Karen Katzman

A distinguished figure in the fashion and non-profit industries. Currently at the helm of Popcorn for the People, a non-profit empowering adults with autism and intellectual disabilities, Karen blends her extensive leadership prowess with a profound dedication to social welfare. Throughout her illustrious career, she has showcased a remarkable talent for steering both fledgling ventures and struggling enterprises to success. With a proven aptitude for driving sales and a passion for meaningful impact, Karen embodies transformative leadership in both corporate and non-profit realms.

• Led all efforts for this nonprofit to run an efficient manufacturing/processing center built and cultivate a high performing best in class team.
• Established productive working relationships between the Board/Leadership team and staff.
• Developed and implemented a strategic planning process.
• Reorganized and streamlined practices for both the facility and agency which resulted in increased productivity and alignment with government regulations.
• Opened first of its kind popcorn manufacturing facility in conjuction with the Philadelphia Eagles Autism Foundation, WaWa, and Nouryon.
• Major accounts brought on: Aramark, Ambassador Theatre Group (ATG), WaWa, Barnes & Noble, Lincoln Financial Stadium - Philadelphia Eagles, Restaurant Associates, Capital One Cafes, Applegreen, Jacob Javitz Center, Prudential Center, Reading Terminal Market, Top of the Rock, U.S Open, Wegmans Food Markets.

• Recruited back by Mark Badgley, James Mischka and their partners to launch in-house  sportswear collection
• Worked closely with creative director and production team
• Secured positioning in US majors and key specialty stores

• Introduced the mens world to artisain brand collections from Italy;
• Oracio Luciano, St. Andrews, Enrico Formicola, Cruciani, Stefano Bemer Mandelli
• Womens collections included: Badgley Mischka, Riani, Laur`el, Oui,

• Recruited back by Joe and Kim Mimran to turnaround U.S operations.

• Hired by FJ Benjamin, publicly traded $400 million Singapore–based company, to plan and execute launch of the RAOUL RTW Collection into the U.S. Worked closely with creative team in Singapore to add key classifications and merchandise the collection for the U.S. market.
• Developed successful sales, marketing, and e–commerce strategies. These included; participation in key NY based shows, recruiting national sales manager, selecting regional sales reps in Dallas and Atlanta to broaden exposure and gain coverage in key markets, and retained a PR firm which provided national exposure. Placement in Neiman Marcus, Neiman Marcus.com, Saks Fifth Avenue, Saks.com, Bloomingdales (launched brand’s first US shop in shop in 2012) and Bloomingdales.com.  
• Placement in key specialty stores, including Tootsies, Balliets, Halls, Coplons, and alliances with e–commerce sites, including Shopbop and Matches.com
• CATHERINE DEANE  |  Catherine Deane dress collection added to portfolio of responsibility in 2012.
  Achieved brand placement in Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman

• Turned around severely downtrending modern RTW collection, increasing sales from
  $1.2 to more than $5M.
•  Recruited and developed sales team and hired PR firm that brought the collection to a
  national level.
• Achieved placement in major department stores, including Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdales, and Nordstrom.
• Penetrated specialty store business with a blend of regional shows and Coterie participation.

• Launched this American icon duo's bridge sportswear collection in
  the US. Worked with design and merchandising to build line and hired regional sales representatives. Exceeded all sales projections in the first year.
• Secured placement with all majors, Saks, Bloomingdales, Bloomingdales and Nordstroms.
• Achieved $5M on launch vs. $2M projection; generated $7M in 2nd year.