“I worked with Karen on various digital projects spanning multiple industries over a few years. I appreciate her consulate professionalism and consultative approach, as well as her deep well of knowledge and experience in the marketing function. Karen is versatile as a consultant, professional and a leader as well. She is on my permanent contact list for any projects involving marketing, branding or social media projects. She gets 5/5 stars from me! ”
Karen McFarlane, NACD.DC
New York City Metropolitan Area
5K followers
500+ connections
About
With over 25 years of marketing experience, I bring a wealth of knowledge in strategy…
Contributions
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Your team is struggling to receive crucial information. How can you ensure everyone is on the same page?
Determine the gaps and bring the right players together. People need to understand their role and its value in meeting the end goal. Don’t assume people understand their individual impact to a specific project or initiative. Tell them and ask them to be active contributors. This way they can assess how to provide the information that best serves themselves and the team. But keep in mind that other teams may have different KPIs that are crucial to their own success. Having a conversation allows you to understand perspectives, resolve unknown conflicts that may be causing friction, and find solutions that gets everyone where they need to go.
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How do you deal with confidentiality and privacy issues when working with sensitive client information?
Honesty is always the best policy. Disclose any potential breaches immediately so that resolution can be achieved quickly. Your client may also have resources in place to assist with mitigation. Remember, you have a responsibility to them and they have one to their customers. Things happen so be a good partner by being honest when they need you most.
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How do you deal with confidentiality and privacy issues when working with sensitive client information?
Make sure team members and contractors know and are capable of following the best practices you have established for protecting client data. Develop an onboarding program and be sure to test them periodically; it’s very easy to fall out of compliance especially over time. And if you don’t have tech specialists on staff, hire one in-demand. The price to safeguard your systems and processes now if far less than having to recover later.
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How do you deal with confidentiality and privacy issues when working with sensitive client information?
Remember, NDAs and confidentiality agreements, though binding, are just words on paper. Consider all client information private and confidential and ensure your processes, policies and systems can match the need. This extends to non-electronic material as well. What you say in public is equally as important as what you do to protect your company and your clients.
Activity
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Congratulations to member Kevin McQuade of Latham for being selected as the winner of our $2,500 Grocery Giveaway! 🎉 Kevin was selected at random…
Congratulations to member Kevin McQuade of Latham for being selected as the winner of our $2,500 Grocery Giveaway! 🎉 Kevin was selected at random…
Liked by Karen McFarlane, NACD.DC
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Insightful conversation led by Richard Tromans at #ILTACON yesterday - particularly the debate on accuracy and the perception of where wrong answers…
Insightful conversation led by Richard Tromans at #ILTACON yesterday - particularly the debate on accuracy and the perception of where wrong answers…
Liked by Karen McFarlane, NACD.DC
Experience
Education
Licenses & Certifications
Volunteer Experience
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Director, Board of Directors
Hudson Valley Credit Union
- Present 2 years 3 months
Economic Empowerment
Hudson Valley Credit Union is a credit union serving the New York counties of Dutchess, Orange, Ulster, Putnam, Rockland, Westchester, Greene, Columbia, Albany, Rensselaer, Schenectady, and Saratoga. HVCU is one of the largest credit unions in New York and the United States, with over $7B in assets.
Board Roles:
* Chair, Compensation & Benefits Committee (2023 to present)
* Secretary, Governance and Nominations Committee (2023 to present)
* Member, Governance and Nominations…Hudson Valley Credit Union is a credit union serving the New York counties of Dutchess, Orange, Ulster, Putnam, Rockland, Westchester, Greene, Columbia, Albany, Rensselaer, Schenectady, and Saratoga. HVCU is one of the largest credit unions in New York and the United States, with over $7B in assets.
Board Roles:
* Chair, Compensation & Benefits Committee (2023 to present)
* Secretary, Governance and Nominations Committee (2023 to present)
* Member, Governance and Nominations Committee (2022 to present) -
Member Board of Directors
MVP: Momentum & Value for People of Color
- Present 1 year 3 months
Education
MVP is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization and movement that aims to create equity and access to opportunity for young people of color. Through mentoring and coaching, along with introductions to broad networks and financial assistance, we want to help foster the professional and personal skills that will give young people a chance to succeed.
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President, Professional Chapters Council (PCC)
American Marketing Association
- Present 3 years 2 months
Education
* PRESIDENT, Professional Chapters Council (2024-present)
* PRESIDENT-ELECT & DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION CO-CHAIR, Professional Chapters Council (2023-2024)
* MEMBER, AMA Learning Council (2023-2024)
* CHAIR, DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION & LEADERSHIP ADVISOR, Professional Chapters Council (2021-2023)
Guide all 69 professional chapters to grow, thrive, and run successful non-profit businesses by providing advice, counsel, networking, advocacy, and education to chapter leaders…* PRESIDENT, Professional Chapters Council (2024-present)
* PRESIDENT-ELECT & DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION CO-CHAIR, Professional Chapters Council (2023-2024)
* MEMBER, AMA Learning Council (2023-2024)
* CHAIR, DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION & LEADERSHIP ADVISOR, Professional Chapters Council (2021-2023)
Guide all 69 professional chapters to grow, thrive, and run successful non-profit businesses by providing advice, counsel, networking, advocacy, and education to chapter leaders and volunteers. -
Board Of Directors
American Marketing Association New York
- Present 9 years 3 months
Education
Various roles include:
* MEMBER-AT-LARGE & SPECIAL ADVISOR (2024 to present)
* DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION CHAIR (2020 to 2024)
* EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (2018 to 2022)
* MEMBERSHIP & VOLUNTEERS CHAIR (2017 - 2019)
* BOARD OF DIRECTORS (2016 - present)
* DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP ACQUISITION (2015 - 2017)
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ABOUT AMA NEW YORK
The New York Chapter of the American…Various roles include:
* MEMBER-AT-LARGE & SPECIAL ADVISOR (2024 to present)
* DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION CHAIR (2020 to 2024)
* EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (2018 to 2022)
* MEMBERSHIP & VOLUNTEERS CHAIR (2017 - 2019)
* BOARD OF DIRECTORS (2016 - present)
* DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP ACQUISITION (2015 - 2017)
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ABOUT AMA NEW YORK
The New York Chapter of the American Marketing Association inspires, supports and celebrates brilliance in marketing. By doing so, AMA New York raises the profile of marketing and marketers and prepares marketers to thrive in new roles, develop expertise and grow new capabilities. Membership in the AMA New York provides amazing career opportunities which are supported by our robust volunteer and mentoring programs as well as our numerous networking and educational opportunities. If you would like to learn more about becoming a member, please contact me or visit www.amanewyork.org. -
Board of Directors
Gender IDEAL
- 2 years 1 month
Gender IDEAL is a 501(c)3 designed to be the platform for workplaces to understand their performance on gender equity and to identify and take action to improve. Built around a comprehensive framework that covers all topics related to gender equitable workplace practices, policies and perceptions, this educational tool builds awareness and drives utilization of best-in-class strategies through resources and customized recommendations. Data are used to generate detailed benchmarking reports for…
Gender IDEAL is a 501(c)3 designed to be the platform for workplaces to understand their performance on gender equity and to identify and take action to improve. Built around a comprehensive framework that covers all topics related to gender equitable workplace practices, policies and perceptions, this educational tool builds awareness and drives utilization of best-in-class strategies through resources and customized recommendations. Data are used to generate detailed benchmarking reports for workplaces and inform research to advance progress on gender equity.
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Board Member
Leadership and Arts Coalition
- Present 4 years 3 months
Arts and Culture
Leadership and Arts Coalition is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to use the arts to improve and enhance the educational landscape in marginalized communities. We understand the importance of bringing together individuals and entities to improve the outcomes for all. Our primary goal is to raise awareness and money to support artistic expression through unity, inclusion, and bridging economic gaps.
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Advisor, New York Chapter
VR AR Association
- 1 year 6 months
Assist with chapter strategy in support of the mission to build connections between innovative companies and people in the VR and AR ecosystem.
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Board of Trustees
Rippowam Cisqua School
- 1 year 5 months
Education
Served on the marketing, diversity, search and trustee committees for Pre-K through 9 independent school in Westchester, NY.
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Executive Board; Technology Chair/Historian
Jack and Jill of America, Inc. (Mid-Hudson Valley Chapter)
- 2 years 1 month
Children
Served on Executive Board of Mid-Hudson Valley Chapter leading technology based initiatives from marketing to event planning to strategic value programs.
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Marketing Consultant
Taproot Foundation
- 6 years
Social Services
Serve as a Pro-Bono marketing consultant for non-profit organizations.
>> East Side House -- Content Manager for the development of a new website for East Side House Settlement, a community resource providing a range of direct services to children, families, and seniors in the South Bronx
>>Teaching Matters - Content Manager for the development of the Teaching Matters Annual Report. Teaching Matters is a non-profit organization that helps increase teaching…Serve as a Pro-Bono marketing consultant for non-profit organizations.
>> East Side House -- Content Manager for the development of a new website for East Side House Settlement, a community resource providing a range of direct services to children, families, and seniors in the South Bronx
>>Teaching Matters - Content Manager for the development of the Teaching Matters Annual Report. Teaching Matters is a non-profit organization that helps increase teaching effectiveness in urban public students in an effort to drive school-wide improvement amongst students. -
Advisory Board Member
846 Films, Inc.
- 3 years 1 month
Arts and Culture
Provide marketing counsel and advisory services for multi-million dollar movie slate deal. Also assisted in managing the financial, creative, and marketing responsibilities associated with the development of this independent movie based on the award winning short film - Shining Star - The Movie.
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Business Advocate
ReSTART Central
- 1 year
Economic Empowerment
Aid businesses affected by September 11 regain their market share and increase sales
Publications
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Marketing's Role in Creating an Equitable Future: Advancing Economic Vitality
Colossal Work, AMA New York, AMA Cincinnati, AMA PDX
We asked 25 Chief Marketing Officers three essential questions to gain deeper insights into their approach to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) as it pertains to their vendors, contractors, and other suppliers:
* What specific approach do you adopt in relation to DEI concerning your vendors, contractors, and other suppliers?
* How are you operationalizing DEI in your marketing procurement or vendor management process?
* How do you measure supplier diversity as part of your…We asked 25 Chief Marketing Officers three essential questions to gain deeper insights into their approach to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) as it pertains to their vendors, contractors, and other suppliers:
* What specific approach do you adopt in relation to DEI concerning your vendors, contractors, and other suppliers?
* How are you operationalizing DEI in your marketing procurement or vendor management process?
* How do you measure supplier diversity as part of your marketing goals?Other authorsSee publication -
Marketing’s Role in Creating an Inclusive Future: Confidential Insights from 25 Executive Marketing Leaders
AMA New York, AMA Cincinnati, AMA PDX
Three chapters of the American Marketing Association (AMA) — Cincinnati, New York, and PDX — joined together to explore how marketers can use their influence and brand acumen to impact social and economic change through a DEI lens.
This report is the culmination of interviews with 25 executive marketers and a 60-minute follow-up session about diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and the talent pipeline. The goal was to understand the role marketing plays in creating a more inclusive…Three chapters of the American Marketing Association (AMA) — Cincinnati, New York, and PDX — joined together to explore how marketers can use their influence and brand acumen to impact social and economic change through a DEI lens.
This report is the culmination of interviews with 25 executive marketers and a 60-minute follow-up session about diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and the talent pipeline. The goal was to understand the role marketing plays in creating a more inclusive future, starting with the leaders behind the scenes.
* How are their organizations prioritizing DEI?
* How has the emerging role of DEI taken shape in their organizations?
* What is the role of the CMO?Other authorsSee publication
Projects
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Strategic Growth Marketing for Healthcare Startup
- Present
Developing a long-term growth strategy for online learning platform in the healthcare field. The company received another round of seed funding, has a healthy client list, a small but mighty team and a strong investor pool. They are now ready to ramp up efforts by identifying key buyers, developing core messages, revamping their website and executing iterative lead generation strategies with an eye on tripling revenue by next year. They are a startup at the right stage at the right time who is…
Developing a long-term growth strategy for online learning platform in the healthcare field. The company received another round of seed funding, has a healthy client list, a small but mighty team and a strong investor pool. They are now ready to ramp up efforts by identifying key buyers, developing core messages, revamping their website and executing iterative lead generation strategies with an eye on tripling revenue by next year. They are a startup at the right stage at the right time who is poised to disrupt the competitive landscape and take advantage of a growing yet underserved market plagued by red tape. Who knew healthcare could be so exciting!
Organizations
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American Marketing Association New York
Board of Directors; Membership + Volunteer Chair; Executive Circle Member
- Present*Joined the AMA New York as the Director of Membership Acquisition in June 2015. *Elected to the Board of Directors on July 1, 2016 *Appointed as Membership + Volunteers Chair July 1, 2017. *Admitted member of the Executive Circle commencing September 19, 2017.
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Jack and Jill of America
Executive Board Member; Technology Chair, Historian
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Business Marketing Association
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National Association of the Self Employed
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Recommendations received
15 people have recommended Karen
Join now to viewMore activity by Karen
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Congratulations to Victoria Schreiber on her promotion to Kingston Branch Operations Supervisor! Victoria has held numerous positions that have…
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🌍 Join us at the Emerald Summit for an eye-opening keynote on tackling one of the world’s biggest challenges—industrial carbon pollution! 🌱 On…
🌍 Join us at the Emerald Summit for an eye-opening keynote on tackling one of the world’s biggest challenges—industrial carbon pollution! 🌱 On…
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It's really happening! Thrilled to be joining a group that so epitomizes passion, talent, vision, and expertise! To the Blackweek team working…
It's really happening! Thrilled to be joining a group that so epitomizes passion, talent, vision, and expertise! To the Blackweek team working…
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This form of flattery will get you everywhere 🤪 ... #blackbusinessmonth #supportblackbusinesses #pocstock
This form of flattery will get you everywhere 🤪 ... #blackbusinessmonth #supportblackbusinesses #pocstock
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I want to call out the appalling behavior of Ann Coulter and anyone else who thought it appropriate to mock Gus Walz, a young man visibly overcome…
I want to call out the appalling behavior of Ann Coulter and anyone else who thought it appropriate to mock Gus Walz, a young man visibly overcome…
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Congratulations to Adam Kramer on his promotion to Sales and Service Coach of the Southwest Region! Adam joined HVCU as Newburgh Branch Manager in…
Congratulations to Adam Kramer on his promotion to Sales and Service Coach of the Southwest Region! Adam joined HVCU as Newburgh Branch Manager in…
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Year 15 teaching college students! Hope I’m bringing the same energy and a little more expertise than when I started!!! Can’t wait to uncover and…
Year 15 teaching college students! Hope I’m bringing the same energy and a little more expertise than when I started!!! Can’t wait to uncover and…
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✨ Happy National Latina Day! ✨ As a proud Dominican American, business leader, professor, and leadership coach, I have always believed in the power…
✨ Happy National Latina Day! ✨ As a proud Dominican American, business leader, professor, and leadership coach, I have always believed in the power…
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