Karen Riley Sawyer, JD
About Karen Riley Sawyer, JD
Karen Riley Sawyer, JD, serves as the Head of Global PR at SheerID, where she focuses on strategic communications and digital content strategy. With a legal background and extensive experience in various sectors, she has effectively led communications teams to enhance brand perception and navigate complex regulatory environments.
Current Role at SheerID
Karen Riley Sawyer serves as the Head of Global PR at SheerID, focusing on Earned and Owned Strategic Communications, as well as Digital Content Strategy and Messaging. She has held this position since 2022, contributing to the company's communication strategies and enhancing its brand presence in the market.
Professional Background
Karen has a diverse professional background, having worked in various roles across multiple organizations. Prior to her current role at SheerID, she worked at Amazon as part of the Strategic Communications team from 2020 to 2022. She also held positions at Gartner, United Language Group, VTM Group, WE Communications, IDX, Directors Mortgage, and Centene Corporation, where she developed and implemented strategic communication initiatives.
Education and Expertise
Karen earned her Doctor of Law (J.D.) from Gonzaga University School of Law. She also holds a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree from the University of Oregon, where she studied Journalism and Communications with an emphasis on Advertising and PR, as well as Sociology. Her educational background supports her expertise in navigating complex communication challenges in regulated sectors.
Leadership and Communication Skills
Karen has extensive experience in leading communications teams in both public and private sectors. She is skilled in enhancing brand perception through strategic communications programs and has a strong background in crisis communications. Additionally, she serves as an executive media trainer, helping leaders develop effective communication skills for media interactions.
Collaborative Work Environment
Karen is known for fostering an inclusive and collaborative work environment. She encourages creativity and fun among her team members, which contributes to a positive workplace culture. Her leadership style emphasizes teamwork and open communication, enabling her teams to thrive in their roles.