Foundation Announces Karen Chassin as Director of Communications and Public Affairs
The Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg has appointed Karen Chassin as Director of Communications and Public Affairs. Chassin’s responsibilities include communications, marketing, advocacy and public affairs strategies for the Foundation. The Foundation is the largest grant making foundation in St. Petersburg and leads in population health improvements in St. Petersburg and South Pinellas County.
“We believe that Karen is exactly the right person for this job,” said Randall H. Russell, President and CEO. “Her ability to lead our communications and public affairs department is evident not just because of her previous success but also because of her serious interest in the work we do.”
A tenured communications leader, Chassin’s experience working at the intersection of communica-tions and programmatic initiatives include the arts, economic development, health and higher edu-cation sectors. Previously, Chassin served as Communications Director for the Community Founda-tion for Southeast Michigan (CFSEM), one of the nation’s largest community foundations. At CFSEM, she led communications efforts for the New Economy Initiative—an economic development initiative funded by ten regional and national foundations—and managed communications surrounding key philanthropic efforts during Detroit’s bankruptcy proceedings.
Prior to CFSEM, Chassin served as Director of Communications at the University of Michigan Museum of Art, winning several awards for her accomplishments, including a regional ADDY award for the museum’s $41.9 million expansion and grand reopening campaign.
Chassin holds a B.A. in English from Miami University and a M.A. in English from University of To-ronto.