Reston, VA — August 27, 2025 — Clarewood University had the honor of hosting Ms. Karla Chaman, Chief of International Communications at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), for a thought-provoking guest lecture on Strategic Crisis Communication.
Drawing on her extensive international experience, Ms. Chaman underscored the vital role of clear protocols, transparency, and empathy in effective crisis management. “The most important thing is to have clear protocols and ensure accountability while engaging stakeholders with transparency and empathy,” she stated.
Ms. Chaman emphasized that timing and disciplined communication are critical in managing crises, noting, “Sometimes you need to let a situation cool off before communicating—but never ignore it. Timing is key.”
The lecture delved into best practices for internal and external communication, reputation management, countering misinformation, and navigating multicultural challenges in international organizations. She also highlighted that a strong sense of purpose guides leaders through complex decision-making: “When you believe in the mission of your organization, the work you do becomes meaningful and helps guide tough decisions.”
Faculty and students participated actively in the discussion, analyzing real-world case studies and reflecting on how these principles apply to public administration, business leadership, and global governance.
This event is part of Clarewood University’s Distinguished Speaker Series, an ongoing initiative that connects students with global experts to provide firsthand insights into leadership, communication, and policy challenges in today’s interconnected world.
Media Contact:
Clarewood University
1801 Old Reston Ave., Suite 100
Reston, VA 20190
Email: mliu@cuva.edu
Phone: 571-526-4777
