TreeHouse Foods

Communications Manager, Social and Digital Engagement

Patina Solutions

Communications Consultant

Karen Nicholas Communications

Freelance Writer & Communications Professional

Millig Design Build

I recruited and onboarded new employees and created various communication pieces to increase employee engagement. I created a Human Resources department and established internal communications best practices. I helped plan events and contributed to our marketing communications efforts.

Director of Communications & Employee Relations

Willdan Performance Engineering 

I provided communication strategy, developed content for both internal and external audiences and recruited new employees for our division. 

I created targeted communications to ensure employee engagement. I identified new ways to improve and innovate our internal and external communication practices and channels, including monthly update meetings, a branded Medium.com site, video communications, etc. 

I also recruited, hired, and onboarded new employees. I focused on furthering initiatives around Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, particularly in the hiring, recruiting, and onboarding process.

Communications & Talent Acquisition Manager

I designed presentations to share critical findings with clients, focusing on simplicity and client engagement. I also helped package our data into consumable content such as charts, graphs, etc.

University of Kansas

As the first communications person for the IT Department, I created and oversaw all communication efforts, including communications planning, crisis communications, and copywriting. I developed internal communication strategies and materials to support new launches, programs, and processes. 

I distilled complex, technical information into simple, digestible, and actional messages for diverse internal audiences, including students, faculty, and staff.  I also built relationships with other departments and team members to ensure seamless launches of new technologies and programs.

IT Communications & Media Relations Manager

David Evans and Associates, Inc.

As the first person in my role,  I created and executed a media relations program – including pitching media, writing press releases, ghostwriting bylines, and submitting applications for various awards. I ensured our external messages were consistent with our internal messages and focused my efforts on telling DEA’s brand story. 

I developed media pitches and articles to attract and engage with new talent through employee profiles in publications, company culture articles, and Best Places to Work awards. We were ranked on Fortune’s 100 Best Places to Work during my time in this role. 

I engaged with senior leadership and colleagues on media outreach opportunities and provided media training, including crisis communications guidance. 

I also assisted in various internal communications efforts, including contributions to internal newsletters and employee communication pieces.

Media Relations Manager

Edelman

Account Supervisor

Special Olympics Texas

Public Relations Coordinator

Corporate Communications | Writer | Employee & Internal Communications - Helping companies engage with their employees and clients

In our current remote/hybrid work environment, engaging and communicating with employees has never been more challenging – or essential. Creating an environment for employees to be the best versions of themselves is not only a cultural win – it’s also a business win.

A Gallup "State of the Workplace" report found that when employees are engaged at work, profitability increases by 21%. Yet, this same report shared that 65% of employees aren’t engaged at work.

We spend a lot of time talking “at” people – not necessarily “to” them. My goal isn’t just to communicate a message. My goal is to ensure those messages are delivered and digested by the audience. It’s also my responsibility to provide executive guidance and direction when messages aren’t the right voice and fit for the audience.

With a background in media relations, editorial content creation, internal communications and employee relations, I bring a range of creative skills and experience to any position. Communicating with employees and partners can be a company's greatest strength rather than its biggest weakness.

Karen Nicholas

Zinnia 

Senior Manager Learning Development

Good Learning

Provide Fractional Chief Learning Officer and Learning Strategy support by conducting learning needs analyses, collaborating with company leaders to design scalable solutions, and implementing learning plans aligned with identified needs.

Learning Strategist

CFCU Community Credit Union

Established and led L&D department serving over 200 employees in 14 locations. Increased learning offerings more than 650% over 5 years and supervised 3 L&D Specialists who delivered ~10,000 training hours annually.

Increased company satisfaction with learning 65% over 5 years by conducting needs analyses and implementing learning solutions aligned with organizational goals.

Managed 10+ projects to completion annually by leading cross-departmental teams of 10-15, resulting in the implementation of 5 technology systems utilized by 100% of employees.

Created over 200 training and communications materials and introduced knowledge management systems, leading to a 75% increase in efficiency for employees.

Trained 20 administrators and 200+ users on intranet and Learning Management System. Introduced 25+ programs that increased platform engagement by 85%.

Learning and Development Manager

Established strategic education program through creating live and digital learning opportunities. Facilitated 60+ training sessions annually for groups of up to 200, increasing employee engagement 80%.

Utilized business intelligence programs to research and analyze growth opportunities. Wrote, edited, and presented 250-page expansion application and two 50+ page merger applications that grew company customer base more than 50%. 

Executed 10-12 large-scale, organization-wide projects annually. Surpassed completion goals each year by communicating change processes and managing resources.

Education Manager

Wrote 100+ internal and external-focused speeches, reports, electronic communications, and presentations on behalf of the CEO and C-suite.

Reduced meeting preparation time for C-Suite by more than 50% through the implementation of meeting planning software. Provided training to 30+ constituents on software.

Executive Assistant

Purchase College

Analyzed enrollment data and implemented 15+ new courses by collaborating with faculty, increasing access to learning opportunities 25% among undergraduate students.

Coordinated 10+ in-person employee events annually for audiences of up to 300. Developed communications, created presentations, and edited speeches to ensure message clarity.

Chief of Staff

Advocated for adult learners on cross-functional committees and collaborated with faculty campus-wide to schedule courses to meet learner needs.  

Coached 100+ adult learners through 1-1 and small group meetings by discussing professional goals, analyzing previous course completion, and advising on graduation requirements. 

Supervised 2 academic advisors resulting in increased and consistent learner support, leading to high graduation rates among full-time Liberal Studies students.

Director of Adult Education

I am a Learning & Development professional with 7+ years’ experience managing a learning department serving 200 employees in 14 locations. My learning solutions are designed to bridge knowledge gaps and enhance employee development for organizations that value transparent communication, curiosity, and innovation. 

✨Top Skills✨
Program Management
Project Management
Learning Needs Analysis
Learning Strategy
Content Development
Cross-Functional Leadership
Change Management
Communication Strategy

💻Technology Experience💻
Adobe Captivate
7-Taps Microlearning
Loom Video Editing
Veed.io Video Editing
Microsoft Visio
Microsoft Office
SharePoint
Google Suite
Canva
Zoom
LMS Systems: Canvas, BVS

taplio

The Battle

Karen Nicholas

Rebecca Lerch, M.Ed.

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