Kristin Canders
Brewer,ME
Summary
Accomplished public relations executive with 25+ years of experience leading strategic communications, media relations, and analyst relations programs across diverse industries. Expert in shaping brand narratives, elevating thought leadership, and securing high-impact media coverage across major outlets including The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Reuters, CNN, Wired, CNBC, and Fortune. Known for crafting messaging that resonates, building trusted journalist relationships, and positioning executives as credible voices in their industries. Proven record in developing and executing integrated media strategies that strengthen brand reputation, drive awareness, and foster meaningful engagement in competitive markets spanning tech, media, AI, life sciences, education, and non-profit sectors.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
Work History
Vice President, Media Relations
Grithaus Agency
02.2018 - Current
- Lead Media Relations and Analyst Relations programs for diverse clients, shaping brand strategy and voice to drive visibility and credibility.
- Develop and execute media strategies enhancing client positioning as thought leaders.
- Cultivate and maintain relationships with journalists across top-tier outlets such as The Associated Press, Reuters, Wired, Forbes, CNBC, CNN, NBC, Fast Company, Fortune, and The Wall Street Journal.
- Craft compelling story angles and messaging frameworks aligned with business goals and market trends.
- Oversee executive media training, crisis communication strategies, and narrative development initiatives.
- Remote / National
Freelance PR Consultant & National Media Specialist
EmergePR
01.1999 - 02.2019
- Provided strategic public relations and media consultancy for clients spanning tech, healthcare, non-profit, and education sectors.
- Secured media placements in NBC News, Financial Times, Time, TechCrunch, Fast Company, Bloomberg, WSJ, CNN, eWeek, InformationWeek, and The Economist.
- Designed and implemented media strategies that elevated client visibility and credibility.
- Specialized in establishing clients as 'go-to' sources across online, print, TV, and radio mediums.
- Freelance / National
Freelance Writer
Foster’s Daily Democrat
01.2002 - 01.2004
- Produced feature-length front-page articles on regional and human-interest topics.
Trade Show Presenter
THINQ
01.1999 - 01.2004
- Delivered live presentations for major technology brands at national events.
PR Associate
Beaupre & Co. Public Relations
01.1997 - 01.1999
- Supported PR campaigns for technology clients, managing media outreach and press materials.
Director of Public Relations
American Lung Association of New Hampshire
01.1996 - 01.1998
- Directed communications, branding, and media strategy for state-wide health education initiatives.
- Pitched and secured Vice President Al Gore’s participation in a televised national town hall on youth smoking prevention.
Assistant Producer
WLBZ-TV (NBC Affiliate, Gannett)
01.1994 - 01.1996
- Produced the 11:00 PM newscast, managing editorial flow, scripts, and live timing.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Communications, Journalism
University of Maine
Orono, ME05-1996
Skills
- Media & Analyst Relations Strategy
- Executive Thought Leadership
- Corporate Messaging & Storytelling
- Brand Positioning & Reputation Management
- Crisis Communications
- Strategic Media Outreach & Pitching
- Cross-Industry Communications Expertise
- Executive Coaching & Media Training
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Timeline
Vice President, Media Relations
Grithaus Agency
02.2018 - Current
Freelance Writer
Foster’s Daily Democrat
01.2002 - 01.2004
Freelance PR Consultant & National Media Specialist
EmergePR
01.1999 - 02.2019
Trade Show Presenter
THINQ
01.1999 - 01.2004
PR Associate
Beaupre & Co. Public Relations
01.1997 - 01.1999
Director of Public Relations
American Lung Association of New Hampshire
01.1996 - 01.1998
Assistant Producer
WLBZ-TV (NBC Affiliate, Gannett)
01.1994 - 01.1996
Bachelor of Arts - Communications, Journalism
University of Maine