Lauren Popiel is an accomplished crisis communications and incident response professional with extensive experience in both proactive planning and responsive execution. She excels in activating cross-functional teams, driving strategic initiatives and ensuring campaigns and projects remain on track toward success. Highly organized and detail-oriented, Lauren has guided clients across multiple sectors through the development and implementation of comprehensive incident response plans.

Lauren has counseled organizations facing high-stakes crises, providing immediate strategic communications and reputation management support. Her expertise includes managing media inquiries, and crafting clear, effective messaging under tight timelines. In addition to her responsive capabilities, Lauren has worked closely with leadership teams to proactively prepare for crises by developing robust playbooks, communication protocols and tailored incident response strategies that align with organizational priorities.

Lauren plays a pivotal role in shaping internal communications and advising organizational leadership during critical moments. Her ability to distill complex issues into actionable steps has made her an invaluable asset to clients and colleagues alike. Lauren’s dedication and leadership have earned her recognition as Resolute’s Employee of the Year in both 2018 and 2021—a testament to her outstanding contributions and unwavering commitment.

Prior to joining Resolute, Lauren held multiple roles in the academic Department of Communication at the University of Illinois, where she served as a social media adviser, researcher, and teaching assistant. She also gained valuable experience as an earned and social media relations specialist at a suburban Chicago business and as an editorial assistant with a regional media company.

Lauren is a graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and actively contributes to her community as a member of the Ravinia Festival Advisory Council. Her broad expertise and proven track record make her a trusted partner for organizations preparing for and navigating through critical incidents.