Matt Charles

For over two decades, Matt Charles has been a leading crisis and risk management expert, providing strategic and crisis communications services to nonprofits, government organizations, small businesses, startups, and institutions of higher education. A former spokesperson for the University of Virginia during the tragic events of August 11–12 in Charlottesville, Charles is widely recognized for his ability to navigate complex, high-pressure situations with clarity, empathy, and precision. His expertise lies in engaging stakeholders—employees, shareholders, customers, media, donors, students, and government partners—through persuasion and influence techniques rooted in cognitive science, helping organizations protect and advance their reputations even in the most challenging circumstances.

Drawing on years of on-the-ground experience and academic leadership, Charles has taught and developed case studies at Purdue University, Georgetown University, and the University of Virginia, equipping leaders to influence stakeholder behavior, strengthen community relationships, and maintain organizational integrity during times of crisis. He earned his Certificate in Negotiation from Harvard Law School and launched Georgetown University’s Master Practitioner in Negotiation Program, where he continues to train executives and practitioners in the art of negotiation and conflict resolution. Charles is also a member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) and holds his Accreditation in Public Relations (APR), a mark of distinction signifying excellence and ethics in the field.

An award-winning educator, Charles received Georgetown University’s Tropaia Outstanding Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2021 and was appointed to the Fulbright Specialist Communications and Journalism roster in 2018. Through his Fulbright appointment, he worked with the Constitutional Court of Kosovo on the development of their new constitution, underscoring his commitment to global governance and diplomacy.

In addition to his academic and consulting work, Charles is an accomplished author. His latest book, "Crisis: A Global History," explores how societies and institutions have managed upheaval across time, while his earlier publication, "Shit Show: An Unexpected Life in Crisis and Risk Management," offers compelling case studies from his professional journey.

A former New York City special investigator handling sex and drug crimes involving children, Charles brings unmatched composure and insight to every situation. Today, he leverages his diverse background in law enforcement, strategic communications, and negotiation to lead high-impact talks and trainings for global organizations, including the European Union, PhRMA, and Oracle.