KAREN MORRISSEY BEDARD
kmobedard@gmail.com | 617.515.7102
PROFILE
Agency and in-house creative leader and copywriter with two decades of experience developing world-class brand communications, creating omnichannel marketing campaigns, and coaching creative teams. A storyteller at heart and collaborator to the core.
WORK EXPERIENCE
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, ADVANCEMENT MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS
St. Lawrence University | 2023 - Present
Provide strategic communications support for the university president and all philanthropic giving initiatives. Writing responsibilities include: prepared remarks and other communications from the president; alumni magazine stories; persuasive fundraising appeals and gift proposals; conceptual and customized marketing collateral; and collaborative website and social content.
CO-FOUNDER, CREATIVE DIRECTOR, COPYWRITER
Three Needs Creative | 2019 - 2023
Collaborate with design partner to deliver big idea concepts, creative strategies, integrated marketing campaigns, conceptual messaging platforms, naming, taglines, content plans, public relations pitches, and product launch solutions. Responsible for recruiting, hiring, and management of remote staff. Handle all written company and client communications.
• Clients: Cayuga County Health Department, I Love NY, PUR, Vicks, St. John Brewers, Cayuga County Office of Tourism, Finger Lakes Sotheby’s International Realty, Skaneateles Library Association
STRATEGY DIRECTOR
Chase Design | 2018 - 2019
Developed human-centered communication strategies and stories for retail brand experiences and innovation centers. Led company website redesign and the creation of internal corporate communications. Scripted and directed development of persuasive video content for internal and external clients. Vetted and managed subcontractors and agency partners.
• Clients: Energizer, Proctor & Gamble, iRobot, Anheuser-Busch, Sentry Safe
CONSULTANT, STRATEGIST & COPYWRITER
karenbedardwrites.com | 2016 - Present
Partner with small- and mid-size companies, providing expertise in the areas of communications strategy, brand expression, and copywriting.
• Clients: Adjacent, ReefPoint Group, Kitsap Regional Library, You Live Right, Finger Lakes Sotheby’s International Realty
DIRECTOR, DIGITAL STRATEGY & ACTIVATION
SharkNinja | 2016
Led a team of digital specialists to develop a multiplatform plan for sales growth, including an ecommerce website RFP, media strategy for social channels, and digital storytelling to increase brand engagement.
CREATIVE DIRECTOR, COPY
SharkNinja | 2014 - 2016
Built a strong, full-service in-house creative agency to support and propel a corporate brand transformation. Partnered with executive leadership and cross-functional peers to develop positioning, messaging platform, and tone of voice for Ninja and Shark product launches. Coached a team of copywriters, designers, and proofreaders to establish ownable brand expression and experience across all touchpoints.
ASSOCIATE CREATIVE DIRECTOR, COPY
Vistaprint | 2012 - 2014
Managed, trained, and inspired a global team of 10 copywriters through a major corporate rebrand as the company surpassed $1B. Partnered with leadership to elevate marketing creative to deepen customer loyalty while maintaining revenue goals. Co-created global brand personality, voice, and visual ID (2014 launch) and oversaw creative execution across email, web properties, direct mail, and video.
ASSOCIATE CREATIVE DIRECTOR, COPY
Arnold | 2011 – 2012
Led day-to-day creative on Ocean Spray account, including ‘Straight from the Bog’ TV campaign as well as radio, video, digital, and print. Co-led full Ocean Spray website redesign, collaborating closely with UX, developer, designers, and writers through execution. Concepted and wrote radio and TV scripts, developed brand style guides, and contributed to new business pitches for variety of other clients.
• Clients: Ocean Spray, Huntington Bank, Pearl Vision, Tyson Foods, Lean Cuisine, University of Phoenix
SENIOR COPYWRITER
Arnold | 2004 – 2011
Wrote copy for web, digital ads, and radio. Collaborated with art director.
• Clients: Royal Caribbean, Progressive Insurance, Carnival Cruise Lines, Radio Shack
COPYWRITER
Digitas | 2004 – 2006
Wrote copy for direct mail and email. Collaborated with art director.
• Clients: OnStar, XM Radio, AT&T, General Motors
EDUCATION
BACHELOR OF ARTS
St. Lawrence University, B.A. Creative Writing
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
GAP International Breakthrough Leadership Intensive | Vistaprint Manager Development Program | 3% Conference |
AdClub of Boston - Creative Concepts | Harvard University Extension School - Memoir Writing
TECHNICAL SKILLS
Microsoft 365, Apple iWork, Google Workspace, Teamwork,Basecamp, Jira, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Zoom
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
Effies, Hatch, MITX, NEDMA, NYSTIA “Excellence in Marketing”
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Youth Soccer Coach | Skaneateles Library Association Board of Trustees, Communications Committee Chair