Katherine Feo Kelly, Ph.D.
About Katherine Feo Kelly, Ph.D.
Katherine Feo Kelly, Ph.D., serves as the Chief Marketing Officer at Handshake, where she leads marketing strategy for a marketplace connecting students, employers, and universities. With over a decade of experience in marketing and content creation, she leverages her background in design history to produce engaging narratives across various platforms.
Current Role at Handshake
Katherine Feo Kelly serves as the Chief Marketing Officer at Handshake, a position she has held since 2024. In this role, she leads the marketing strategy and execution for a three-sided marketplace that connects students, employers, and universities. Her responsibilities include overseeing marketing initiatives that enhance brand visibility and engagement within the education and employment sectors.
Previous Experience at Handshake
Before her current role, Katherine held several positions at Handshake. She served as the Head of University Marketing from 2020 to 2021, and later as the VP of Marketing and Interim Head of Communications from 2022 to 2023. Additionally, she was the VP of Higher Education Marketing and Student Marketing from 2021 to 2022. Her diverse roles contributed to her extensive understanding of marketing within the educational landscape.
Education and Expertise
Katherine Feo Kelly earned her B.A. in Art Practice and Social Welfare from the University of California, Berkeley, from 1998 to 2002. She furthered her education at the Royal College of Art, obtaining an M.A. in Design History from 2004 to 2006. Katherine completed her Ph.D. in American Studies at The University of Texas at Austin between 2007 and 2013. Her academic background supports her expertise in marketing, content creation, and research.
Professional Background
Katherine has over a decade of experience in marketing and content strategy. She has worked in various roles across different organizations, including Interfolio, where she held positions such as Managing Director of Marketing and Senior Director of Editorial and Brand Strategy. Her experience also includes teaching roles at The University of Westminster and The University of Texas at Austin, as well as a research assistant position at The Victoria and Albert Museum.
Achievements in Marketing and Storytelling
Katherine is recognized for her ability to create engaging content across multiple platforms, including web, print, and television. She is passionate about storytelling that resonates with a diverse audience, showcasing the value and impact of products and brands. Her leadership in marketing strategy has focused on building high-performing teams that drive thought leadership and demand generation.