Kari Fry
Davis,CA
Summary
Passionate communications executive with over 20 years of experience in crafting enterprise-level communication strategies that effectively align leadership priorities with public messaging. Proven expertise as a primary spokesperson and executive advisor, skilled in media relations, digital governance, and fostering cross-departmental collaboration. Recognized for values-driven leadership and a forward-thinking approach, with a talent for orchestrating complex initiatives while maintaining composure in high-pressure situations. Committed to promoting transparency, accessibility, and enhancing public trust through strategic communication efforts.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Principal
Palladian Consulting
Davis, CA
01.2014 - Current
- Directed strategic communications and public affairs initiatives for businesses, nonprofits and community organizations.
- Acted as spokesperson and strategic advisor for high-visibility clients, initiatives and complex public discussions.
- Spearheaded media outreach initiatives and crafted press releases.
- Established structured communication workflows, approval processes, and project timelines to enhance message discipline and ensure timely execution.
- Engineered and deployed CRM systems (HubSpot) to enhance stakeholder engagement and streamline outreach processes.
- Directed website development and digital governance initiatives.
- Collaborated with graphic designers creating infographics aimed at enhancing public understanding of complex data.
- Organized and led public forums and stakeholder briefings to enhance community engagement.
- Developed strategic initiatives and built operational infrastructure to enhance and manage organizational effectiveness.
CFO & Vice President, Corporate Communications
ARIZ Precision Medicine
Davis, CA
01.2017 - 01.2020
- Directed corporate communications, media relations, and investor engagement strategies during organizational growth.
- Oversaw press release development and distribution initiatives. Managed strategic outreach to media and investment stakeholders to enhance visibility.
- Designed and presented pitch decks, communicating complex scientific and financial information at various investor conferences and industry events. (100+ attendees)
- Helped secure approximately $3 million in equity funding through disciplined communication strategy and coordinated stakeholder engagement.
- Coordinated messaging across executive, legal, and operational teams to ensure regulatory compliance and consistency.
Executive Director
Davis Roots
Davis, CA
01.2016 - 01.2017
- Directed strategic initiatives as chief executive and primary spokesperson for nonprofit focused on entrepreneurship and economic development.
- Led internal and external communication strategies.
- Served as public-facing representative with media, elected officials, and community stakeholders.
- Oversaw development of press releases. Coordinated and hosted community events to foster relationships and strengthen community ties.
- Oversaw website redesign and digital content management.
- Directed public outreach initiatives, workshops, and partnership events.
- Led strategic planning initiatives to align organizational goals with community needs.
- Directed intern teams and established project management frameworks to enhance operational efficiency within the organization and its startups.
Founder & Managing Partner
The Centaur Group
Davis, CA
01.2011 - 01.2014
- Established strategic communications consulting firm dedicated to empowering nonprofits, public servants and civic initiatives.
- Developed campaign messaging frameworks for local candidates, public initiatives, ensuring alignment across media, digital, and in-person engagement.
- Built and maintained websites and social media platforms with structured content calendaring systems.
- Directed brand development and visual identity standards.
- Established project management systems coordinating designers, developers, and client leadership.
- Managed high-scrutiny public messaging environments requiring rapid response and disciplined narrative control.
Senior Investor Relations
Magnum Financial Group
Los Angeles, CA
01.2000 - 01.2002
- Developed and executed investor communication strategies to enhance shareholder engagement.
- Executed drafting and distribution of over 250 press releases for publicly traded companies on NASDAQ and AMEX.
- Managed quarterly earnings communications and investor conference calls.
- Acted as the main point of contact for media outlets, analysts, and institutional investors to enhance stakeholder relations.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration And Management
St. Mary’s College of California
Moraga, CA06-1997
Improvisational Theater Training - undefined
The Groundlings School
Los AngelesSkills
- Strategic communication development
- Public relations strategy and leadership
- Rapid response messaging
- Collaborative project management
- Oversight of digital platforms
- CRM systems management
- Brand strategy and design
- Data visualization expertise
- Community outreach
- Internal communication management
- Staff management
Strength Finder Strengths
Belief, Learner, Arranger, Developer, Futuristic
Languages
Spanish
Limited Working
Timeline
CFO & Vice President, Corporate Communications
ARIZ Precision Medicine
01.2017 - 01.2020
Executive Director
Davis Roots
01.2016 - 01.2017
Principal
Palladian Consulting
01.2014 - Current
Founder & Managing Partner
The Centaur Group
01.2011 - 01.2014
Senior Investor Relations
Magnum Financial Group
01.2000 - 01.2002
Improvisational Theater Training - undefined
The Groundlings School
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration And Management
St. Mary’s College of California