Our Experts

Dr. Lori Boyer is an associate professor of management and corporate communication at UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School. She specializes in helping leaders communicate with clarity, handle difficult conversations, and maintain credibility during critical moments. She examines how communication patterns and information access shape organizational culture, stakeholder trust, and leadership effectiveness. A former journalist and media relations professional, Dr. Boyer brings real-world perspective to her consulting practice.

James H. Johnson, Jr., is the William Rand Kenan, Jr. Distinguished Professor of strategy and entrepreneurship in the Kenan-Flagler Business School and director of the Urban Investment Strategies Center in the Frank Hawkins Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. His research interests include community and economic development; the effects of demographic changes on the U.S. workforce, workplaces, and consumer markets; and the need for organizations to embrace strategic communication as a core survival tactic given ongoing turbulence and uncertainty in business and society.

Dr. Stephanie Mahin is an associate professor of Management and Corporate Communication at UNC’s Kenan-Flagler Business School. She teaches Business Communication, Corporate Social Advocacy and Activism, and Corporate Reputation Management. Her research lies at the intersections of business, communication, and society. 

Dr. Allison Schlobohm (she/her) is an associate professor of management and corporate communication at UNC’s Kenan-Flagler Business School, where she teaches courses on business and professional communication; relationship building; and managing and communicating in turbulent times. She researches the communication practices that build connection and encourage “courageous conversations'' about challenging topics.

Dr. Josh Smicker is an assistant professor of communication and director of the public speaking program at North Carolina State University. His research concerns contemporary digital media culture and cultural studies.