

Karen K. Bannister, CLC, AICI CIC
Nashville, TN
714.944.0757
karen@karenkbannister.com
LinkedIn
TURNING VISION INTO IMPACT
CREATIVE DIRECTOR & FRACTIONAL EXECUTIVE
BUILDING BRANDS, LEADING TEAMS, AND DRIVING GROWTH THROUGH STRATEGY,
INNOVATION & OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE
A Bit About Me
Dynamic, multi-hyphenate professional with 30+ years of experience in executive administration, operations strategy, image consulting, and personal branding. I blend strategic thinking, creative direction, and operational excellence to elevate brands, leaders, and lifestyles. I support high-achieving individuals and organizations with bespoke consulting services in identity design, brand presence, business operations, and lifestyle transformation.
An operations and administrative SME, I excel at supporting and achieving organizational goals through proactive thought leadership, collaborative interaction, and the highest standards of discretion and confidentiality. A creative problem solver with polished communication and interpersonal skills, I am recognized for delivering exceptional results in fast-paced, high-pressure environments. With a deep commitment to clarity, elegance, and alignment, I help clients express their highest potential—whether refining executive presence, building efficient systems, or curating a signature style—delivering intentional transformation with a touch of luxury and a foundation of strategy.

Core Competencies
Strategic Vision & Business Acumen – Creative and operational strategy alignment, market analysis, financial oversight (budgeting, forecasting, P&L), decision-making.
Creative Direction & Brand Development – Brand identity design, integrated campaign leadership, storytelling, trend adaptation, multi-platform execution (digital, print, video, experiential).
Project & Program Leadership – Cross-functional initiative management, process improvement, change management, KPI tracking, scope/budget/time balancing.
Leadership & Team Alignment – Executive meeting facilitation, culture alignment, team mentorship, performance accountability, recruitment and onboarding insight.
Communication & Influence – Executive-level written/verbal communication, board/investor presentations, stakeholder engagement, conflict resolution, consensus-building.
Confidentiality & Emotional Intelligence – High EQ, integrity, discretion, trust-building across all organizational levels.
Technology & Digital Proficiency – Project management tools (Asana, Notion, Airtable), creative software, data visualization (Excel, Tableau), CRM/ERP systems, emerging media trends.
Work Experience
2024 - Present
2021- Present
2019 - Present
2017 - 2019
2016 - 2017
2006 - 2015
Director of Sales and Events, Tater Peeler Ventures LLC
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Manage multiple short-tern rental properties
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Planner/Coordinator of weddings and events
Executive/Personal Assistant, Southwestern Consulting
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Heavy schedule and travel management
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Account Management and client support
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Event planning and management
Founder and CEO, Karen K. Bannister International LLC
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Contract work for Management, Administrative, and Personal Branding Services
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Business and Life Coach
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The Luxe Lifestyle Studio
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Personal branding and image consulting services and programs
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The SOP Studio
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Operational Excellence Consulting and Fractional Chief of Staff
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Executive Assistant, Masimo Corporation
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Manager of on-site Customer Experience Center
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Design and implement employee succession plan in conjunction with HR
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Member of due diligence/acquisition team
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Manage multiple complex calendars and domestic and international travel
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Train and mentor support and administrative staff
Owner and President, Bannister Virtual Assistance
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Administrative and support services for small business owners
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Contracts included complex domestic and international travel planning; full event planning; on-site office organization; proofreading/editing; efficiency and workflow process adjustments
Manager, Administrative Support, BD Corporation
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Executive support for business unit President/General Manager and Vice Presidents of Sales, Regulatory/Compliance, and Finance, as well as multiple department directors
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Managed administrative and facilities staffs.
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Oversaw and directed site operations, facility management, employee events and on-site human resources
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Site domestic and international liaison for staff, vendors, and customers.
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EH&S Manager and Safety Officer and ergonomic specialist
Education & Certifications
Certified Image Consultant | Association of Image Consultants International
Bachelor of Science, Business Administration/Organizational Leadership
Southern New Hampshire University | Summa Cum Laude
Certified Image Consultant, Fashion Stylist Institute
Certified Life Coach | Life Coaching Academy of Orange County
2024
2019
2019
2019


Special Achievements
TedX Lenox Village Women, “The Power of Perfectionism”
Orange County Business Journal “Women in Business Awards” - Nominee
Author, “Close the Gap, 7 Transformational Steps to Move You From Today to Tomorrow”
First Fashion and Lifestyle Writer/Editor of the Orange County Business Journal
2020
2020
2019
1997
Community Leadership & Professional Affiliations
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Junior League of Nashville | Publications Chair, 2023-2024
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Association of Image Consultants International
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Global Board - VP of Business Development, 2024-2025
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West Chapter - President, 2020-2021, and VP Communications, 2019-2020
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International Association of Administrative Professionals
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Pacific Branch, Branch Director, 2017-2018
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National Society of Leadership and Success & Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society
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Inducted Member, 2018
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