Karen Stratton
Spokane,WA
Summary
Experienced (10-years) City Council Member with comprehensive knowledge in local government and community engagement. Possess strong leadership skills, adept at driving legislative agendas and fostering collaboration among diverse groups. Demonstrated ability to make impactful policy changes that benefit communities. High-level proficiency in public speaking and negotiation along with a solid commitment to public service.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
Work History
City Council Member
City Of Spokane
Spokane, WA
08.2014 - 01.2024
- Represented the City of Spokane's 3rd District in northwest Spokane.
- Regularly communicated and engaged with the Mayor, city staff, constituents, business leaders, and elected officials.
- Collaborated with other elected officials at all levels of government to promote regional interests.
- Upheld strong constituent relations with public meetings, community events, and robust feedback system through office staff.
- Solicited state and federal funding for local projects and programs.
- Wrote legislation and amendments, set policies and oversaw budgets.
- Developed legislation for consideration by the City Council and coordinated its passage through the legislative process.
Clerk
City Clerk's Office
Spokane, WA
12.2011 - 08.2014
- Responded to customer inquiries through phone and email.
- Processed public records requests.
- Ensured adherence to confidentiality rules, preserving data quality and minimizing information compromise.
- Prepared agendas and packets for weekly City Council meetings.
Senior Executive Assistant to the Mayor
City Of Spokane
Spokane, WA
01.2009 - 12.2011
- Performed administrative and supervisory tasks in the Mayor's Office.
- Applied in-depth understanding of City Government, administrative policies, and procedures to effectively address a wide range of municipal matters.
- Ensured smooth communications among Mayor's office, division and department heads, and constituents using independent judgement.
- Conducted research and prepared responses for citizen concerns.
Public Information Coordinator
City of Spokane Regional Solid Waste System
Spokane, WA
04.2006 - 12.2008
- Established and maintained relations with municipalities within the Spokane Regional Solid Waste System.
- Established and maintained relations with regional media outlets.
- Created, designed and placed display advertising.
- Developed and coordinated a regional recycling media campaign, The Cycle Starts with You!
Senior Advisor to the Mayor
City Of Spokane
Spokane, WA
07.2005 - 03.2006
- Served as main point of contact for Boards and Commissions.
- Coordinated recruitment and selection process, monitored vacancies for all boards and commissions.
- Provided staff support to the Human Rights Commission, the Council for Economic Policy and Forecasting, and various citizen advisory committees.
Community Outreach Coordinator
Greater Spokane Substance Abuse Council
Spokane, WA
03.2005 - 07.2005
- Coordinated and managed the 24-hour Jail Alternative Program and the DUI Victims Panel.
- Coordinated community outreach activities, including press conferences, town hall meetings, and other special events.
- Contributed to the development of various marketing materials including flyers, banners, and presentations.
Program Coordinator
Community Colleges of Spokane
Spokane, WA
09.2000 - 09.2004
- On the Job College: coordinated support services to companies, students and CCS delivery units.
- Developed and implemented student recruitment activities, while establishing policies and procedures for on-site registration and student services.
- Coordinated and managed the Job Skills Program grant for training and employing Native American and low-income clients.
- Conducted information sessions and administered Work Keys Skills Assessments to clients participating in the Washington State Targeted Wage Initiative.
Community Relations Manager
Metropolitan Mortgage and Securities
Spokane, WA
07.1997 - 05.2000
- Implemented comprehensive, hands-on philanthropic effort in City of Spokane.
- Developed and nurtured relationships with educational institutions, neighborhoods, the arts community, non-profits, and diverse communities.
- Participated in public events, community projects, and non-profit boards to enhance corporate visibility.
- Co-created and produced the 'We Are One' diversity campaign for television and print.
Director, Student and Campus Relations
WSU Spokane
Spokane Valley, WA
01.1995 - 11.1995
- Assisted with developing and implementing a communications and marketing plan for WSU Spokane.
- Represented WSU at community events
- Provided recommendations for Campus Executive Officer regarding opportunities for greater community visibility.
Student Affairs Officer
WSU Spokane
Spokane, WA
01.1990 - 11.1995
- Developed and oversaw student services at WSU Spokane.
- Managed all on-site registration, student orientation, and special events.
- Led the development of student government administration.
- Developed course schedules, campus catalog and local advertising.
- Coordinated WSU graduate program recruitment activities.
- Planned and managed WSU Spokane Commencement ceremonies.
Education
Leadership Spokane
Spokane, WA01-1994
Bachelor of Arts - Communications
Eastern Washington University
Cheney, WA05-1989
Skills
- Problem-solving abilities
- Cross-party collaboration
- District representation
- Interpersonal Skills
- Constituent relations
- Community Engagement
- Strong knowledge of municipal and state government
Affiliations
- Program Coordinator, WSU Spokane, 1987 - 1990
- Conference Coordinator, WSU Spokane, 1985 - 1987
- Legislative Aide, Washington State Legislature, 1981 - 1984
- Served on numerous boards and commissions.
Timeline
City Council Member
City Of Spokane
08.2014 - 01.2024
Clerk
City Clerk's Office
12.2011 - 08.2014
Senior Executive Assistant to the Mayor
City Of Spokane
01.2009 - 12.2011
Public Information Coordinator
City of Spokane Regional Solid Waste System
04.2006 - 12.2008
Senior Advisor to the Mayor
City Of Spokane
07.2005 - 03.2006
Community Outreach Coordinator
Greater Spokane Substance Abuse Council
03.2005 - 07.2005
Program Coordinator
Community Colleges of Spokane
09.2000 - 09.2004
Community Relations Manager
Metropolitan Mortgage and Securities
07.1997 - 05.2000
Director, Student and Campus Relations
WSU Spokane
01.1995 - 11.1995
Student Affairs Officer
WSU Spokane
01.1990 - 11.1995
Leadership Spokane
Bachelor of Arts - Communications
Eastern Washington University
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