CSS x PIO Toolkit: Crisis Communications Under Pressure

Wednesday, May 20, 2026  at 12:00 PM EST 

When a crisis hits, the communicator’s job isn’t just messaging — it’s managing pace, politics, and pressure all at once. This live session covers what the first hour actually looks like from the PIO’s seat, how to issue statements when facts are still developing, and how to manage leadership, media, and your own wellbeing simultaneously. You’ll leave with a first-hour crisis playbook including holding statement templates.  

Meet Christine, Grab Your Lunch

Christine Townsend is an internationally recognized strategic communications expert with more than 30 years of experience across journalism, policing, and government communications. She specializes in crisis communication, media strategy, and community engagement, helping public sector organizations build trust and navigate complex, high-stakes situations. Christine is the founder and editor-in-chief of PIO Toolkit, a global platform supporting government communicators, and has trained agencies worldwide in effective public engagement strategies. Her career includes serving as Director of Communications for the City of London Police, where she led communications for major international events and critical incidents, and advising government and public safety organizations across the U.S., U.K., and beyond. At Capital Strategic Solutions, she supports clients in developing strategic communications, crisis response frameworks, and meaningful community engagement initiatives.