Karen Townsend Hagens

About Karen Townsend Hagens

I help healthcare and biotech leaders cut through complexity, clarify their vision, and lead with impact — backed by 25+ years of strategic communications experience. As founder of KTH Communications, I partner with biotech, pharma, and health innovators to shape narratives, build trust, and move teams and markets.Whether you’re navigating a major milestone, launching a new product, undergoing transformation, or simply need a strong communications partner — I bring the clarity, discretion, and executive-level insight to help you lead with purpose.What I bring to the table: Trusted counsel to C-suite and leadership teams Industry depth in healthcare, biotech, and life sciences Strategic messaging, internal comms, executive coaching, media training On-demand fractional leadership and team support Executive poise in high-stakes communications moments :Former Head of U.S. Communications for GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), leading national media strategy and executive communications during pivotal industry and business eventsSenior communications roles at APCO Worldwide, and Worldwide Clinical Trials, supporting global and emerging biopharma companies across the R&D-to-commercial spectrumFounder of KTH Communications, a consultancy dedicated to strategic storytelling, leadership visibility, and high-impact internal and external communications for healthcare innovatorsProven success in launching communications functions from the ground up, advising startups through funding and growth milestones, and leading change communications across global teamsIf you\'re looking for a partner who can quickly understand your business, elevate your message, and help you drive meaningful results — let’s connect:• Strategic communications consulting• Executive visibility and thought leadership• Leadership and change communications• Executive Coaching• Media strategy and training• Fractional/interim communications leadership Corporate and Product Communications | Strategic Messaging | Media Relations | Social Media | Crisis Communication | Thought Leadership | Internal Communications | External Communications | Employee Value Proposition | Patient Advocacy | Community Relations | Crisis Management | Reputation Management | Change Management | PR | Marketing | Presentation Skills | Team Development To discuss how I can help your organization succeed, contact me at: K••••@kthcomms.com

Experience

1. Owner & Founder

   Kth Communications

   Dec 2022 — Present · Raleigh, NC, US

   Healthcare communications consulting practice providing Corporate Communications, Thought Leadership, Media Training, Product Communications, Marketing Communications, Employee Engagement and Internal Communications support to a variety of Healthcare clients.

Education

• Loyola University New Orleans

  BA, Broadcast Journalism

• Michigan State University

  Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Communications