About Kathleen
For over two decades as a cultural marketing expert, I’ve been a driving force behind some of the most successful cultural institution transformations in New England. Now, I’ve brought that same transformational energy to Phoenix, where desert innovation meets artistic tradition.
My approach to cultural marketing is about fundamentally reimagining how organizations connect with their communities. At Portsmouth Historical Society, I didn’t just increase visitors; I transformed a century-old institution into a dynamic cultural hub that secured a 50-year future.
My philosophy? Every cultural organization has untapped potential waiting to be unlocked through strategic thinking, authentic storytelling, and genuine community engagement. As colleague George Carlisle noted, “Kathleen is a superb communicator and excellent leader…who simplifies and empowers through communication.”
Building Bridges, Creating Impact
Throughout my extensive career, I garnered coverage for clients and employers on The David Letterman Show and in the New York Times and Boston Globe. I produced events with Nancy Vawter for Jane Goodall in New York City, and (for Global Citizens Circle) Graça Machel and Nelson Mandela in South Africa, which included arranging with the Mandela government the Sally Quinn interview with Graça Machel for the Washington Post, to introduce the First Lady of South Africa to the US. These diverse experiences taught me that great marketing transcends traditional boundaries, connecting people across cultures, generations, and communities.
Philosophy In Practice
This philosophy guided my work as a freelance PR consultant, where I promoted the City of Portsmouth as part of the Portsmouth Tourism Marketing contract for the Portsmouth Chamber Collaborative, which awarded me the “Connector of the Year” in 2015. I served as editor (for Stephanie Seacord) on my third book, A History of Portsmouth New Hampshire in 101 Objects, for the Portsmouth 400th anniversary, for which I also assisted with media relations as a cultural marketing expert. I currently work as a Marketing Strategist (with Barbara MacLeod) for top boutique New England PR firm Cross Current Communications.
A lifelong activist, my greatest strengths are my welcoming inclusiveness, knack for seeing unique qualities in everyone, and building respectful work cultures.
Expanding Expertise
The first book I edited and published (with Janet Levy) for the Concord NH Chapter of the National Organization for Women was Pro Se Divorce: Representing Yourself, a helpful guide book for those seeking an alternative to using attorneys. My second book, Business Comes to the Expert (co-authored with Brenda Richards), was a guide to managing, distilling and disseminating a distinctive book of knowledge as the basis for successful marketing.
I taught marketing courses at New England College, University of New Hampshire, Boston Architectural College and USAID in Estonia. A skilled communicator, I have used my voice and dynamic public presence as emcee, facilitator, disc jockey, vocalist, and voice over artist.
Family and Public Service
I have always been a part of families devoted to public service. My late husband, Lincoln, served nine terms as Strafford County Attorney and also as Mayor of Somersworth; while my sister-in-law Jennifer served as Democratic Minority Whip in the New Hampshire Statehouse and also on City Council in Somersworth. My son Emmett has been a driving force for engagement in electoral politics for the last ten years.
All my children – Pacifico, Dottie, and Gemma worked on numerous campaigns, especially for their father! One grandchild, Mamadou, has already worked on campaigns, and I’ll wait for young Luca and Vega to get a little older! Raised by community activists, throughout my life, I have been active in all communities in which I have lived, and in student government, the anti-war movement, the feminist movement, and electoral politics.
Phoenix: Fresh Perspectives
Since arriving in Phoenix to be closer to family, I’ve immersed myself in the local cultural scene with the curiosity of a newcomer and the analytical eye of a marketing strategist. Each gallery opening, museum exhibition, and theater performance teaches me something new about this community’s unique creative DNA.
What excites me most is the collaborative spirit I’ve encountered—Phoenix’s cultural leaders are genuinely interested in learning from each other and growing together. This openness to innovation, combined with respect for artistic integrity, creates ideal conditions for the kind of transformational work I love most.
My goal as a cultural marketing expert isn’t just to help individual organizations succeed, but to contribute to the broader cultural ecosystem that makes Phoenix such a dynamic place to live and create.
Professional Affiliations
Phoenix Community Alliance
Arizona Women for the Arts
Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), Phoenix Chapter
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