Karis Erwin

Karis Erwin has a long and varied career in marketing, communications, and guest services. Karis began their career in 2006 as an Assistant Manager of Visitor Services and School and Group Visit Planner at Exploration Place. Karis then moved on to MMG Worldwide as an Assistant Account Executive and Account Coordinator in 2007, where they developed and managed strategic marketing and advertising plans for 4 clients. In 2009, they became the Director of Development at reStart Inc., where they created and executed an annual strategic communications plan and coordinated events. From 2011 to 2012, they served as Interim Marketing Manager at BRR Architecture. Karis then joined the Peace Corps as a Community Development Specialist, where they facilitated training for 500+ people and trained partners in project design and grant writing. In 2014, they became the Manager of Development and Marketing at Community of Hope DC, where they drove a 3 person team in advertising, fundraising, and events. From 2016 to 2020, they served as the Director of Marketing, Communications & Guest Services and then the Vice President of Marketing and Guest Services at the Newseum, managing a $1.4M budget and leading a team of 4. Most recently, they have been the Vice President of Marketing and Guest Services at the National WWI Museum and Memorial since 2020.

Karis Erwin obtained a Master of Public Administration with a focus in Nonprofit Management from the University of Missouri-Kansas City in 2011, and a Bachelor of Business Administration with a focus in Marketing from Pittsburg State University in 2005. Karis also holds a Professional Certificate in Nonprofit Fundraising from the Midwest Center for Nonprofit Leadership.