Karlene Claridy, MBA

President & CEO, Claridy Communications

With nearly 30 years of marketing, community outreach, event development, and public relations experience, Karlene Claridy founded Claridy Communications in 2007. As the owner of Claridy Communications, Karlene works with non-profit organizations, small businesses, political campaigns, and authors to develop customized solutions to share compelling stories and to promote their products and service offerings. She helps clients maximize their exposure through sound marketing and public relations strategies.

Prior to founding Claridy Communications, Karlene was the Public Relations Manager of EPB. Additionally, she held positions at Nissan Motor Corporation in Los Angeles, Central Texas Council of Governments, and the Virginia Department of Agriculture.

Karlene’s passion of serving the community compliments her personal life, as she serves on the board of directors for Siskin Children’s Institute.. Previously, she served on the following boards: ArtsBuild, Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce, Creative Discovery Museum, First Things First, Public Relations Society of America – Lookout Chapter, University of Tennessee Chattanooga Foundation, The Bright School, The Ochs Center,

The Women’s Fund, University Tennessee at Chattanooga Marketing Advisory Board, and Weekend Academy, an educational enrichment program serving inner-city public school students.

A native of Peoria, Illinois, one of the country’s leading test markets, Karlene has called Chattanooga home for the past 22 years. Karlene earned a B.S. in Marketing from Hampton University (Hampton,VA) and an MBA.