Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Hi, I’m

Kay LaCoe

Executive Communications & Strategy Leader
Bismarck,ND
Kay LaCoe

Summary

Authentic leader with over 20 years of experience in strategy, marketing, communications, event innovation, brand development, public affairs, and organizational management. I bring a practical, adaptable approach to developing and executing strategies. Currently serving as Vice President of Marketing & Communications at Lignite Energy Council and the Lignite Energy Foundation Executive Director, I’ve built a track record of delivering strategic, results-driven marketing solutions grounded in integrity and an unyielding commitment to excellence. My approach combines a sharp analytical mindset with a collaborative style, allowing me to forge strong relationships and align brand initiatives. I believe in fostering a supportive yet high-performance culture. Culture and integrity are my highest priorities—I work to foster an environment where ambitious goals are met with mutual respect and dedication.

Overview

22
years of professional experience

Work History

Lignite Energy Foundation
Bismarck, ND

Executive Director
10.2024 - Current

Lignite Energy Council
Bismarck, ND

Vice President of Marketing & Communications
01.2022 - Current

Job overview

  • Lead and oversee all marketing, communications, and public affairs efforts, consistently aligning our strategy with evolving organizational goals
  • Manage more than $1M in budgets, ensuring efficient allocation of resources and consistent evaluation and reporting to maximize outcomes
  • Build and maintain connections with community groups, government officials, and industry partners, enhancing organizational and industry influence and credibility
  • Develop and execute a comprehensive integrated marketing, outreach, and education program with the State of North Dakota and industry partners
  • Draft and manage state grant applications and programs leveraging state and industry investments, needs, and expectations.

Lignite Energy Council
Bismarck, ND

Director of Membership
01.2015 - 01.2022

Job overview

  • Spearheaded successful member growth and retention initiatives, achieving 5% annual growth and more than 90% retention
  • Designed and marketed educational programs that improved understanding of industry topics by more than 70%, driving deeper community engagement
  • Strengthened connections with more than 200 member companies and more than 1,000 industry stakeholders, building a robust network

Lignite Energy Council
Bismarck, ND

Communications Specialist
01.2008 - 01.2015

Job overview

  • Created content and strategies that elevated brand awareness across digital and print channels and enhanced engagement with members and stakeholders
  • Planned major stakeholder events, reinforcing our partnerships with key industry, community, and elected leaders
  • Designed, maintained, and updated digital assets, ensuring brand consistency and accessibility.

Agency MABU

Marketing & Communications Coordinator
12.2006 - 04.2008

Job overview

  • Coordinated effective placements of media announcements, billboards and print ads for maximum effectiveness and exposure.
  • Reviewed and approved imagery and text to keep communications in line with brand ideals.
  • Executed marketing and sales plans to consistently achieve territory targets.

TAO Interactive

Writing & Marketing Coordinator
05.2005 - 12.2005

Basin Electric Power Cooperative

Communications Intern
02.2003 - 05.2005

Education

University of Mary

Master of Organizational Leadership
2023

University of Mary

Bachelor of Science from Business Communications
2006

University Overview

Cum Laude

Skills

Excellent written and verbal communicator

Budget development and oversight

Reliable, exceptional attention to detail, organized, and deadline-driven

Integrated marketing, public relations, media relations and partnership development expert

Creative direction and content strategy

Marketing analytics, audience segmentation

Creative, critical, and strategic thinker able to solve problems

Recruitment, hiring, training, and mentoring

Digital and social media engagement

Cross-functional team leadership

Project and campaign planning and management

Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office

products

Brand development, website maintenance, graphic design, presentation development

Large, small, and special event planner, coordinator, and administrator

ROI, performance metrics, data research and analysis

CRM and account management

Media, marketing, and advertising planning and execution

Affiliations

  • Burleigh County Missouri Valley Complex Committee
  • Leadership Bismarck-Mandan Alumni Association
  • International Association of Business Communicators

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Kay LaCoeExecutive Communications & Strategy Leader