Karen J. Novak

Karen taps 25 years’ experience to help early and next-stage companies focus their communications efforts for growth. Karen has spent her entire career in technology: internet, software, hardware, infrastructure and wireless. Her experience includes branding and market positioning for products and services, message development, C-Suite personal branding and media relations. Throughout her career, Karen has helped launch new businesses and products, with a focus on early-stage and growth companies. She launched MusicGremlin, helped position ExteNet Systems, a telecommunications infrastructure company, and worked on numerous projects for Chrysalis Development, an engineering design and development firm. Previously, Karen directed corporate communications efforts at Western Multiplex, a wireless equipment manufacturer. She also created and led the corporate public relations department at U.S. Robotics as it grew from $37 million to $3 billion in annual sales. Karen began her career at Mindscape, Inc., a consumer and educational software firm. In her spare time, she tutors kids at Chicago Lights, feeds the homeless and putters around in a couple of raised-bed gardens.