We’re excited to announce that Karen Hyatt is the SEMpdx Volunteer of the Quarter.
Karen’s contributions to SEMpdx and the Portland Digital Marketing community mean that our events are running smoothly, new members are being reached and current members have a great resource at our monthly events. We appreciate her help and ambition and couldn’t continue to grow as an organization without volunteers like Karen. Robert Frost, our Events Director specifically wanted to recognize Karen this quarter for her help at monthly events. Take a few minutes and get to know Karen – she’s even put together some advice for breaking into the Search Marketing Industry.
What is your day job?
Project management at OHSU Marketing & Communications. Typically, I cover 45 or so oncology and cardiology projects that communicate to patients and doctors across a variety of online and offline channels.
What is your area of expertise and passion?
In addition to marketing, much of the previous decade my career focused on analytics, PPC, CRO and front-end development. This is my passion. Now I’m studying public health, to specialize. My dream is to combine these skills and use data storytelling to optimize digital marketing for chronic disease prevention.
How did you get into the digital marketing industry?
When I was in elementary school, in the 96’, we needed to sell CDs for our choir online. So I learned HTML! Kids nowadays will just make a Squarespace page. Can you imagine?
What advice can you give to professionals interested in breaking into the industry?
Never overestimate the value of professional organizations like this one. Early in my career, some of the best advice I received was “make yourself famous.”
How did you hear about SEMpdx and initially get involved?
I first got involved in the SEM Assoc. in snowy Salt Lake City. They are pretty badass; where else can you go to an SEM event and park in the Chief Dragon Slayer* spot? When I moved to PDX nearly three years ago, Elisabeth Osmeloski connected me to this chapter. *Only at Adobe. Technically you probably shouldn’t park there.
Do you have a favorite event and a favorite way to volunteer?
What I do now – handing out nametags – is the best, of course! It’s easy and fun. Robert Frost is the man to connect to the best (event) volunteer opportunities. But nothing can match the energy of and highly specialized speakers at conferences.
What is the next big thing in the search marketing industry?
I am intrigued with the future of Google Data Studio. They attempt to fill a much needed void in quality free dashboard reporting tools. Plus, how much easier can reporting get than a product native to Google? Wrong. So far it feels like only hype for a cumbersome tool with antiquated features. Here’s to hoping the next edition will compete with the ease of DashThis and power of Tableau.
What’s your favorite Portland area restaurant or bar?
In the winter, soups and cozy bars rule, like Higgins and Luc Lac.
Tell us about any trips you’ve taken recently or have planned.
No firm trips yet this year, hopefully Brooklyn at some point. Last year, the red rocks and stillness of the Navajo Monument Valley captured my soul.
Thank you again Karen!
And finally, with Engage coming up quickly, if you’re interested in volunteering at the event or would like to help out with one of our Committees, please reach out to us.
Scott is the SEMpdx Volunteers Director and works with volunteers to make SEMpdx monthly events, marketing, and member services happen. He’s the founder of 32 Degrees Digital, a local Portland digital marketing agency that works with clients that have an experience to sell such has Hotels, Resorts, Non Profits, Symphony Organizations, Sports Associations, Wineries, and other local business franchises.
