Recognized Crisis Communications Leaders 2025

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.

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

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

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.

A senior communications practitioner and corporate storyteller with a decade's experience across strategic communications, public relations, journalism, brand management, and creative advertising, I've helped early-stage founders and senior executives navigate today's distracted, diverse, and multi-stakeholder information landscape to achieve their business objectives while staying true to who they are.

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

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.

Samantha DeRose is an award-winning publicist and the co-founder and president of Liminal Public Relations & Communications. She is known for transforming under-recognized brands into market leaders through integrated campaigns that blend earned media, thought leadership, content strategy and executive communications. After nearly a decade leading campaigns across sustainability, tech, social impact, the built environment and everything in between, she noticed a common challenge: great stories were going untold. ​DeRose works with brands to uncover what makes them meaningful and turn it into messaging that resonates with audiences both internally and externally. Her approach combines media relations, executive thought leadership, digital storytelling and strategic messaging to deliver campaigns that increase visibility, strengthen market positioning and drive measurable results. ​ She specializes in brand strategy and positioning, helping organizations clarify who they are, why they matter and how to communicate it clearly across initiatives. She partners with executives to translate their expertise into bylined articles, LinkedIn content, speaking opportunities and media placements that build credibility and authority. She also develops award strategies, positioning standout work and leaders for industry recognition and project honors, and ensures events make a lasting impact through strategic messaging, speaker prep, talking points and follow-up content. ​ ​Her work has earned coverage in virtually every major Phoenix outlet, as well as national consumer and trade media, including USA Today, CNN International, CNET, CoStar News, FOX Weather Wild, Better Homes & Gardens, Architectural Digest, HGTV’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition and Love It or List It, Modern Luxury Magazine, iHeart Media and more. Beyond mainstream media, she has secured placements in top AEC and CRE publications, leveraging technical expertise to craft compelling narratives that influence decision-makers and industry peers. Her portfolio spans global brands and regional leaders, including Kingspan Light + Air North America, Solatube International, Kingspan Insulation North America, Skanska USA, LGE Design Build, Diversified Partners, LGO Hospitality (Buck & Rider), Phoenix Art Museum, The Phoenix Symphony, St. Joseph the Worker and Vincent’s on Camelback.

I lead a team of game-changers and PR Professionals who are driven by results and a passion for shaking up the PR industry. Our unique approach to PR is centered around disruptive thinking and a willingness to challenge the status quo, resulting in bold and impactful campaigns for our valued clients.

Innovative earned media, brand engagement, and communications leader with a 18+-year track record of developing strategic and integrated public relations, social media marketing, influencer and celebrity engagement, experiential and event management, content marketing, and brand partnership programsProven brand and team builder with an entrepreneurial spirit and the ability to set a vision, create, inspire and manage a team and execute high-profile, multi-million-dollar integrated campaigns for Fortune 500 companies, celebrities, startups, and everything in betweenDeep expertise in the travel and tourism, consumer / lifestyle, fashion / beauty, CPG, retail and entertainment industriesHighly skilled at building and leveraging a large network of industry contacts to drive new business opportunities, and effective brand partnerships and identify and hire premier talent

Dedicated and hard-working public relations professional with the ability to multi-task…

I am a cybersecurity specialist with extensive experience protecting individuals and small businesses from digital threats. My background spans digital asset security, fraud investigation, and identity-theft mitigation, with a strong focus on safeguarding online financial environments such as cryptocurrency wallets, online banking systems, and high-risk digital platforms. I've led and advised on numerous investigations involving online scams, financial fraud, and unauthorized asset transfers, helping clients recover lost funds and strengthen their long-term security posture. My work emphasizes practical, evidence-based defense strategies, digital forensics, and proactive risk management. I regularly consults on threat prevention, privacy protection, and emerging cyber risks, offering clear guidance that bridges technical depth with real-world application.