Recognized Crisis Communications Leaders 2025

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.

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.

Nancy J. Capistran, PCC, is a nationally recognized Executive Coach, Vistage Chair, and Board Director with a reputation for elevating leaders and organizations in complex, high-stakes environments. As Founder and CEO of Capistran Leadership, Nancy partners with senior executives and boards to accelerate growth, sharpen decision-making, and drive results with clarity, agility, and impact. Nancy’s background spans executive leadership coaching, culture transformation, strategic planning, risk and crisis advising, and organizational performance. With a keen understanding of the pressures facing today’s leaders, Nancy brings practical, actionable insights that help organizations strengthen culture, boost engagement, and achieve sustainable growth. Boardroom experience adds trusted guidance in governance, risk management, and strategic alignment, ensuring organizations are positioned to navigate change, mitigate risk, and seize new opportunities. As a Vistage Chair, Nancy facilitates high-performing peer advisory groups for CEOs and business owners, challenging leaders to broaden their perspectives, confront critical issues, and achieve breakthrough outcomes. The facilitation style is direct, results-oriented, and grounded in real-world business acumen, making Nancy a sought-after resource for leaders who want to think bigger and move faster. Nancy’s work has earned multiple “Best Executive Coach” awards and has featured insights in major media outlets. Known for the ability to reframe complex challenges, spark innovation, and unlock untapped leadership potential, Nancy is frequently called upon to advise on leadership strategy, board effectiveness, and organizational resilience. Proprietary frameworks and a candid, straightforward approach help executives and teams cut through noise, focus on what matters most, and deliver measurable results. Clients describe Nancy as a trusted sounding board and catalyst for positive change—someone who challenges assumptions, fosters accountability, and inspires leaders to reach new heights. Whether guiding a Board through strategic pivots or coaching a CEO through high-pressure decisions, Nancy brings clarity, composure, and a relentless focus on excellence. For actionable insights on leadership, Board governance, or organizational transformation, Nancy Capistran delivers clear, candid advice that empowers executives and teams to thrive. Connect directly at nancy@capistranleadership.com.

Joanna is the Head of Consumer Research and Marketing at PissedConsumer.com, an online reviews and reputation platform. She has been in marketing for more than 18 years and have analyzed consumer behavior and experiences. Using this knowledge, Joanna shares advice on how businesses can build strong relationships with customers and achieve customer satisfaction. She also researches the latest consumer trends and provides actionable tips on how consumers can avoid issues and make informed purchase decisions.

Please remember that I'm not the expert in your life or work--you are. The nutshell: I'm an Anti-Burnout Coach, a Certified Career Coach, a Cross-Cultural Communication Coach, and an Executive Leadership Coach. I'm a farming village-born (Poland), city-raised (Brooklyn, NY, USA), and suburb-based (White Plains, NY, USA) coach who helps professionals get out of their own way, overcome excuses and fears, build out their skill sets, and thrive at work. Each client is different, because every situation is unique. Some clients come to me to polish their speaking skills, or overcome imposter syndrome and boost their confidence, or navigate challenging conversations with diverse stakeholders (peers, direct reports, bosses, clients, vendors--and beyond). As a former HR Learning & Development professional turned coach, my work focuses largely on developing empathetic-yet-assertive communication skills, building confidence and thoughtful leadership in the workplace, and career development. I have worked with clients on virtually all seven continents (minor caveat with Antarctica: my client was there briefly during our engagement, so I'm counting that), and I have had the pleasure of supporting professionals in nearly every industry imaginable (700+ clients). As an avid traveler I've had the great privilege of breaking bread with people in 36 countries, and that reminds me of how epic and diverse--and yet how small and similar--the world truly is.

I’m Daniel (He/Him), and I’m the Founder of The Courage Collective. My experience includes work in Entrepreneurship, Venture Capital, Tech, Consulting, Education, and the Nonprofit Sector. I care deeply about humanizing the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion conversation, bringing impactful ideas to life, and creating meaningful, memorable, and transformational experiences with & for others.

Daniel Lynch is a versatile entrepreneur and digital marketing expert based in St. Petersburg, Florida. As the founder and president of Empathy First Media, a full-service digital marketing agency, he combines his engineering background with innovative AI-driven strategies to help businesses achieve exceptional growth. With a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Florida, Daniel leverages his analytical mindset to solve complex marketing challenges. His entrepreneurial journey includes founding several successful ventures, including Medical Bill Gurus, which helps patients navigate the complexities of medical billing and insurance reimbursement. Daniel specializes in integrating artificial intelligence into marketing strategies, developing custom AI solutions that revolutionize customer acquisition and engagement. His expertise spans SEO, PPC advertising, public relations, and lead generation, with a proven track record of scaling businesses from concept to multi-million dollar enterprises. A passionate advocate for empathy in business, Daniel's approach combines cutting-edge technology with a deep understanding of human behavior. His experience and expertise make him a compelling speaker on topics including AI integration, digital marketing innovation, and entrepreneurial success through perseverance.

Scientist turned media strategist. Websites: JCSStrategies.com (Media Strategy, Branding & Public Relations) DrJordanSchaul.com (Zoology & Veterinary Science) AnimalTrainerDude.com (Animal Training/Behavior Consulting) ScapegoatStrength (Psychology & Social Science) Profiles: muckrack.com/jordanschaul (Muck Rack Profile) imdb.com/name/nm4721849/ (IMDb Profile)

Marlene Chism works with executive leaders to build drama-free cultures that drive growth and reduce costly mistakes. An expert in conflict management, Marlene is known for getting to the root problem, simplifying the complex and increasing leadership clarity. As a coach, Marlene works with decision-makers, offering frameworks and tools to navigate complex conversations and increase accountability. As a seasoned facilitator and dynamic speaker, she brings executives and managers together to uncover blind spots, address the elephant in the room, and strengthen alignment. A recognized expert on the LinkedIn Learning platform, Marlene has produced six educational video series on high-stakes topics such as working with high conflict people, having difficult conversations, and anger management. She’s the author of four commercially published books. Her latest, From Conflict to Courage was nominated for an international award from GetAbstract. Marlene holds a bachelor’s in communications with a minor in psychology, and a master’s in human resources development. She’s an enhanced practitioner in Narrative Coaching.

As a Legal Storyteller, I bridge the gap between the legal and media worlds, using my background in investigative journalism and video production to deliver powerful narratives for attorneys and their clients. My work centers on crafting settlement documentaries, day-in-the-life videos, and demand videos—stories that go beyond mere facts to resonate with the human experience. I’ve seen firsthand the impact of strategic storytelling on legal outcomes, and I’m committed to helping attorneys communicate their cases in ways that drive results. A former professional screenwriter with nearly two decades of investigative reporting and producing experience, including three Emmy nominations, I bring a high standard of journalism and a creative, impactful approach to every project. My process is research-driven: I dig deep through public records, analyze court documents, and engage with the finer details to uncover elements that give each story its fullest context. Whether it’s uncovering OSHA reports, logging body-worn camera footage, or bringing the voices of families to life, I believe every narrative should be built on a foundation of truth and emotional clarity. I currently lead Clear Eyed Media, specializing in legal media services and leveraging my experience to transform complex legal stories into compelling, accessible content. From wrongful death cases to personal injury, I’m dedicated to creating narratives that support attorneys in securing fair settlements for their clients. I aim to support legal professionals with media that not only informs but also resonates with adjusters, defendants, and sometimes even juries. I also run Tribute Video Pro, producing personalized tribute videos celebrating lives and moments worth remembering. This work has allowed me to bring a similar storytelling approach to personal occasions, blending professional videography with an intimate look at individuals’ lives. Each project reminds me of storytelling's power to connect and convey meaning, whether in a legal context or a personal one. Driven by a belief in the power of story to influence and inspire, I’m here to help attorneys and clients present their cases authentically and precisely. I see storytelling as an essential tool for justice and creating lasting impact.

I’m a lifesciences compliance strategist with a passion for building real-world, right-sized programs in fast-moving environments. With deep experience in pharma and medtech, I specialize in translating regulatory complexity into practical, actionable frameworks. I’ve spent 7+ years navigating the gray areas of compliance—from training physicians on industry expectations to building startup programs from the ground up. I believe compliance should be ethical, functional, and human-centered—and that culture is built through clarity, storytelling, and respect, not fear. Outside of policy and audits, I speak regularly on startup compliance and love turning “boring” topics into memorable moments. I'm here to connect, create, and contribute.

I specialize in cybersecurity and digital asset recovery, helping individuals and organizations regain control of compromised resources. With expertise in forensic techniques, blockchain analysis, and fraud prevention, I tackle even the most complex cyber threats. As a business owner, I know how important it is to protect your assets. That’s why I founded Crypto Recovers—to help you reclaim stolen or inaccessible digital assets. With a global reach and ethical standards, we offer more than recovery services. We also provide guidance on securing your accounts to prevent future attacks.

I entered the field of recovery as a drug and alcohol counselor, driven by a deep understanding of the importance of treatment and a newfound sense of purpose. This calling led me to make a career change that I approach with immense gratitude. Over time, I transitioned into the role of Director at Serenity Services, and I now serve as the CEO of Ascendant NY. My journey, shaped by both personal and professional experiences, fuels my commitment to providing treatment with humility, compassion, and dignity. As a leader, I work closely with my team to evolve the traditional culture of detox facilities, striving to fill the gaps where treatment often falls short. I’m dedicated to creating individualized, client-centered care, ensuring that every person who walks through our doors feels seen, valued, and supported.