Karen C. Email & Phone Number

Chicago, Illinois, Us

Chicago, Illinois, Us

Grand Rapids, Michigan, Us

• Led organizational-wide crisis management team, partnering with various departments to coordinate an effective response, preventing potential litigation and media issues.• Crafted and executed a national trade association strategy, resulting in a significant boost in revenue through effective outreach and engagement.• Developed and executed a national webinar strategy, securing national speakers and driving multi-channel public relations efforts, resulting in a substantial increase in new enrollments.

Chicago, Il, Us

• Architected public affairs response to Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, gaining unprecedented media coverage and advocating for expanded Federal Reserve programs.• Drove a successful Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiative, recruiting a task force and creating a network-wide DEI policy, positively impacting access to capital for underrepresented businesses.• Launched new media platforms, certification programs, and virtual summits, generating over $700,000 in new revenue to offset event cancellations due to COVID.

Portland, Maine, Us

• Developed comprehensive marketing and communication strategies for clients, leading to increased revenue and improved brand image in new markets.• Led marketing and digital sales strategy for a small business, resulting in a steady pipeline of actionable prospects and a significant increase in revenue.

Arlington Heights, Il, Us

In this role, I initially oversaw Marketing for the largest medical professional society of plastic surgeons, and was later promoted to development and corporate relations. Finally, I served as the Vice President of Communications and External Affairs, where I had oversight of a third of the organization. Notable accomplishments include:Reversing a downward trend for the ASPS annual scientific meeting.Establishing event sponsorships that positioned companies as partners.Co-founding a $100,000 annual dermal tissue grant to PSF from MTF Biologics.Securing more than $1 million in corporate cash/in-kind donations for the Breast Reconstruction Awareness (BRA) campaign.Aligning international membership growth strategy with Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (PRS) journal circulation/subscriber strategy, resulting in increased global circulation and ASPS membership.

Lake Oswego, Or, Us

In this role, I successfully won a three-year contract with annual revenue estimates in excess of $500,000 from Baltimore City Public Schools and secured preferred vendor status for before and after school care in Lexington, Massachusetts.

Public Affairs Consultant, Greater Chicago Area | 2007 – 2011As a consultant, I provided strategic communication, marketing, media, development, and government affairs services to various not-for-profit, corporate, and political organizations. Some key achievements include:Winning a $2.8 million federal grant for CNE to expand Early Head Start territory in the North Shore.Advising organizations on state and federal relationships crucial to supporting their initiatives.

Directed an award-winning multimedia campaign that branded Jacob Meister as the jobs and economy candidate, resulting in significant reach and engagement.

Washington, Dc, Us

Established and led a key chapter, engaging business leaders to boost early education policies for enhanced competitiveness.

Us

Oversaw public affairs and industry relations for a nationwide network of early education academies, advocating for policy influence. Rechartered the Early Care and Education Consortium (ECEC) to influence legislation in states with emerging early education issues.

Springfield, Il, Us

As a senior cabinet member and spokesperson for the nine-member board and State Superintendent, I managed communication and public relations in a complex regulatory environment.

Served as lead spokesperson for Executive Branch elected official, and managed press inquiries, advised senior staff on policy and media relations.

With a strong background in journalism, I covered local, state, and federal news across multiple media outlets, some of which include: City News Bureau of Chicago, Daily Herald and Chicago Tribune.

Masters, Journalism

Ba, Journalism