Karen M. Bakula

advv2t@r.postjobfree.com • 916-***-****

LinkedIn URL• Sacramento, CA, 90212

Director of Corporate Communications Profile

Leading a full spectrum of corporate communications and brand marketing for top-tier organizations, while translating complex business objectives into award-winning campaigns.

Excellent people leader with an exceptional talent for ensuring effective and consistent branding and messaging across all external communications–social media, press releases, promotional, conference papers, collateral materials, case studies, and proposals via effective utilization of communication tools, training, and controls; enabling the company to be a catalyst for positive change. Brand architect and catalyst; competent in encouraging creativity/innovation and collaborating cross-functionally in planning, development, and implementation of communications, marketing, and public relations strategies to meet current/future needs of business, drive engagement, initiate change, and build/protect brand reputations. Proven history of steering the creation of messaging communications that touch the hearts and minds of identified target populations. Recognized as a dynamic team leader; excel at building high-performance teams to attain collective targets.

Areas of Expertise

Market Penetration & Positioning

Brand Reputation & Strategy

Media & Public Relations

Continuous process Improvements

Customer Engagement

Regulatory Compliance Assurance

Corporate Communications

Target Audience Identification

Team Leadership & Development

Customer Insights Research

Crisis Management

Performance Management

Career Experience

Senior Manager, Public Relations, 24 Hour Fitness, USA LLC 2014 – Present

Steer a world-class team of publicists and creative talent to build brand awareness and drive media/public relations. Define and implement operational metrics, KPIs, and generated reports to measure, optimize and continuously improve efficiency/effectiveness of communication programs, strategies, and tactics. Crisis communications team leader to analyze/prepare communication for issues involving company, its team, and facilities’ financial communication strategies.

Led organizational efforts to build and maintain regional/national media contacts/databases.

Crafted captivating material in a close tie with internal leaders/partners as well as engineered and implemented communications strategies to enhance influential position as an industry leader in programs, services, amenities and innovation.

Rapid ascension within the corporate structure; progressed from contract to senior management position due to exemplary performance across all functional areas.

Developed/fostered a social network and introduced the company to well-known national and international companies, for partnership opportunities (including ABC Broadcast Network).

Boosted digital visibility and brand awareness by launching new health/fitness programs, developing national/specialty industry media opportunities/events, and establishing strategic partnerships.

Related Experience

President, Karen Bakula & Company, Sacramento, CA

Built a versatile team of account executives, freelance creative industry talent, administrative professionals, and vendors through consistent selection, motivation, and development. Spearheaded all aspects of clients’ projects worth $1-2M annually. Cultivated a strong client base by forging and nurturing media relationships with a variety of regional, national and international clients to ensure the continuation and enhancement of services.

Devised brand strategies, designed/executed campaigns, and established successful public/media relations; enhanced client business profitability by 25% annually.

Secured rank among the top 25 agencies regionally (Business Journal publications).

Monitored and tracked expense budget, led successful vendor negotiations, recruited qualified manpower, and introduced advanced technological resources; decreased business expenses by 35%.

Developed a slate of client-specific special events; reduced production costs annually by 10% as well as accomplished 20% growth in new target audience development through implementation of cost-saving practices and successful business strategies.

Additional Experience

Freelance Copywriter & Communications/Public Relations Consultant

Adjunct Faculty, College of Business, Communication Studies California State University, Sacramento, CA

Public Relations Consultant Special Events Department, Paramount Pictures, Hollywood, CA

Education

Masters of Arts, Communication Studies – Public Relations Emphasis Bachelor of Arts, Communication Studies

California State University, Sacramento, Sacramento, CA

Honors & Awards

Ad Industry Person of the Year, Sacramento Advertising Club

American Directory of Who’s who in Executives and Businesses

Business Achievement Award Recipient, Sacramento Public Relations Association

Distinguished Service Award, California State University, Sacramento

Luminary Business Leader Award, National Association of Women in Business

Outstanding Young Women of America

Small Business Person of the Year, Sacramento Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce

Volunteer of the Month, Sacramento Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce

Professional Affiliations

Extensive experience in public service support of government, business, and non-profit organizations throughout the state of California that has included some of the following notable positions and appointments:

Past President, Big Brothers/Big Sisters of the Greater Sacramento Area, Inc.

Past President, Sacramento Ad Club

Past President, California State University Sacramento Alumni Association

Board of Directors, Sacramento Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce

Board of Directors, Sacramento Sports Foundation

Board of Trustees, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

Advisory Board, The Salvation Army, Del Oro Division

City/County Appointment: Commissioner, Sacramento Sports Commission

Contact this candidate