N.E.W.S. Crisis Communications (Virtual)

When a Crisis Happens: Is Your Organization Ready? 

A crisis can happen at any time. It may be a small issue inside your organization or a major event that draws public attention. In this hands-on workshop, two public relations professionals will share clear and practical ways to prepare for a crisis and respond with confidence. The session is designed for nonprofit executive directors, communications and development staff, and board members from organizations of all sizes.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Recognize different types of crises, both large and small
• Build a clear and useful crisis communications plan
• Decide what roles staff and board members should play
• Judge how serious a situation is and how much communication it needs
• Put a plan into action when a crisis happens
• Learn from real world examples
• Take home tools they can begin using right away

Presented by:

Katrina Crocker, Vice President of Communications, Central New York Community Foundation

Katrina Crocker is vice president of communications at the Central New York Community Foundation, where she has worked for 19 years. She leads the foundation’s communications strategy and department, advancing its mission, programs, development goals, and philanthropic voice throughout the region. Before joining the foundation, she worked as a marketing assistant in the financial services sector. Crocker is a founding member of the working group behind the national “Make More Possible” campaign, which raises awareness of community foundations’ local impact. She also served on the board of Helping Hounds Dog Rescue, including five years as vice president, and led its website redevelopment. She holds a bachelor’s degree in advertising from Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Communications.

Kerry Burns, Senior Communications & External Affairs Executive

Kerry Burns is a senior communications and external affairs executive with a distinguished record advising CEOs, Presidents, and Boards through complex operational, regulatory, and reputational challenges. Over more than three decades in the corporate sector, she has shaped enterprise strategy, led organizations through high‑stakes crises, and built durable trust with policymakers, regulators, media, and communities. Her leadership is defined by clarity under pressure, disciplined execution, and the ability to align diverse teams around shared outcomes.

Please feel free to contact Paris Babers (pbabers@cnycf.org) with questions on the event or if you need additional information.