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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

  • Manage multiple short-tern rental properties

  • Planner/Coordinator of weddings and events

Executive/Personal Assistant, Southwestern Consulting

  • Heavy schedule and travel management

  • Account Management and client support

  • Event planning and management

Founder and CEO, Karen K. Bannister International LLC

  • Contract work for Management, Administrative, and Personal Branding Services

  • Business and Life Coach

  • The Luxe Lifestyle Studio

    • Personal branding and image consulting services and programs

  • The SOP Studio

    • Operational Excellence Consulting and Fractional Chief of Staff

Executive Assistant, Masimo Corporation

  • Manager of on-site Customer Experience Center

  • Design and implement employee succession plan in conjunction with HR

  • Member of due diligence/acquisition team

  • Manage multiple complex calendars and domestic and international travel

  • Train and mentor support and administrative staff

Owner and President, Bannister Virtual Assistance

  • Administrative and support services for small business owners

  • 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

  • Executive support for business unit President/General Manager and Vice Presidents of Sales, Regulatory/Compliance, and Finance, as well as multiple department directors

  • Managed administrative and facilities staffs.

  • Oversaw and directed site operations, facility management, employee events and on-site human resources

  • Site domestic and international liaison for staff, vendors, and customers.

  • 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

Graduates Holding Diplomas
Red Carpet Entrance

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

  • Junior League of Nashville | Publications Chair, 2023-2024

  • Association of Image Consultants International

    • Global Board - VP of Business Development, 2024-2025

    • West Chapter - President, 2020-2021, and VP Communications, 2019-2020

 

  • International Association of Administrative Professionals

    • Pacific Branch, Branch Director, 2017-2018

 

  • National Society of Leadership and Success & Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society

    • Inducted Member, 2018

Click here to download PDF of resume

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