Crisis Leadership Panel: Leading Through Turbulent Times

Christopher Mannino retired as chief of police from a Chicago-area department in 2022 after 25 years of service. Holding a Master’s Degree in Political and Justice Studies with a focus on communications, he applied his education by leading his agency’s messaging during crises, including officer-involved shootings, serious crimes, weather events, a pandemic, protests, and civil unrest. His attendance at the FBI National Academy in 2009 inspired him to revolutionize his agency’s public communication, earning them a strong reputation in a major news market. Now Vice President at Julie Parker Communications, Mannino consults and trains government entities and private companies across North America on leadership and communications. He has authored articles for the International Association of Chiefs of Police and Police1, and has appeared on podcasts for the FBI National Academy Associates and other public safety platforms. He is also an executive fellow with the National Policing Institute.

Chris Covelli began his law enforcement career in 2004 and is currently a deputy chief at the Lake County (IL) Sheriff's Office.

In 2015, Chris was appointed as the lead public information officer for the sheriff’s office. He also serves as the lead public information officer for the Lake County Major Crime Task Force. Chris has been the lead public information officer on hundreds of critical incidents involving mass shootings, homicides, hazardous situations, and other emergency situations.

Chris teaches the media relations module of Northwestern University’s School of Police Staff and Command, is a consultant for Julie Parker Communications where he travels across the country to train public information officers, and he teaches for the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board Executive Institute.

Chris chairs the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police Public Information Officers Section. He has been a featured speaker at dozens of training conferences throughout North America. Chris resides in Cary, Illinois, with his wife, Kimberly, and three children, Chloe, Camden, and Carsyn.

Julie Parker’s entire career has led to this moment as the CEO of her own consultancy, Julie Parker Communications. With deep experience in all facets of the media industry, she is uniquely positioned to guide government agencies, nonprofit and for-profit organizations through the intricacies of communications training. Her roles as an Emmy and Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist in Washington, DC, as well as media relations director for two large police departments honed Julie’s skills in providing effective, timely and accurate reporting. She is now called upon by such esteemed agencies as the Naval Postgraduate School and the FBI National Academy as a presenter and trainer.
Julie Parker notably guided the US Capitol Police through media and social media challenges post-January 6th, earning double honors from the Ragan Crisis Communication Awards. Her success led to media recognition, including a Washington Post feature, and an invitation to testify on technology and social media for The President's Task Force on 21st Century Policing. Julie and her team continue to provide essential communication services to organizations of all sizes.

Chief Jason Armstrong is the police chief for the town of Apex, North Carolina. Chief Armstrong recently arrived in Apex after serving the last two years as the police chief in Ferguson, Missouri; leading the department in their efforts to reform under a federal consent decree. Prior to taking the helm in Ferguson, he had an accomplished career with the Forest Park Police Department, in Georgia. Chief Armstrong currently serves on the IACP's community policing committee and in 2019 was a recipient of IACP's 40 under 40 award. Chief Armstrong holds a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from North Carolina Central University and a Master's degree in Public Safety Administration from Columbus State University. Chief Armstrong is recognized as one of the nations top law enforcement leaders in the areas of community outreach & engagement and police reform. With his vast accomplishments and experiences, Chief Armstrong is a sought-after contributor for news affiliates, international media outlets, podcast platforms, documentaries, keynote speaker engagements and professional speaking events in the areas of leadership, police reform and community engagement.