Karen W. Phillips
Principal
As the Principal of Phillips & Marek, Karen Watson Phillips brings a unique breadth and depth of experience to her clients. Having worked in a variety of industries, from healthcare and non-profit to high-tech and energy, she has the perspective to replace staid communications techniques with strategies that move people into action.
Throughout her 30+ year career, Karen has worked on the client and agency sides of the business, including co-founding AndersonPhillips Communications in 1999 after winning a PR contract with Shell Oil Company.
She has led efforts like establishing corporate brands, orchestrating high-profile communications campaigns, securing international media placements, supporting sales pipelines, writing copy and building communications infrastructures. A few of the organizations she has worked with include the University of Central Florida College of Medicine, IHS (Energy Division), the British-American Business Council and The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center.
​
Karen’s work has been recognized through more than 25 regional and national award competitions, including the 1999 Women of Excellence Award from the Federation of Houston Professional Women.
​
Much of her spare time has been devoted to professional organizations. Karen serves on the Board of Directors of the American Marketing Association Atlanta as Vice President of Membership and is a Past-President of the Central Florida Chapter. She also served as President of the Houston Professional Chapter of The Association for Women in Communications.
​
Karen is a passionate volunteer with grassroots organizations focused on “getting out the vote” and serves on the leadership team for March On Georgia. She also has volunteered in a number of school districts and served as a board member for the American Cancer Society in Central Florida.
​
Karen earned a Bachelor of Science in journalism and marketing from Texas A&M University.