Katie Almquist

About Katie Almquist

I am a passionate and results-focused C-suite counselor and trusted advisor. By identifying barriers and breaking down silos, I create cross-organizational alignment and drive engagement and change. My focus is on proactively mitigating issues, managing crises and delivering innovative and proactive internal (employee) and external (media) communications to build belief in company strategy, enrich brand and shape culture. I believe in developing my teams and have an unwavering commitment to fostering an environment of trust, inclusiveness and accountability. High ethical standards, embracing challenges and delivering impactful results are foundational to my working style.My core competencies include:* Internal Communications* Integrated Strategic Communications Planning* Issues/Crisis Communication* Media Relations* Content Creation* Project Management* People Leadership* Change Management* Engagement and Culture CommunicationKey Accomplishments* Employee (Internal) Communications: Implemented intranet content, achieving 92% effectiveness rating from surveyed global employees; 81% affirmed leader as credible source of information.* Media Relations: 1) Formulated essential, daily insights for media strategy and tactics by collaborating with media/public relations team and external agency, including on high-risk topics. 2) Formulated Anniversary media strategy, served as on-air spokesperson, spearheaded 1-hour live special, pitched segments and earned 162M local media impressions.* Crisis Communications: Spearheaded global pandemic communications task force; 97% of surveyed employees rated COVID-19 communications effective/informative. Maintained engagement and delivered 450+ communications.* Social Media: Achieved >90% neutral/positive sentiment on political issues, allegations of racism, harassment, discriminatory actions and product quality/confidentiality concerns.* Executive Counsel: Increased employee engagement by 10% by advising product development VPs daily as leadership team member.*Change Management/Culture/Planning: Orchestrated strategic communication plans for Milwaukee-Eight engine launch, 18-month transformation, directly impacting 67% of company revenue and enabling 1K employees to change work processes to execute $160M investment.*People Leadership: Recognized by direct reports, teammates and peers for exceptional mentorship; direct reports earned significant promotions and launched freelance business.Available to connect via LinkedIn or at k••••••••@gmail.com.

Experience

1. Assistant Director, Field Communications

   Northwestern Mutual

   Jan 2021 — Present · Milwaukee, WI, US

Education

• University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

  Bachelor of Arts

• University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

  Masters of Business Administration

Skills

• Business Process Improvement
• Leadership
• Social Media
• Team Building
• Management
• Marketing Communications
• Training
• Project Management
• Strategic Planning
• Strategic Communications
• Change Management
• Public Relations
• Internal Communications
• Media Relations
• Product Development
• Crisis Communications
• Corporate Communications
• Press Releases
• Marketing
• Communication Training
• Process Improvement