On Sunday Judy Smith explains how to handle a Scandal

Published in 10/05/2013

One of the highlights of this year’s RioMarket is expected to be a keynote presentation from crisis management expert Judy Smith on whose life the hit US TV political-thriller series Scandal is based. Smith served as a Special Assistant and Deputy Press Secretary to President George W. Bush. The presentation is scheduled for 18.00 on Sunday at the festival pavilion.

Smith honed her skills through her experiences with some of the most historic and sensational events of our time, including the Iran Contra investigation, the prosecution of former Washington D.C. Mayor Marion Barry, the 1991 Gulf War, the Los Angeles riots, the Supreme Court confirmation hearings of Justice Clarence Thomas, the President Clinton scandal involving Monica Lewinsky, the congressional inquiry of Enron, and the United Nations Foundation and World Health Organization response to the SARS epidemic.

Best known in media circles for her expertise as a crisis management advisor, Smith has served as a consultant for a host of high profile, celebrity and entertainment clients over the course of her career including, but not limited to, Monica Lewinsky, Senator Craig from Idaho, actor Wesley Snipes, NFL quarterback Michael Vick, and the family of Chandra Levy.

As a result of her wide ranging and ground breaking career, Shonda Rhimes, creator of ABC’s hit television dramas Grey’s Anatomy and Private Practice, developed a television drama about the world of crisis management inspired by Smith. The series, Scandal, revolves around the life and work of a professional fixer. Smith serves as Co- Executive Producer of the project and provides insight and technical expertise on crisis management issues.