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Crisis communications is as relevant and important a comms topic today as it ever has been. While the fundamentals of crisis communications remain unchanged from the pre-Internet days, the tactics have undergone dramatic upheaval thanks to digital and social media. In this hour-long discussion, four IABC Fellows with deep experience in crisis communications join host Shel Holtz (also an IABC Fellow) to discuss these changes, along with other crisis topics, such as the role of investor relations in crisis communications.

John Deveney — In 1996, while on the fast track to a partnership in a growing PR agency, John opted to strike out on his own and form Deveney, a process and a practice that embraces the soundest principles, the newest media, and the most innovative technologies. Based in New Orleans, Deveney is particularly strong in the areas of crisis, healthcare, tourism, and hospitality. (After hurricanes Katrina and Rita, John led the only on-site communication operation and media center for both the City of New Orleans and the Louisiana Office of Tourism.) See John’s LinkedIn profile.

Mary Ann McCauley — Mary Ann is committed to ensuring people communicate more effectively about their organizations’ products and services. With a specialty practice in crisis management, Mary Ann addresses sensitive issues with timeliness, dignity, and minimal backlash. “Managing communication during a crisis requires common sense folded into a structured process,” she says. See Mary Ann’s LinkedIn profile.

George McGrath — Founder and managing pincipal of McGrath Business Communications, which helps clients build winning corporate reputations, promote their products and services, and advance their views on key issues. George brings more than 25 years in PR and public affairs to his firm. Over the course of his career, he has held senior management positions at leading strategic communications and integrated marketing agencies including Hill and Knowlton, Carl Byoir & Associats, and Brouillard Communications. See George’s LinkedIn profile.

Bob Berzok — Bob’s career in corporate communications spanned nearly 30 years, beginning as a publications manager at Uniroyal in 1969 and ending with his retirement from Union Carbide, where was director of Corporate Communications. His stint at Union Carbide included crisis communications leadership during the tragic Bophal chemical leak. Bob currently serves as secretary to the board of trustees of the Berkshire Theatre Group and as a board member of the Southwwest Folklife Alliance. See Bob’s LinkedIn profile.

About Shel Holtz

Shel Holtz, SCMP, ABC, IABC Fellow, is senior director of Communications at Webcor, a commercial general contractor headquartered in San Francisco. Before joining Webcor, Shel spent 21 years as principal of Holtz Communication + Technology. In addition to integrating technology into communications strategies, his expertise includes strategic communications planning, change management, organizational culture, business initiatives and communications research. Full bio