Business Education Series: Crisis Communications: Protecting Your Business Reputation-Lessons from the U.S. Army.

risis Communications is War:  Lessons from the U.S. Army

Crisis Communications battles happen not only internal to your organization, but also in the media, and the glare of the spotlight can turn even a mild matter into a full-blown crisis. This month’s program will share lessons from the "battlefield" in order to help law industry leaders navigate the often frantic and hostile media coverage associated with these "wars." 

As Chief of Media Operations, Retired Colonel Rudy Burwell handled crisis communications for the U.S. Army ranging from the alleged shooting of Iraqi civilians by private security forces to the aftermath of the Fort Hood killings. Now, he is using his communications management skills to help government agencies and corporations deal with some of their most vital and sensitive communications issues. 

Colonel Burwell will discuss:

• How General David Petraeus and other senior military officials handle major communications challenges and the parallels for lawyers;


• How the Army's practices and procedures can position your firm for successful communications campaigns; and


• How to build beneficial media relationships when dealing with stressful events, tight deadlines, and highly sensitive information.

About the Presenter

Retired Colonel Rudy Burwell 
The Burwell Group

Colonel Burwell offers a comprehensive range of crisis-related services, including executive-level crisis communications and litigation public relations counsel, pre-crisis communications audits, and post-crisis analysis modeled on the U.S. Army’s renowned “after-action” review process. He started as a media relations officer in the Army and became Chief of Media Operations for the U.S.-backed coalition during Operation Iraqi Freedom, which included the intensely observed military “surge” of 2007-08. The Burwell Group is also a distributor of industry-leading electronics and stored energy solutions for defense and aerospace applications.

Business Education Workshops are FREE for Reston Chamber Members and $10 for Future Members.