Christie Parell

Christie Parell serves as a full-time Professor and Associate Division Director for the Public Communication division at American University's School of Communication, leveraging 20 years of high-level communications experience across public and private sectors. She teaches undergraduate and graduate courses including Crisis Communication, Ethics in Strategic Communication, and Principles of Strategic Communication.

Her educational background comprises an MA in Public Communication from American University and a BA in International Relations from Boston University.

Parell's professional expertise stems from significant roles at the White House under President George W. Bush (2001-2007) as official media spokesperson and Director of Coalitions Media, Capitol Hill positions, communications consultancy for National Geographic Channel, and leadership of Stanford University's Hoover Institution DC public affairs office.

Her research integrates real-world applications in crisis management, political messaging, and media strategy, with core interests spanning crisis communication, political communication, public relations, media literacy, persuasive writing, and strategic communication.