Corporate communications executive with more than 20 years of proven success in creating, executing and evaluating internal and external communications programs for large corporations. Extensive experience counseling leaders – from CEOs to front-line managers – to deliver effective communications that advance company goals and objectives. Demonstrated ability to provide a clear head and decisive action during crises, from one of the nation’s worst incidents of workplace violence to labor strikes, plant closures, significant reductions in force, discrimination charges, product safety issues, community unrest, activist investor threats and executive management changes.

Vice President, Corporate Communications (Interim) @ As head of Corporate Communications for the new Office Depot, Inc. (created by the merger of Office Depot and OfficeMax), I provide strategic communications counsel to C-level executives, while leading the team responsible for media relations, associate communications, executive positioning, reputation and issues management. Interim role due to inability to relocate to corporate headquarters in Boca Raton. From February 2014 to Present (1 year 11 months) Senior Director, Media Relations @ Responsible for leading the development and execution of corporate and consumer public relations programs designed to support OfficeMax strategies and business objectives. Served as co-lead on small communications strategy team during the company’s merger with Office Depot. From February 2013 to Present (2 years 11 months) Director, Corporate Communications @ Provided communications leadership and counsel to ensure Company’s responsiveness to the changing needs of its external constituencies. Worked in partnership with multiple Navistar functions (Marketing, HR, Legal, Finance, Investor Relations, etc.) to establish and maintain a comprehensive and integrated communications effort. Created and implemented numerous public relations and communications strategies to enhance and protect Navistar’s image and reputation. From 1999 to February 2013 (14 years) Consultant and Senior Research Analyst @ Worked with large corporations and professional associations to conduct communications audits and other research designed to aid in planning more effective employee communications programs. From 1990 to 1998 (8 years)

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Communications/Public Relations @ University of Northern Iowa From 1985 to 1989 Karen Denning is skilled in: Crisis Communications, Strategic Communications, Corporate Communications, Media Relations, Employee Engagement, Strategic Planning, Internal Communications