With more than 30 years of strategic communications experience, Dave Smolensky is a recognized leader in crisis communications, cyber incident response and reputation management. He works across industries including manufacturing, healthcare, finance, education, technology and entertainment, supporting organizations ranging from Fortune 500 companies to school districts and some of the nation’s largest outdoor music festivals.

Dave specializes in developing actionable crisis communications and cyber incident response plans, ensuring organizations are prepared to respond clearly, quickly and confidently when the unexpected occurs. His work spans the full lifecycle of crisis readiness: risk assessment, playbook development, response protocols and real-time communications during high-stakes events.

Dave’s first major crisis response experience came during the September 11 attacks while at Kemper Insurance, an event that shaped his career and established his motivation for helping organizations navigate complex, high-pressure situations. Since then, he has guided clients through cyber incidents, ransomware attacks, reputational threats, operational disruptions, leadership transitions, workplace crises and other sensitive events requiring immediate, strategic communications.

In addition to plan development, Dave is highly experienced in designing and leading customized tabletop exercises that pressure-test organizational readiness. His exercises reveal vulnerabilities, strengthen coordination across teams and ensure executives, IT, legal, HR and communications leadership understand their roles when every second counts.

More than a consultant, Dave is known as a trusted, embedded partner to his clients. His collaborative, hands-on approach has led to long-standing relationships with organizations that rely on him for ongoing strategic counsel, crisis preparedness and support during active incidents.

Dave also brings extensive media relations expertise, having led reputation-critical campaigns covered by outlets such as The Washington Post, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and major national networks. His background includes managing public affairs initiatives, community outreach programs and integrated social and digital communications strategies.

At Resolute Strategic Services, Dave advises C-Suite leaders and boards on vulnerability assessment, proactive preparedness planning, cyber and crisis incident response and organizational resilience. Clients value his calm, solutions-focused guidance, his ability to simplify complex situations and his deep experience helping organizations protect their people, operations and reputations.

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