Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
References
Certification
Community Leadership & Service
Timeline
Generic

Katy L. Reiss

Fort Worth,TX

Summary

Dynamic Communications Leader, blending environmental science expertise with a flair for marketing. Known for contagious enthusiasm and steadfast commitment to conservation, excels in merging scientific insight with compelling storytelling. Career defined by leading transformative campaigns and infusing teams with visionary leadership. More than a communicator, acts as a catalyst for change, inspiring action, and igniting a passion for environmental impact. Brings a wave of innovation and fervent commitment, the spark needed to ignite objectives and drive mission success.

Overview

15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Founder & Chief Enthusiasm Officer

The Curiosity Network
01.2022 - Current
  • Innovative Network Launch: Established vision for The Curiosity Network, fostering a vibrant culture of curiosity and resilience, with a strong emphasis on connecting individuals & businesses to resources needed to reach their goals.
  • Strategic Communication Initiatives: Led charge in pioneering communication strategies, effectively engaging a diverse, worldwide audience and tackling complexities of engagement, recruiting new members to join, and being a source of education.
  • Building Partnerships for Impact: Actively cultivated partnerships and collaborations, significantly amplifying messages and championing a community-centric approach to a podcast network.
  • Dynamic Team Leadership and Content Creation: Assembled and steered a dynamic team, focusing on inventive messaging and storytelling, crucial for driving powerful growth and business for a variety of individuals.
  • Keynote Speaking and Thought Leadership: Served as a keynote speaker, uniquely merging insights on animal anecdotes with leadership principles, thereby captivating and educating diverse audiences and extending the network’s influence and mission.

Customer Engagement & Public Education Coordinator

City Of Fort Worth
06.2018 - Current
  • Visionary Development of Education Programs: Innovatively established a comprehensive suite of educational programs, marketing campaigns, and outreach initiatives from ground up. Pioneered strategies that significantly boosted public engagement in water conservation and utility services.
  • Strategic Communication Leadership: Spearheaded communication and public education initiatives with a focus on conservation and sustainability, reaching and inspiring over 1.3 million residents.
  • Diverse Community Campaigns: Orchestrated and executed outreach campaigns, adeptly tailored to diverse community segments, markedly increasing public involvement in environmental initiatives and fostering a culture of sustainability.
  • Budget and Resource Management: Skillfully managed significant project budgets, strategically allocating resources to amplify community impact and education on sustainability.
  • Digital Engagement and Team Leadership: Led a dynamic team in bolstering digital engagement strategies, successfully cultivating community dialogue and galvanizing participation in city-led conservation and sustainability efforts.
  • Recognition: "Watermark Award for Communication Excellence" for The Tap Newsletter (AWWA) ; "Most Creative" for Biosolids Beauty Contest (WEAT) ; "Watermark Award for Communication Excellence" for Annual Water Quality Report ;

Zoo Education Program Coordinator

Little Rock Zoo
11.2014 - Current
  • Pioneering Education Program Development: Innovatively developed, executed, and evaluated all zoo education programs, perfectly aligning with national learning standards and showcasing exceptional skill in creating impactful educational content.
  • Leadership in Conservation Communication: Directed and inspired educators and staff with cutting-edge training in conservation communication, mastering narrative crafting and public engagement essential for effective climate and wildlife discourse.
  • Strategic Community Engagement: Forged and nurtured strategic community partnerships, significantly enhancing zoo's outreach and demonstrating adeptness in building collaborative relationships across diverse settings.
  • Visionary Strategic Planning: Played a crucial role in strategic planning for Conservation Education Department, championing innovative thinking and forward-looking educational initiatives.
  • Environmental Sustainability Leadership: Led as co-chair of zoo's environmental sustainability team, advocating for groundbreaking change and eco-friendly practices.
  • Expertise in Digital Communication Tools: Utilized advanced software skills (Microsoft Office, Adobe Suite) to craft compelling visual and educational materials, essential for impactful communication and engagement.

Zoo Educator and Visitor Experience Lead

Little Rock Zoo
06.2013 - 10.2014
  • Delivered diverse educational programs, showcasing adaptability in engaging various audience sizes (from classroom to 3,000 people audiences), skill crucial for effective communication in dynamic environments.
  • Managed and cared for collection of 30+ animal ambassadors, demonstrating commitment to environmental stewardship and hands-on conservation efforts.
  • Developed lesson plans and conducted program evaluations, highlighting abilities in educational content creation and impact assessment.
  • Contributed to conservation awareness initiatives and digital communication, aligning with key aspects of community engagement and online presence.

Tour Guide & Animal Caregiver

Akron Fossil & Science Center
03.2012 - 01.2013
  • Conducted engaging and informative tours through the museum, showcasing exceptional communication skills and the ability to connect with diverse audiences.
  • Assisted in teaching science classes for children, enhancing their understanding of environmental science and conservation principles.
  • Delivered fossil and animal presentations at schools and events, demonstrating ability to translate complex scientific topics into accessible content for various age groups.
  • Contributed to museum's educational outreach by researching, designing, and installing interpretive graphics, aligning with global environmental education standards.
  • Provided general husbandry for diverse collection of 20+ animal ambassadors, reflecting commitment to animal care and understanding of biodiversity and conservation efforts.

Student Research Assistant

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
03.2009 - 12.2009
  • Collaborated with graduate students on diverse research projects, demonstrating skills in data collection and analysis, essential for understanding and communicating complex environmental issues.
  • Coordinated with curator staff to address scheduling and operational concerns related to research, showcasing the ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment.
  • Assisted the zoo's research department with various tasks, reflecting a commitment to scientific inquiry and a detail-oriented approach to problem-solving.
  • Conducted independent research on Francois Langurs' family dynamics, Trachypithecus francoisi, gaining insights into animal behavior and biodiversity, relevant to broader conservation efforts.

Education

Master of Science - Parks and Resource Management

Slippery Rock University
Slippery Rock, PA

Bachelor of Arts - Zoo and Wildlife Biology

Malone University
Canton, OH

Certificate Credit - Techniques for Rainforest Research

Boston University
Yungaburra, Australia

Skills

  • Strategic Communication
  • Leadership in Multidisciplinary Teams
  • Stakeholder Engagement
  • Campaign Development and Execution
  • Narrative and Content Creation
  • Project Management
  • Data-Driven Decision Making
  • Innovative Problem Solving

References

REFERENCES GIVEN UPON REQUEST

Certification

  • Certified Heritage Interpreter- National Association for Interpretation
  • Certified Educator- National Geographic Society
  • Leading Edge - Leadership Fort Worth

Community Leadership & Service

Co-Producer - Podcast

Go Time in Fort Worth with Mayor Mattie Parker 

July 2021 - Current

  • Co-produced 'Go Time,' a dynamic podcast that delves into current city issues and innovative Fort Worth residents, playing a key role in shaping discussions around the city’s progress and future.


Producer & Co-Host - Podcast

For the Love of Nature 

January 2021- Current

  • Led a compelling nature-focused podcast, weaving together enthusiasm for conservation and storytelling to inspire and ignite a love for nature in diverse audiences. Which has a global listener base in more than 80 countries.


Board Member

Great Plains Restoration 

Dec 2020 - Jan 2023

  • Energized environmental restoration initiatives with strategic leadership and dynamic collaboration, driving impactful community change and fostering a sustainable future.


Subaru Ambassador

Subaru of America 

Oct 2017 - Sep 2019

  • Championed sustainability with passion as a Subaru Ambassador, engaging communities with zeal and promoting eco-conscious living through vibrant outreach and social media dynamism.

Timeline

Founder & Chief Enthusiasm Officer

The Curiosity Network
01.2022 - Current

Customer Engagement & Public Education Coordinator

City Of Fort Worth
06.2018 - Current

Zoo Education Program Coordinator

Little Rock Zoo
11.2014 - Current

Zoo Educator and Visitor Experience Lead

Little Rock Zoo
06.2013 - 10.2014

Tour Guide & Animal Caregiver

Akron Fossil & Science Center
03.2012 - 01.2013

Student Research Assistant

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
03.2009 - 12.2009

Master of Science - Parks and Resource Management

Slippery Rock University

Bachelor of Arts - Zoo and Wildlife Biology

Malone University

Certificate Credit - Techniques for Rainforest Research

Boston University

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Katy L. Reiss