Media Engagement and Crisis Communications Training: Shifting to More Proactive Strategies

Jennifer Devlin is a communications consultant with more than 30 years of experience in strategic planning, communications, writing, and media relations. She specializes in communications strategies for child welfare and social sector organizations. She served as media specialist to the Commission to Eliminate Child Abuse and Neglect Fatalities, a role she held for more than two years in support of the commission’s efforts to issue a report to the president and Congress to reduce child abuse and neglect deaths. She currently serves as the technical assistance coordinator for communications for the Child Safety Forward initiative, a Department of Justice-funded demonstration initiative aimed at reducing child abuse and neglect fatalities and the National Partnership for Child Safety, a Casey Family Programs initiative. Previously she served in the White House as director of communications to Tipper Gore and press secretary to the Gore family.

Devlin currently serves as a member of the U.S. State Department’s American Speakers Bureau, providing communications training for American allies abroad. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in speech communications and radio, television and motion pictures. She is listed in Who’s Who in Industry and Finance and Who’s Who of American Women.

Kasey Iranon (she/her) is a seasoned communications strategist who enjoys employing her experience in campaign management, research synthesis, and message development to advance social justice causes. Born and raised near Seattle, she is inspired every day by her clients who advocate for a more equitable and just Washington state. Iranon has worked on a wide range of projects and campaigns, including ones specific to racial and gender equity, fighting for reproductive justice, and finding solutions to homelessness. As a proud Asian-American and the granddaughter of immigrants, she believes in the transformative power of storytelling to uplift the strength and resilience of diverse communities.

Jared Robinson is a communications strategist using his experience in storytelling, coalition management, event planning, and project management to fight for progress. Born and raised in Olympia, Washington, Robinson has worked in partnership with Washington-based organizations on issues ranging from education equity and child welfare to global environmental conservation. Inspired by his time working alongside nonprofits, schools, governments, and foundations, Robinson brings a tailored, community-based approach to his work and understands the value of uplifting diverse voices when advocating for change. In his free time, you’ll find Jared playing strategy games, enjoying local breweries, and exploring the Pacific Northwest.