Karen C.

Karen C. has a diverse work experience spanning over several industries and organizations. Karen currently holds the position of Chief Marketing Officer at the Office of the Illinois State Treasurer since 2024. Prior to this, they served as the Head of Strategic Communication at Fusion Education Group from 2021 to 2023. During their tenure, they led crisis management efforts, developed trade association and webinar strategies, resulting in revenue boosts and increased enrollments.

From 2018 to 2021, Karen was the Senior Vice President Communications at ACG Global - Association for Corporate Growth. Karen successfully responded to the CARES Act, launched a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiative, and generated new revenue through media platforms and virtual summits.

Before that, Karen worked as a Partner at Harris Marketing Services from 2015 to 2018, where they developed marketing and communication strategies and led digital sales efforts. Karen also held various roles at the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, including Vice President of Communications and External Affairs, where they oversaw a third of the organization and reversed a downward trend in their annual scientific meeting.

Additionally, Karen has served as a Grant writer for Champions, a division of KinderCare Education, worked as an Independent Contractor providing strategic communication services, and served as a Media Director for Jacob Meister for U.S. Senate and Illinois Director for ReadyNation.

Lastly, they were the Director of Industry and Governmental Affairs at La Petite Academy, where they oversaw public affairs and industry relations, advocating for policy influence and rechartering the Early Care and Education Consortium (ECEC).

Karen C. holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism from Northern Illinois University. Karen also earned a Master's degree in Journalism from Columbia College Chicago.