Steven R. Thai is a communications leader with a career spanning high-profile roles in both the private and public sectors. He currently is the Head of Crisis Communications and Reputation Management at Palo Alto Networks, where he leads the organization’s global crisis communications and reputation management strategy. In this role, Steven is responsible for safeguarding the company’s reputation amid evolving cybersecurity threats, collaborating with executives and cross-functional teams to ensure the company’s brand remains resilient and trusted worldwide.Steven also serves as a board member of the Issue Management Council, where he contributes to advancing best practices in crisis, issues, and reputation management among professionals.Prior to joining Palo Alto Networks, Steven was the Global Crisis and Issues Communications Center of Excellence Leader at Cargill, where he developed and implemented strategies that enhanced Cargill’s global brand visibility and strengthened stakeholder engagement, with a focus on reputation management. His leadership was instrumental in navigating complex global communication challenges and safeguarding Cargill’s reputation during critical moments.Before Cargill, Steven held key communications roles, including a tenure at Uponor North America, where he oversaw corporate communications, and at Deloitte Services L.P. as a Public Relations Manager. At Deloitte, he supported the U.S. and Global Chief Marketing Officer, and led public relations for Deloitte Private, the Client Accelerator program for CMOs, and Deloitte Insights. He also served as interim public relations leader for Deloitte Tax LLP.Steven’s career began in public service, where he spent two years in the Obama Administration as a spokesperson at the U.S. Department of Energy. His political communications experience includes working for Minnesota Congressman Keith Ellison as interim finance and communications director, followed by a role in his Congressional office in Washington, D.C.Steven holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Luther College and a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing Leadership from Hamline University.In his personal time, you find Steven teaching Power Vinyasa Yoga and Yoga Sculpt in the Twin Cities and enjoys exploring new restaurants with his partner, Patrick. An avid bocce ball player, Steven competes in Twin Cities Stonewall Sports.Born and raised in Coon Rapids, Minnesota, Steven now resides in Minneapolis with his partner, four stepchildren, and their Siberian Husky, Arya.