Kate Pulio-Deighton

Kate Pulio-Deighton is a Managing Director in the Strategic Communications segment of FTI Consulting and specializes in crisis and litigation communications. Ms. Pulio-Deighton is a seasoned crisis management professional with extensive experience guiding organizations through complex, high-stakes situations that pose commercial, operational, reputational and financial risks.

Ms. Pulio-Deighton advises clients in highly regulated industries facing environmental, health and safety (“EHS”) incidents, operational and supply chain disruptions, litigation, government investigations and product-related issues, as well as leadership transitions, misconduct allegations, workforce reductions and regulatory compliance or enforcement actions. Her expertise spans a variety of industries and the entire lifecycle of crises, offering strategic guidance before, during and after an event.

Known for her calm composure and people-first approach, Ms. Pulio-Deighton helps clients communicate effectively with key audiences while maintaining empathy and authenticity during challenging moments. She has supported many multinational companies through a multitude of crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, explosions at manufacturing sites, product recalls, boycotts and sensitive geopolitical issues.

Before joining FTI Consulting, Ms. Pulio-Deighton was on the communications team at a global insurance brokerage and Fortune 500 company, where she supported risk management and communications initiatives for clients across industries. In addition, her background in journalism brings a deep understanding of media landscapes, managing reporter relationships and the importance of strategic storytelling. She often engages directly with the media on her clients’ behalf, when appropriate, serving as a spokesperson during high-stakes moments. Beyond crisis response, Ms. Pulio-Deighton helps organizations strengthen their state of crisis readiness. She spearheads the development and implementation of custom crisis management plans, communications response playbooks, scenario planning and risk mitigation programs. Additionally, she designs and facilitates tabletop exercises that simulate real-world crisis situations, empowering leadership teams to respond decisively and effectively.

In 2026, Ms. Pulio-Deighton was named as a Crisis Navigator by Ragan Communications’ Top Women in Communications. The award honors the most influential leaders across the communications industry, whose leadership, strategy and vision shape the future of the profession. In 2024, she was recognized among the Top 50 Women Leaders of Atlanta for her contributions to fueling Atlanta’s reputation as a powerhouse of innovation, resiliency and creativity. Ms. Pulio-Deighton holds a B.A. in Journalism from the University of Missouri School of Journalism as well as a multicultural certificate. She is certified in Advanced Crisis Communications from the Public Relations Society of America.

Relevant Experience:

• Mobilized a rapid-response team within hours to manage hundreds of media inquiries following one of the most significant critical infrastructure disasters in recent U.S. history that resulted in loss of life and considerable supply chain disruption; ensured accurate reporting and sensitive communications amid local trauma and national scrutiny

Awards & Recognition:

• Crisis Navigator, Top Women in Communications, Ragan Communications (2026)
• Top 50 Women Leaders of Atlanta, Women We Admire (2024)