Karen Goodman Minter is a creative leader and consummate relationship builder with two decades of experience championing brands, educating stakeholders and catalyzing change to achieve strategic outcomes. Extensive experience across sectors has given Karen a multifaceted perspective— resulting in a track record of taking initial concepts and translating them into impactful results.
With experience in both the non-profit and corporate sector, I am adept at crafting visionary, high-growth strategies that revolutionize and propel organizations to success. I am accomplished in building and leading internal and external teams who are able to convey the narratives of mission-driven organizations and build brand engagement across channels.
JCC Chicago
2024 - Present
Walder Group
2019 – 2023
As Director of Brand and Strategic Communications, I led all branding, marketing and communications strategy for three education-focused organizations. As the first person in the role, I built infrastructure and processes to lead the organizations into the 21st century, including spearheading robust strategic planning and creating new marcom processes for all organizations to drive strategic outcomes. I led a system-wide rebranding effort resulting in new visual identities and brand positioning language for the organizations with deliverables including logos, print and digital collateral, signage, swag, advertising, and the development of four new websites reflecting the refreshed brand identity of each. (Launching 2024)
Jewish United Fund of Metropolitan Chicago
March 2019 – September 2019 (Contract)
As Interim Assistant Vice President of Marketing and Communications, I led innovation of new communication initiatives and stewarded the marcom portfolio of the Asst. VP of Marcom, including refining strategy to reach new audiences, driving social media growth and inbound marketing outcomes, and spearheading a new microsite including lead generation campaign.
Bernard Zell Anshe Emet Day School
2014 – 2019
As Chief Marketing Officer, I lead a team responsible for fulfilling the marketing, branding and communications strategies for the largest Jewish Community Center in North America.
As Director of Marketing and Communications, I led all marketing and communications for one of the top independent schools in Chicago and amplified the brand through integrated marketing, public relations, and strategic communications. I led the development of an award-winning campaign, “BE AMAZING,” that was utilized in a multi-channel advertising plan; print, social media, and other digital communications; campus signage; and video series. I built a nimble team that created and launched a new website within three months of joining the organization in 2014 and then launched a new website showcasing visual media in August 2018.
Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center
2010 – 2014
As founding Director of Marketing and Communications, I oversaw all marketing, branding, public relations and communications strategies for an emerging Chicago cultural institution. I was instrumental in establishing pro bono and community partnerships to meet strategic goals. I secured a partnership with a worldwide advertising firm valued at $350,000, resulting in the Museum’s first multi-channel advertising campaign, The Power of One, to build public awareness, establish Museum brand, and drive visitor traffic.
Lillian and Larry Goodman Foundations
2009 – 2010
As Director of Communications, I directed all branding and communications for a new philanthropic foundation. I created organizational infrastructure and spearheaded a complete branding campaign including name and logo generation, collateral suite and launch of first website. I also served as Director of Marketing for sister corporation, American Asset Management Services, a commercial real estate venture.
RDM Development
2005–2009
As Vice President of Marketing and Communications, I directed all branding, marketing, interactive media and collateral packages for real estate development company with total property values of over $300 million and a $4.5 million marketing budget. Developed distinctive brand identities and strategic messaging for each organization, reinforcing key messages in both internal and external public relations. Oversaw and directed media planning, print advertising design, photography and virtual reality endeavors, website design, creation of all collateral materials, signage production, and event development. Served as company spokesperson for both media relations and crisis management scenarios.
DePaul Driehaus College of Business, Digital Marketing Strategy Certificate, 2019
DePaul University, Chicago, IL, Bachelor of Science
Boston University, Boston, MA
Education
Awards
Silver Trumpet Award, “BE AMAZING” branding campaign, 2016
Graphic Design USA Web Design Award, Illinois Holocaust Museum website, 2013
Outside of work, I like helping non-profit organizations and serve on the Marketing Advisory Committee of The Ark, an organization dedicated to helping those facing adversity. I also enjoy yoga, reading, live music, walks with my husband and mini schnauzer, and discussing spatial transcriptomics and cybersecurity with my two sons.
Etc.
Hear from Karen’s colleagues:
John Avila, Principal, Avila Creative, Inc.
“Karen is a top notch marketing leader whose strategic approach, marketing savvy, and broad experience elevate organizations to the highest level and transform their brand presence.”
Kelley Szany, Senior VP of Education and Exhibitions, Illinois Holocaust Museum
“Karen challenged you to give your best and I valued her input on any project or program I was working on for the organization.”
Rick Hirschhaut, Founding Executive Director, Illinois Holocaust Museum
“Karen was instrumental as a strategist and ‘big picture’ thinker in articulating the messages the Museum needed to convey. Her many achievements in building our brand are a testament to the quality and impact of her talents.”
Marna Goldwin, CEO, The Ark (formerly Chief Advancement Officer, Bernard Zell)
“Karen was essential in advancing our institution and a wonderful partner for me and our entire senior leadership team—driving our marketing strategy forward and transforming our brand.”
Louanne Fries, Executive Producer, LA LLC