Kathleen Lucente

Kathleen has witnessed and played a part in the evolution of communications ever since her entrance into the tech industry more than 20 years ago, first as a journalist, then as a PR professional. Nothing if not resolute, Kathleen has acted as a public relations shaman for some of the largest technology companies and some of the smallest, most promising startups during many of the most turbulent times in tech, from the rise of global telecommunications, nanotechnology and personal computing to international mergers, acquisitions and IPOs.

An exceptional manager of people, clients and reputations, her ability to think critically and intuitively in a pinch has led to more than one successful crisis resolution, including the immediate fallout of 9/11 overseas and the SARS outbreak in Hong Kong in 2003.

After a successful and award-winning career working for IBM, JPMorgan, Ketchum Worldwide and other global brands and agencies, Kathleen moved to Austin just as the city began its meteoric rise as a hotbed for tech startups and investment.

In the time since, she has helped countless companies of all stages clarify their purpose, tell their unique stories, differentiate from their competitors and establish lasting relationships with clients and customers. The tenacity with which she approaches her clients’ problems is matched only by her dedication to the Austin community. She serves on several boards—including Austin Gives and the ABC Kite Fest—and donates much of her and her staff’s time to local nonprofits that have tangible impact throughout the community, including the Corporate Engagement Council for the Austin mayor’s office and the Mike & Sherry Project, an Austin-based organization providing mental health support to local bar and restaurant workers.

Kathleen is a regulator contributor to the Forbes Agency Council, covering critical communications topics like crisis management, brand positioning, thought leadership, corporate communications and the fundamentals of great brand storytelling. She is a frequent guest speaker at influential podcasts, accelerators and communications and business schools, including the Wharton School, the University of Texas at Austin, the Confident Communications podcast and the MassChallenge startup accelerator, where she also serves as a mentor.