Description
Select your payment option below. You can choose to pay for your annual membership in full or in two equal installments (50% due immediately and 50% due in three months).
Embark Upon a Transformative Journey to Master
Crisis Communication, Leadership, and Positive Change
This isn’t just about managing crises—it’s about transforming challenges into catalysts for growth.
This Crisis Ready® Certification takes you beyond mere strategy, empowering you to lead with purpose, resilience, and profound impact.
You’ll become the leader who not only navigates crises with grace but uses them as opportunities to shape a better future for your organization, your community, and the world.
Are you ready to learn more? Let's go!
Whether you’re ready to become the go-to crisis expert, elevate your leadership skills, or drive meaningful change, the Crisis Ready® Certification will equip you to lead with confidence when it matters most.
The (Crisis) Communication Professional...
The Leader...
The HR Professional...
The Crisis Communication Consultant...
The Change-Maker...
Whether you’re ready to become the go-to crisis expert, elevate your leadership skills, or drive meaningful change, the Crisis Ready® Certification will equip you to lead with confidence when it matters most.
This isn’t just another certification. It’s a deeply transformative experience that will elevate your leadership and crisis communication skills to levels you may not have even thought possible.
🚀 A Transformative Journey
This certification is more than a credential—it’s a profound personal and professional journey. You’ll master crisis communication and leadership while growing as an authentic and confident leader, capable of inspiring true change.
🧬 Science-Backed and Practical
Learnings draw from neuroscience, psychology, quantum mechanics, and universal laws, combined with proven strategies, to give you a deep understanding of human behavior, leadership, and the power of your influence.
📚 Real-World Application
You won’t just learn theory—you’ll actively apply your knowledge to create a customized crisis communication program for your organization, making an immediate impact in your role.
🌟 Long-Term Impact
Crises reveal what needs to change. This program equips you to lead those changes, creating lasting impact not only for your organization but for your community and the world at large.
The Crisis Ready® Certification is designed to seamlessly integrate into your professional life while delivering powerful, transformational results. It consists of two parts: a 10-week foundational course followed by a 6-month intensive certification program.
Phase 1: 10-Week Course
Your journey begins with a highly immersive 10-week course that sets the foundation for your Crisis Ready® Certification. This course includes:
If you’ve already completed this course, you’ll dive straight into the next phase.
Phase 2: 6-Month Certification Program
This is where the true transformation occurs. Over the next 6 months, you’ll elevate your crisis communication and leadership skills to the level of mastery with weekly, focused sessions and ongoing mentorship. This program includes:
Designed to be intensive and results-driven, this program will empower you to create meaningful change and make a lasting impact within your organization, community, and with your clients.
✓ Inner Leadership: Cultivate self-awareness and strength to lead with confidence and authenticity.
✓ Effective Communication: Master the ability to create messaging that resonates, inspires, and drives action.
✓ Navigating Resistance: Learn how to overcome internal and external resistance to change, both within yourself and your team.
✓ Vision and Strategy: Develop a clear vision and action plan to lead your organization toward impactful outcomes.
✓ Crisis Mastery: Gain expertise in crisis leadership by implementing powerful, real-world strategies and frameworks that ensure you’re a visionary, crisis ready leader!
✓ Legacy: Become a visionary leader on a mission to create lasting impact, shaping a future aligned with your values and the legacy you wish to leave behind.
✓ Global Network: Access a global network of Crisis Ready® professionals, empowering you with connections and insights from top experts.
✓ Direct Mentorship: Receive personal mentorship from Melissa Agnes, a world-renowned expert in crisis communication and leadership.
✓ Exclusive Listing: Be listed on Crisis Ready Institute’s directory as a trusted Crisis Ready® Leader, supporting your growth whether you’re a consultant or looking for your next dream opportunity.
The world is changing rapidly, and with it comes an urgent need for visionary leaders who can navigate uncertainty and drive meaningful change. Crises expose weaknesses and demand transformation—leaders who are prepared will rise above the chaos.
The Crisis Ready® Certification equips you to not only handle crises but to lead transformative change when it’s needed most. Don’t wait for the next crisis to define you—be the leader who shapes the future.
This program is by application only. To take your first step toward certification, apply now and schedule a 1:1 call with a member of the Crisis Ready® team to discuss your goals and see if this program is the right fit for you.
The Crisis Ready® Certification Training will be delivered 100% online with both LIVE and pre-recorded content. It’s led by Melissa Agnes and her team of experts—with plenty of human connection and support!
Globally recognized as a thought leader and visionary in crisis communication, Melissa Agnes has advised world-class organizations, including NATO, the Pentagon, and Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Defense.
As the author of the acclaimed book Crisis Ready: Building an Invincible Brand in an Uncertain World, ranked among the top crisis management books, Melissa’s work is taught in leading universities worldwide, including Harvard University.
A TEDx alum, Melissa Agnes travels the globe, captivating audiences with her insights on how crises can be transformed into powerful opportunities for growth. Through her talks, she empowers leaders to embrace the complexities of crisis, inspiring them to rise above challenges and lead with resilience, vision, and impact.
She is the creator of the Crisis Ready® Model, now recognized as an industry best practice in crisis leadership and communication...
This training will certify you to...
Master crisis communication and leadership:
Lead with clarity and confidence during uncertain times, becoming a trusted and reliable leader for both internal and external stakeholders.
Build and implement resilient strategies:
Develop customized crisis communication plans that strengthen organizations or client businesses, ensuring preparedness and effective crisis management.
Enhance your professional profile:
Position yourself as a sought-after expert in crisis communication, elevating your career prospects and business growth.
Become a go-to resource:
Trusted to provide stability and guidance during high-pressure situations, ensuring organizational success under challenging conditions.
Drive meaningful change:
Raise the collective consciousness through visionary leadership, energetics, and inner groundedness, driving impactful and important change in the areas of life that matter most to you.
The Crisis Ready® Certification is designed for professionals who lead or are responsible for communicating during crises—whether you’re in crisis communication, apart of the comms team, in HR, are a consultant, or are in an executive role.
But here’s the unexpected part: if you’re a change-maker committed to elevating the status quo and driving meaningful transformation (in your organization, your community, or the world at-large), this program is for you too. Our world is in crisis, and if you’re passionate about making an impact, no matter your role, this certification will empower you to lead the way.
The Crisis Ready® Certification is a two-part journey. It begins with a 10-week foundational course that includes weekly 90-minute sessions, bonus Q&A opportunities, and hands-on assignments to immediately apply what you learn.
From there, you’ll enter the 6-month intensive certification program, which includes weekly sessions, real-world assignments, mentorship from Melissa Agnes, and ongoing access to the global Crisis Ready® community. This structure ensures that you not only learn but also implement and grow as a leader throughout the program.
The Crisis Ready® Certification offers flexible options based on how deep you want to go.
The 10-week course is available as a powerful standalone program for $1,150 USD, delivering immense value and immediate real-world application.
For those seeking deeper transformational growth and certification, a 4-figure investment is involved. If you’re interested in becoming certified, you’ll need to apply, and we’ll schedule a 1:1 conversation to ensure it’s the right fit for your journey.
While most crisis communication certifications focus on the basics—when to communicate, where to communicate, and other fundamentals—Crisis Ready® goes much deeper. It explores the emotional complexities of crises, teaching you how to resonate with emotion when “you can’t beat emotion with logic” (a core Crisis Ready® Rule).
Integrating neuroscience, psychology, and quantum physics, you’ll gain the tools not only to manage crises but to rise and lead through them with purpose and vision. With real-world application and direct mentorship from Melissa Agnes, this program equips you to transform challenges into catalysts for growth.
While helpful, prior experience isn’t necessary. The program is designed for professionals looking to enhance or develop their crisis communication and leadership skills, regardless of background.
However, to join the certification, you must first complete our 10-week Crisis Communication and Leadership course.
Once enrolled in the certification, we provide required reading and watching materials both before and throughout the certification journey, ensuring you’re fully equipped to succeed. If you’re ready to begin, click here to start with the 10-week course, or to apply to the full certification program.
The Crisis Ready® Certification equips you with the tools to lead with confidence, clarity, and deep resonance. These skills extend beyond crisis management, strengthening your connection with yourself and allowing you to leverage your leadership and communication skills to inspire, engage, and create meaningful impact in any environment.
Whether navigating everyday operations or leading major initiatives, this certification enhances your ability to guide your organization, business, or mission with purpose and vision.
The Crisis Ready® Certification is designed to significantly elevate your professional profile. You’ll gain advanced crisis communication and leadership skills that set you apart in your industry, allowing you to lead with confidence and vision in high-pressure situations.
Whether you’re seeking your dream position, looking to grow within your organization, attract more clients, or raise your rates as a consultant, this certification provides you with the tools and credibility to create lasting impact and drive meaningful change in your career or business.
Yes, the Crisis Ready® Certification is fully trauma-aware. Crises carry emotional intensity, and how we communicate and lead through them can either reduce or amplify the emotional toll. This program teaches you how to manage and respond to these emotionally charged situations with empathy and compassion, helping to minimize trauma while fostering trust, connection, and emotional resilience. By adopting a trauma-aware leadership approach, you’ll be better positioned to support those affected and contribute to a more positive, healing response, connecting you closer to those you are leading.
Trauma awareness involves recognizing that individuals may have experienced emotional or psychological trauma, which can affect how they respond to crises or high-pressure situations. For leaders, this awareness is invaluable—it enables you to lead with empathy and compassion, fostering trust and deeper connections. By acknowledging these dynamics, trauma-aware leaders create safer, more supportive environments, which strengthens team cohesion and enhances decision-making during challenging times.
The Crisis Ready® Certification is designed to fit into your professional life while delivering transformational results. It includes:
Overall, it’s an intensive but manageable commitment that leads to significant growth in your crisis communication and leadership abilities. If you enroll, be ready to put in the work – the transformation and opportunities that will emerge from it will be worth it!
Yes, absolutely. This is a deeply immersive training program that requires full commitment. Your participation in the live sessions is critical to getting the most out of the Crisis Ready® Certification. We understand that schedules can be busy, but these live sessions are designed to provide real-time interaction, support, and feedback that can’t be fully replicated by watching recordings. Prioritizing this commitment is part of investing in your growth as a leader.
We understand that many of our students are juggling full-time jobs or already have demanding schedules. The Crisis Ready® Certification is designed with busy professionals in mind. We encourage you to practice time blocking and prioritize essential tasks to help fit the program into your life. And remember, if this program resonates with you and aligns with your goals, you’ll find ways to make it work—your growth as a leader will be worth the investment.
We understand that life can happen and schedules can sometimes shift. If you’re unable to attend a live session, recordings will be made available so you can catch up at your convenience. It’s important that you let us know in advance if you can’t attend, and we’ll need confirmation that you’ve watched the recording of the missed session. Please note that any assignments and homework will still be due as scheduled to ensure you stay on track with the program.
We understand that life can be unpredictable, and while we encourage you to stay on track with the program, we’re also here to support you. If you need extra time for an assignment, just let us know. We’ll work with you to find a solution that keeps you moving forward without losing momentum in your learning. The goal is to ensure that you gain the most from the experience, so flexibility in the interest of supporting you is important to us.
Throughout the Crisis Ready® Certification, you’ll have access to a robust support system. This includes direct mentorship from Melissa Agnes, live Q&A sessions for personalized guidance, and access to a global community of like-minded professionals. You’ll also have ongoing access to course materials, session recordings, and opportunities for feedback, ensuring that you feel supported and connected every step of the way.
If you’ve already graduated from the 10-week Crisis Communication and Leadership course, you’re one step closer to becoming certified. You won’t need to retake the course and can dive straight into the 6-month certification program. This next phase builds on the foundational skills you’ve gained, taking you deeper into transformational leadership and crisis mastery.
Ready to take the next step? Apply for the Crisis Ready® Certification today and continue your journey toward becoming the leader who inspires meaningful change.
That’s totally possible! The 10-week Crisis Communication and Leadership course is a powerful standalone program that dives deep into essential skills not taught anywhere else. It equips you with advanced strategies and practical tools to navigate crises and lead with confidence. If you’re looking for a transformative learning experience that offers real-world application without the commitment of the full certification, this course provides immense value on its own.
Yes, the 10-week Crisis Communication and Leadership course is a powerful stand-alone program that delivers advanced, practical skills to elevate your crisis communication and leadership skills. You can confidently rely on it to make a significant impact on your professional growth.
Should you decide to pursue the Crisis Ready® Certification later, you will be welcome to do so and you will not have to retake the 10-week course. Please note the cost of the 10-week course will not be credited or refunded toward the certification.
Upon completing the Crisis Ready® Certification, you will earn the title of Certified Crisis Ready Leader. This designation signifies that you’ve mastered the art of crisis communication and leadership, equipping you with the skills to confidently navigate and lead through any situation, from everyday operations to high-stakes crises. You’ll also be listed in the Crisis Ready® directory, recognized as a trusted leader in your field.
Yes, we offer flexible payment plans to make the Crisis Ready® Certification more accessible. You’ll have the option to choose a plan that best fits your financial situation, whether you’re enrolling in the 10-week course or the full certification program. Details on available plans will be provided during the application process, and we’re happy to discuss options with you to ensure you can comfortably invest in your growth.
This certification isn’t for everyone, and that’s by design. It’s for those who feel a deep alignment with its mission. Our goal is to get to know you, understand your vision, and ensure this journey is the right fit. If you feel that pull and are ready for a transformational experience, apply now, and we’ll schedule a personalized call to make sure that this program resonates with your leadership goals.
Thank you @CrisisReadyInst and @melissa_agnes for an amazing Masterclass that had so many useful and insightful tips. I can´t recommend them enough!#PublicRelations #CrisisReady #CrisisComms
— Florencia Arruez (@ArruezFlorencia) June 17, 2021
@CrisisReadyInst @melissa_agnes the masterclass was exceptional.
— Nevin deMilliano (@SwiftChaser) June 17, 2021
That’s it. That’s the tweet.
Thanks Melissa Agnes, CEO and Founder at @CrisisReadyInst for the insightful masterclass on #crisiscommunication. One of my takeaways during the session was the Crisis Response Penalty (CRP) formula - see the attached picture. 1/2#crisisready #leadership #communication pic.twitter.com/FIWbnd7hQ1
— Alliancé ~aliya-n-say (@alliance_babu) June 18, 2021
Excelente evento sobre Comunicação de Crise, com @melissa_agnes do @CrisisReadyInst. "O sucesso da gestão de crise requer... Ação + Comunicação = Resposta. Não há como gerenciar uma crise sem comunicação. https://t.co/Pm0vWrIQP7
— João José Forni (@jjforni) June 17, 2021
Fill out the form below to register for the Crisis Communication Masterclass, with Melissa Agnes.
Upon filling out the form, you will be redirected to the Masterclass.
Fill out the form below to get notified once the next Crisis Communication Course dates become available.
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Stay informed and at the forefront of your Crisis Ready Mindset, Skillset, and Capabilities. Subscribe to the Crisis Ready Newsletter.
Whether you’re an in-house professional, a crisis communication consultant, or an educator who teaches on the subject, the Crisis Ready Newsletter provides tailored content specifically for you.
Paul Damaren is the Global Director of Strategic Accounts for LRQA, a global Assurance Provider. Paul also holds the position of Chief Commercial Officer and Partner at StepUp Solution Services. Paul has worked as a Senior Executive in the Certification space for 10 years and has over 39 years’ experience in the Hospitality, Certification, Service, Retail agri-food and Technology sectors. Damaren is skilled in sales, marketing, certification, operations and software applications and he possesses an MBA from McGill University.
Mr. Damaren has worked with many companies across multiple sectors in supporting their food safety, supply chain, health & wellness, front & back of house operations, brand protection, quality, environmental, health & safety, GMP/GDP compliance, automotive, aerospace, medical, information security and technology requirements.
Paul was formerly a board member and Treasurer for the Ontario Food Protection Association (OFPA) and is a currently an Advisor & Council Member with The GW University School of Business and the Crisis Ready Institute.
Before working in the Certification industry, Damaren was a professional Chef/consultant for 20+ years working in major hotel chains, restaurants, private golf courses and food service organizations. Further, Damaren was a member of the National Canadian Federation of Chefs and Cooks (C.F.C.C.) for 14 years, member of the Region of Waterloo Culinary Association (R.W.C.A.) for 14 years, President of R.W.C.A. (Region of Waterloo Culinary Association) for 3 years, special Events chairman - R.W.C.A. – 1998 – 2000 and National Culinary Ambassador to Russia for 5 years.
Paul’s wealth of knowledge and experience across the span of our services supports his commitment to the ongoing success of our customers.
As Executive Vice President and Managing Director in the BCW Public Affairs and Crisis practice, Licy drives healthcare and social impact policy and strategy, and helps shape strategic direction on diversity, inclusion and belonging for the firm and its clients across North America, in public and corporate affairs, government relations, communications, crisis and reputation management. Licy also leads the BCW Healthcare Team in Washington, D.C.
An expert in public affairs, policy and diversity and inclusion, with over twenty five years of experience at the international, national, state and local levels across the nonprofit, philanthropic, corporate and government sectors, Licy is an accomplished, values-driven leader with unparalleled experience in developing and leading integrated public affairs campaigns combining strategic communications, public relations, political/legislative initiatives, policy, coalition building, grassroots efforts and advocacy.
Before joining BCW, Licy built and lead a nationally recognized minority owned strategic public affairs and communications firm, served as Health Practice Chair and Principal at The Raben Group, was the Chief Executive Officer of The AIDS Alliance for Children, Youth and Families, and managed and helped set the leadership direction for strategic policy, communications, and advocacy investments in executive and senior government affairs roles for the American Cancer Society and the nation’s Community Health Centers.
Before joining the private sector, Licy was domestic policy advisor to U.S. Congressman Barney Frank and served in several capacities in the Office of Senator Edward M. Kennedy. During his extensive tenure in Washington, D.C., Licy has played a leading role in efforts to draft, shape and enact legislation and policy to improve the public health, health care safety net and the lives, livelihoods and well-being of the nation’s disadvantaged and underserved communities.
Licy also has worked with Moet Hennessey to drive diversity and inclusion on Wall Street and corporate America. He has partnered with Vice President Al Gore, senior government officials, scientists, NGOs and activists, on global climate change impact and sustainability across Africa. And he was appointed by Republican and Democrat governors to oversee the conservation, preservation and management of a prominent U.S. national historic landmark.
Licy is a graduate of Duke University and holds a certificate in public health leadership in epidemic preparedness and management from the University of North Chapel Hill—School of Public Health and Kenan Flagler Business School, and is the recipient of multiple industry awards and citations for his leadership, policy and public affairs acumen, including being named to The Hill Newspaper list of most influential leaders in Washington, D.C. consecutively over the last ten years. As a global citizen, Licy has lived in Turkey and Spain, and is fluent in Spanish and Cape Verdean Portuguese.
As we get this membership off the ground, we’re looking to our 2022 inaugural members to be a part of helping us strengthen and tailor this program to meet your needs.
This will involve regular communication with the Crisis Ready Team to provide feedback, share requests for additional ways to support you and your business, etc.
Each Crisis Ready Course is designed to help you strengthen your Crisis Ready® Expertise. Course subjects will include crisis communication, establishing governance, crisis leadership, storytelling for crisis comms, DEI integration, and more.
Each course is complete with:
$12,500.00 USD
Select your payment option below. You can choose to pay for your annual membership in full or in two equal instalments (50% due immediately and 50% due in three months).
Select your payment option below. You can choose to pay for your annual membership in full or in two equal installments (50% due immediately and 50% due in three months).
If you:
... then you will benefit from Crisis Ready Institute's 1:1 coaching and support. This opportunity is retainer-based and is offered exclusively to our consultant and small agency members.
This offering provides personalized coaching and support in:
Monthly retainer*
Hours of support per month
$2,500 USD
Up to 5
$5,000 USD
Up to 10
* This is in addition to the annual membership fee.
Click below...
Have experts review your crisis comms program prior to the course
1:1 Consultation time with a member of the Crisis Ready Team, post the course (per hour)
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Thank you for the honor of considering this important course for your curriculum. We look forward to sharing in the experience with you!
Between the demands of our social impact economy, the divisiveness of society and the many other challenges in front of us, embedding a crisis ready culture is more important than ever before. Having a team that is trained, poised, and empowered to effectively respond to risk, controversy and other threats, will strengthen stakeholder relationships and increase the brand equity of your organization. This is a powerful opportunity. The Crisis Ready® Coaching Program is specifically designed to equip your team with the tools needed today for launching into a stronger tomorrow.
From best practices around re-opening, to diversity and inclusion, to managing through the impacts that 2020 has left on your business, the Crisis Ready® Coaching Program is designed to support you through the challenges of today, in order to recover faster and stronger for an even better tomorrow.
COVID-19 continues to affect a great majority of professionals and businesses, leaving them blindsided by its impact and all the uncertainty that came with it. The Crisis Ready® Coaching Program provides you with access to a diverse group of experts, each with unique areas of insight, to help provide you and your team with strengthened foresight to better anticipate and plan for both the risks and opportunities that lay ahead of us all.
Licy Do Canto, is a veteran of public policy, corporate strategy, health care communications and diversity and inclusion, is managing director of APCO Worldwide’s Washington D.C. office headquarters and mid-Atlantic region lead. Licy is also a Global Advisory Council (GAC) member here at the Crisis Ready Institute and a highly recognized African-American public affairs, lobbyist and communications strategist— recognized by TheHill newspaper for the 11th consecutive year as one of the most influential leaders in Washington, DC.
As Executive Vice President and Managing Director in the BCW Public Affairs and Crisis practice, Licy drives healthcare and social impact policy and strategy, and helps shape strategic direction on diversity, inclusion and belonging for the firm and its clients across North America, in public and corporate affairs, government relations, communications, crisis and reputation management. Licy also leads the BCW Healthcare Team in Washington, D.C.
An expert in public affairs, policy and diversity and inclusion, with over twenty five years of experience at the international, national, state and local levels across the nonprofit, philanthropic, corporate and government sectors, Licy is an accomplished, values-driven leader with unparalleled experience in developing and leading integrated public affairs campaigns combining strategic communications, public relations, political/legislative initiatives, policy, coalition building, grassroots efforts and advocacy.
Before joining BCW, Licy built and lead a nationally recognized minority owned strategic public affairs and communications firm, served as Health Practice Chair and Principal at The Raben Group, was the Chief Executive Officer of The AIDS Alliance for Children, Youth and Families, and managed and helped set the leadership direction for strategic policy, communications, and advocacy investments in executive and senior government affairs roles for the American Cancer Society and the nation’s Community Health Centers.
Before joining the private sector, Licy was domestic policy advisor to U.S. Congressman Barney Frank and served in several capacities in the Office of Senator Edward M. Kennedy. During his extensive tenure in Washington, D.C., Licy has played a leading role in efforts to draft, shape and enact legislation and policy to improve the public health, health care safety net and the lives, livelihoods and well-being of the nation’s disadvantaged and underserved communities.
Licy also has worked with Moet Hennessey to drive diversity and inclusion on Wall Street and corporate America. He has partnered with Vice President Al Gore, senior government officials, scientists, NGOs and activists, on global climate change impact and sustainability across Africa. And he was appointed by Republican and Democrat governors to oversee the conservation, preservation and management of a prominent U.S. national historic landmark.
Licy is a graduate of Duke University and holds a certificate in public health leadership in epidemic preparedness and management from the University of North Chapel Hill—School of Public Health and Kenan Flagler Business School, and is the recipient of multiple industry awards and citations for his leadership, policy and public affairs acumen, including being named to The Hill Newspaper list of most influential leaders in Washington, D.C. consecutively over the last ten years. As a global citizen, Licy has lived in Turkey and Spain, and is fluent in Spanish and Cape Verdean Portuguese.
Recognized globally as an expert, thought leader and visionary in the field of crisis communication, Melissa Agnes has worked with global players, including NATO, the Pentagon (DoD), Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Defense, financial firms, technology companies, healthcare organizations, cities and municipalities, law enforcement agencies, aviation organizations, global non-profits, and many others.
In 2020, Melissa founded Crisis Ready Institute, a public benefit corporation dedicated to teaching advanced crisis communication skills.
She's currently passionate about providing dedicated support to crisis communication consultants. Through her programs, she’s focused on helping them strengthen their crisis communication skills and credibility in the market, and supporting them in growing and scaling their business. The work they do is important and she's passionate about helping them amplify the positive impact they have in the world.
Her book, Crisis Ready: Building an Invincible Brand in an Uncertain World, is taught in dozens of universities around the world, including at Harvard University; is ranked amongst the leading crisis management books of all time, by Book Authority; and was named one of the top ten business books of 2018 by Forbes.
Melissa is the creator of the Crisis Ready® Model, which is recognized and being taught as leading industry best practice in the fields of crisis management and crisis communication.
As an in-demand international keynote speaker and a TEDx alumna, Melissa has traveled the world helping organizations and leaders further strengthen their crisis ready mindset, skills and capabilities.
In 2019, Melissa founded the Crisis Ready® Community, a space for professionals to come together to support one another, collaborate and strengthen their crisis ready skills.
Melissa sits on the Board of Directors for ZeroNow, a non-profit committed to ending harmful events in schools.
She also sat on the Board of Trustees for D'Youville University for four years until the end of her term, where she also serves as a visiting scholar for the course she co-created and co-teaches on Crisis Leadership.
Passionate about serving law enforcement and bridging the trust divide between agencies and the communities they serve, Melissa is a former member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP). In 2021 she co-chaired a committee tasked with developing a strategy and plan of action to begin resolving the trust crisis in the U.S.
In 2019 and 2020, Melissa sat on the panel tasked with developing the International Standard for Crisis Management— ISO 22361, Guidelines for developing a strategic capability.
Born and raised in Montreal, Quebec, Melissa currently lives in New York City and enjoys weight-lifting, sailing, and exploring new cities, countries, and cultures.
Erick Anez is the Global Head of Business Resilience at Finastra. Erick is a proven leader with well over a decade of experience leading change and transformation in the Operational Resilience field.
His hands-on approach focuses on operational learning, culture, and reputational management. Erick holds a Bachelor of Emergency & Homeland Security, Graduate studies in Security and Disaster Management, is a Certified Business Continuity Professional (CBCP), Certified Risk Management Professional (CRMP), graduate of the FEMA institute in Incident Management and Command, and is a respected member of Public-Private partnerships within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Some of his most notable achievements in the field include leading the private sector response to Hurricane Maria as well as working with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in Continuity of Operations (CCOP) projects for mission-critical facilities in the United States. Erick has also trained with the Center for Disease Control (CDC) in Infectious Disease Planning and community response, including Point of Dispensing initiatives.
From 2016 to 2019, Erick held several roles at Crowley and, most recently, was the company’s Managing Director of Safety & Resilience. During this time, he was responsible for resilience operations supporting all business segments as well as leading the organization’s safety culture improvement journey. At Crowley, he led the Occupational Health & Safety, Business Continuity, and Crisis Management teams.
Before joining Crowley, Erick held similar roles at Southwest Gas and Third Federal Savings & Loan.
Founder and Principal, One Thirty Nine Consulting
Global Advisory Council Member, Crisis Ready® Institute
Aaron Marks is the founder and principal of One Thirty Nine Consulting, providing services for small and large businesses in Risk, Crisis, and Consequence Management.
Supporting both domestic and international clients, he provides operational and subject matter expertise in readiness and preparedness, crisis and incident management, and business and operational continuity for complex systems and organizations.
Aaron has provided in-depth review, assessment, and analysis for technology, policy, and operational programs for clients in healthcare, critical manufacturing, and entertainment and hospitality, as well as for state, local, tribal, territorial, and federal governments in the United States, Europe, and the Middle East. He is a recognized authority on the application of nontraditional techniques and methodologies to meet the unique requirements of training, evaluation, and analytic games and exercise.
Prior to entering the readiness and preparedness field, Aaron was the Director of Operations for a commercial ambulance and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) provider in western New York State where he participated in the integration of commercial EMS and medical transportation resources into the local Trauma System.
During his 30-year career, Aaron has worked in almost every aspect of EMS except fleet services. This includes experience in Hazardous Materials and Tactical Medicine, provision of prehospital care in urban, suburban, rural, and frontier environments, and acting as a team leader for both ground and aeromedical Critical Care Transport Teams.
Aaron is a FEMA Master Exercise Practitioner and received a B.A. in Psychology from Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas, and a master’s degree in Public Administration with a focus in Emergency Management from Jacksonville State University in Jacksonville, Alabama. He is also a Nationally Registered Paramedic and currently practices as an Assistant Chief with the Amissville Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department, Amissville Virginia.
Chris is the 11th Police Chief of the Mountain View Police Department, located in the heart of Silicon Valley. For more than 25 years, he has served the Mountain View community, and as the department’s leader, is passionate about maintaining MVPD’s role as a progressive law enforcement organization in the 21st century.
Chris is an internationally recognized speaker and columnist on the areas of crisis communications, critical incident management, leadership, and engagement with stakeholder groups. In his time with Mountain View PD, Chris has held a variety of investigative, tactical, and leadership roles, serving in every division in the organization. He is a graduate of the Harvard Kennedy School of Government Senior Executives in State and Local Government program and has a master’s degree in eBusiness Management from Notre Dame de Namur in Belmont, CA.
Chris also serves in several leadership positions on multiple boards, including as president on the Government Social Media Leadership Council and committee member on the IACP's Professional Standards, Ethics, and Image Committee. Previously, Chris served as a board member for the Peninsula Conflict Resolution Center and two terms as a commissioner on the City of San Mateo Community Relations Commission.
You can connect with him on Twitter @Chief_Hsiung or LinkedIn.
Ashley is a Brand and Marketing Strategist who partners with CEOs, executives and solopreneurs to grow their personal and professional brands. After spending over a decade working in strategic communications for multimillion dollar brands and startups, Ashley knows what truly drives conversations, builds mutually beneficial relationships between organizations and their stakeholder groups and attracts strong strategic partnerships.
Ashley has helped organizations and leaders increase employee awareness and overall understanding of the company vision. She has strong experience / knowledge of social media tools and techniques for driving awareness, reputation and brand—and is known for advancing a company's messaging in the marketplace by growing the following of now multiple multimillion dollar brands and startups.
Ashley has served as the Editor of monthly all employee publications by managing the planning, writing and production. She is an integral part of new product launches and is frequently engaged to train entire sales teams along with channel / distribution partners on new product launches. In addition to her extensive experience, Ashley is a trained business coach.
Ashley holds a BA in Global Business Management from the University of Phoenix.
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