New C-Suite Role for CMOs: CMOs Becoming 'Marketing CEO Super-Species' 
Katie began her career in the nonprofit sector, working in marketing and public affAIRs for AMC Cancer Research Center in Colorado. Over the last 20 years, Katie has worked to help clients connect with their customers through a combination of traditional and non-traditional high-impact marketing strategies. Understanding the client’s needs and objectives in context of current trends and customer behavior, Katie has built a career bringing together cross-functional teams of subject matter experts and marketing geniuses to help clients reach their goals. Specializing in brand-building strategies and integrated marketing programs, Katie has helped grow the business of her clients working collaboratively with client teams, often including both marketing and operational associates.
Katie’s experience spans many industries, focusing on creating growth through marketing of nonprofit organizations, government entities, educational institutions, corporations and small businesses. Her clients have included Janus Capital Corporation, State Farm Insurance, Komen Race for the Cure, City & County of Denver and Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment. At AIR, Katie directs marketing strategies for Destination Hotels & Resorts, The Phoenician Scottsdale and Better Business Bureau.
Personally, Katie believes in giving back to the community through volunteerism and currently serves on the board of directors for Encanto-Palmcroft Historic Preservation Association and is a volunteer for Desert Botanical Gardens.
What got you into this business in the first place?
Not a short answer!
Who was a big influence in your career?
Grandparents and parents: their steadfast belief in me. Professors: their passion to help me think, learn and apply.
What was “your finest moment,” the thing you’re most proud of?
For Profit: using clever, simple ideas to help a client become a stand-out “household name” in its industry. Non-Profit: helping to raise millions of dollars for charities.
What was your most embarrassing moment in this business?
Difficult to choose. How about the time I meant to type “assess” in a very large proposal and instead typed “asses?” And my client, the district attorney, asked me about it in front of a whole, all-male board of directors? Or the time I had 200 global investment clients standing behind me waiting to get into the Aspen Music Festival tent, only to be told there were no seats for them…and my client, the CEO of the large investment firm hosting the event (pre-paid), was one of them!
Is there a great client story you’d care to share?
Some of my previous clients continue to implement some of the strategies I created for them years ago. (Ask me about the “cherry in the ice water”). Sometimes, simple really is best.
What attracted you to AIR?
It’s integrated approach and the talent in the agency.
Do you have a method for coming up with ideas and solutions for clients?
First, I ask a ton of questions. Ideas and solutions are meaningless without a clear and full understanding of the client’s needs, interests and goals. Second, I keep asking questions.
What makes a great brand?
External and internal audiences know what it stands for because it delivers on its promise day after day.
What driving career goals do you still have?
Continue to help people think differently to arrive at greater success. (The feeling you get when the executed strategy and idea works!)
What’s the most important thing you’ve learned about advertising?
Strategy, strategy, strategy.
What talent do you wish you had?
Design a landscape at which people ooh and ahh and want to emulate.
If you had to live on a desert island, what would you miss most?
Clean sheets, a shower and my Nespresso machine. Oh, and my family, friends and pets.
What can’t you live without?
A shower…it makes almost anything better.
What are your plans for after advertising?
Travel, eat/drink, learn.
Is there any food that helps you think more creatively?
Is Vodka a food?
What’s your favorite sports team?
Do the Romantic poets count?
What frustrates you the most?
Laziness, lack of critical thinking and ignorance.
What’s your point of view about politics?
People first.
Tell us about your pets?
Little Nell, reddish-brown Beagle mix, rescue dog; and Itsy, the Tabby devil-kitty.
What was growing up like for you?
What do you mean “was?”
What’s your favorite TV program?
Current: Nurse Jackie or Chopped, tough one. One-season wonder: Rubicon. Best-in-class series: The West Wing. Old series: hmmm, is it Love Boat or Mary Tyler Moore?
Least favorite?
Any reality show. Good grief.
What do you do for a good time when you’re not working?
Little known fact: I’m a certified desert landscaper. I love to garden, dig, plant, watch things grow. I shop, a lot. I eat, a lot. I love to drink delicious wine. I love walking Nellie. And, of course, being with people I love.
Do you have any kids?
See above under “pets.”
What was college like for you?
One of these isn’t true:
1. Sang in a guitar trio with two Jesuit priests.
2. Graduated with honors.
3. Senior class pres.
4. Translated ancient Assyrian tablets.
5. Got an A in Organic Chemistry.
6. Quarterback of my intramural football team.
What are your favorite internet sites?
Anything travel-related.
What is your theme song?
“You put your right foot in…”
