Executive Leadership & Expert Bios

Barbara J. Reynolds, PhD

Crisis Communication Specialist, Office of the Director

 

At CDC since 1991, Dr. Reynolds’ communication expertise has been used in the planning or response to pandemic influenza, vaccine safety, emerging disease outbreaks and bioterrorism. Internationally, she has acted as a crisis communication consultant on health issues for France, Hong Kong, Australia, Canada, former Soviet Union nations, NATO and the World Health Organization.

Dr. Reynolds is the author of the 2002 book Crisis and Emergency Risk Communication and CDC's Crisis and Emergency Risk Communication course, which is now taught in universities and other settings nationwide and internationally. In 2004, she launched a version of the Crisis and Emergency Risk Communication course for leaders. Her research and writings are focused on emergency risk communication best practices, integrating models of communication for public health, and building community hardiness in the face of disaster. In the past, Dr. Reynolds served as a senior press officer specializing in infectious diseases and vaccine safety issues, working with national and international investigative and science reporters. She is also an adjunct assistant professor at Tulane University.

To request an interview, call CDC′s Division of Media Relations at (404) 639-3286, or e-mail us at media@cdc.gov.