Karen Addis, APR, has more than 25 years of public relations experience, including spending over a
decade working in-house for national and international trade and professional organizations. Karen
began her career as a writer, editor and columnist for a monthly trade magazine and has also served as a
guest blogger for several organizations.

Her specific areas of industry expertise include women’s health, cardiology, biotech, pharmaceutical
science, medical services and technology. Over the course of her career, Karen has worked with a range
of health, science and technology clients specializing in consumer education and awareness campaigns,
media relations, media and presentation training, crisis communications, message development,
thought leadership, and annual conferences and special event planning.

Prior to joining GLA Communications, Karen worked for several PR agencies, including Ogilvy PR,
Environics Communications and Van Eperen.

Karen also served as Vice President of Communications and Marketing for the YMCA of Metropolitan
Washington, one of the largest regional YMCAs in the nation, where she oversaw communications,
marketing, advertising, special events and branding for the corporate office and 22 facilities in the
Washington metropolitan area.

Karen is an active member of PRSA National Capital Chapter and the National Press Club.
She received her APR — Accreditation in Public Relations — certification from the Public Relations
Society of America (PRSA). She has a master’s certificate in publications from The George Washington
University and a Bachelor of Science degree in journalism with a concentration in public relations from
the University of Maryland, College Park.