventions, Security Management Magazine, Chief Security Officer CSO Magazine, Police Magazine, Cosmopolitan, Private Wealth, Business Travel Executive, and SecurityInfoWatch. Philip has been recognized as a pioneer in all facets of security, safety and risk management. He began his career while serving in the United States Naval Intelligence Community, where he held top security clearances and gained expertise in antiterrorism and protective services. He participated in U.S. military special operations, amphibious, law enforcement and lifesaving campaigns throughout the Middle East, Latin America, Europe and Africa. A nuclear tactical security officer (under the U.S. Department of Energy), he protected radioactive fuels, nuclear facilities and sensitive structures from the threat of terrorism and sabotage. He also conducted government-level risk assessments. During tenure as a federal law enforcement training officer with the U.S. Department of Defense, he was tasked with conducting penetration tests and leading “Red Team” exercises against military installations to analyze existing protection and security measures. While in this capacity, he also wrote the training curriculum for police and maritime security personnel for a new patrol boat concept for the U.S. Dept of Homeland Security. Philip was the Vice President of Loss Control/Loss Prevention for the combined Aimbridge Hospitality/Interstate Hotels portfolios. He was responsible for leading all global enterprise security management, safety and loss/fraud prevention services to protect 90,000+ employees, company operations, guests and assets for over 1800+ hospitality locations in 23+ countries.

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

Warren Pulley brings 40 years of threat assessment and crisis management expertise across military, law enforcement, diplomatic, corporate, and educational environments. As founder of CrisisWire, he provides professional threat assessment services to organizations throughout Hawaii, Nationally and Internationally. Credentials: BTAM (Behavioral Threat Assessment & Management) trained - University of Hawaii West Oahu 20+ FEMA certifications (IS-906, IS-907, IS-915, complete ICS/NIMS) Former LAPD Veteran Police Officer (12 years) 6+ years U.S. Embassy Baghdad security operations (zero incidents under daily threat) Former Director of Campus Safety, Chaminade University Former California Private Investigator 7 years U.S. Air Force (nuclear security & paralegal) Published Authority: Author of five books on threat assessment: The Prepared Leader, Threat Assessment Handbook, Campus Under Siege, Locked Down: The Access Control Playbook, and Uniformed Silence. Published researcher with 9+ peer-reviewed papers on threat assessment, workplace violence, and crisis management. Media-Ready Expertise: Available for expert commentary on threat assessment, school safety, workplace violence prevention, crisis management, executive protection, insider threats, and emergency preparedness. Find CrisisWire online at https://rypulmedia.wixsite.com/crisiswire

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.

I began working with computers as far back as DOS and Lantastic. I started working professionally in the IT Field since 1999 and have worked with every Microsoft server since Windows NT. I now hold the role as CISO at ITRemedy/ Happy Computer where we consult with networks from single users to clients that run into the 100's of devices.

CISO and advisor helping FinTechs turn DORA/NIS2/PSD2, PCI DSS, ISO 27001, and GDPR into practical resilience and business value. 20+ years across architecture, incident response, and program build-out. I prioritise KPIs, clear board communication, and continuous improvement, not checkbox compliance. Highlights: led DORA/NIS2 readiness for cross-border teams (faster audits; 30%+ lower regulatory risk), stood up vCISO/vDPO programs with cloud-native controls, vendor risk, and privacy automation. Community: OWASP Riga and Cloud Security Alliance Chapter Lead. Need to get regulator-ready? Let’s connect.